Do you have ping fatigue?

No, Really. You Can’t Multitask.

New Year, same story. My to-do list? Endless. Write the novel, manage the Parent School Association inbox, and maybe, just maybe, stop my late-night procrastination marathons.

Every January, I fall into the same trap, mistaking productivity tactics for solutions. The Pomodoro Technique makes its comeback. “Ticky-tack method?” Why not? Ivy Lee method? Hello, old friend.  But all these hacks disguise the issue: I feel like I have to be doing something all the time, so I keep adding more to the to-do list which, spoiler, never gets done. 

The truth, which researchers and journalists have been dutifully reporting for years, is that we can’t do everything, all at once. And “being busy” doesn’t necessarily mean we’re doing what matters. So I’m going to take a hard look at my to-do list and see what can be cut. Which means I may not even need to “hack” my way through a typical day. After all, we’re built for monotasking, not juggling 27 action items simultaneously.  Studies show that trying to do more than one thing at once actually cuts our efficiency. So consider this our collective permission slip: Do less, so you can do it better, and just maybe, do it happier, too.  

— Chasing quality — and naps — over quantity, Anna Davies, writer

PS: Feeling stuck in the grind? Skimm+ is here to help you focus on what really matters and tackle your to-do list with purpose. Join the waitlist and set yourself up for a more intentional 2025.

Read More

• 5 Productivity Skills You Need to Learn in 2025

• Productivity “Hacks” Don’t Work. These Methods Do

• Skipping the To-Do List for a “To-Do Table”

When your inbox is overflowing … this AI-powered hack can clean it out for you. When will it be able to clean out our closets?

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Feeling drained as soon as you log in to work? It’s not you, it’s “ping fatigue.”

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If you just powered through your post-holiday to-do list … you probably did your weekend wrong.

Use the letters below to identify the word or phrase. Then, click to reveal the answer.

Clue: An acronym for the total value of all goods and services produced in a country over a specific period of time. When this number grows, it signals economic health, but when it shrinks, it could mean a slowdown — or even a recession.

Q: My partner and I have demanding, full-time jobs and two elementary school kids. One of us is considering becoming a stay-at-home parent to take care of things at home. We make about the same amount of money and could theoretically survive on one income if we stuck to a tight budget. How should we run the numbers to figure out if this makes sense for our family?

I don’t know a single couple who hasn’t faced this question at some point in their parenting journey, and there’s no right answer. There are, however, a lot of questions you can ask yourselves to figure out the best solution for your family. 

1. Why now? Are you hoping to spend more time with your kids in their formative years, or have your family’s logistics just gotten so complicated that you feel like you’re going insane? My daughters are five and nine, so trust me, I get both. But you need to be honest about whether you’re looking for more time or more help, because the solve may not need to be all-or-nothing. (Related: The Real Cost of Quitting to Stay Home With Your Kids)

2. What does a “tight budget” mean? Try a test run of a few weeks to see how comfortable you are on one budget. And remember, it’s important to have a cash reserve of at least six months of your living expenses saved to give yourselves a buffer, too. (Related: I Quit My 6-Figure-Job to be a Stay at Home Dad. Here’s How We Made it Work)

3. How do your packages really line up? Look beyond salary: Bonuses, 401K employer matching, and healthcare are all benefits to consider when weighing which job is more “valuable.” (Related: 18 Non-Salary Items to Consider) 

4. What will you lose if you walk away? Pausing your career can limit your  earning potential, future promotions, and retirement savings, too. Yes, a babysitter might be expensive in the short-term, but it may pay off in the long term.

Talking honestly through your answers together can help you both assess what move is right for now — and for the future, too. 

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TOGETHER WITH FABRIC BY GERBER LIFE

Top money goals for 2025 include saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, and investing more. If you’re focused on the latter, a Fabric by Gerber Life kid’s investment account was designed for busy parents who want to proactively plan for their child’s future while they’re still young. Starting with as little as $20, you’ll get perks like penalty-free withdrawals for current child-related expenses and zero hidden fees. But hurry, if you open an account by Jan 31, you’ll get $25 to start^†. Oh, and did we mention new users get a 30-day free trial?

Turning "I'll Do It Tomorrow" Into "Done In an Hour"

What it is: Caveday

When you’re staring down a deadline and out of excuses, Caveday is the accountability partner you didn’t know you needed. Think of it as a productivity power hour: You log in, join the “cave,” and get to work with a virtual group cheering you on. It’s rooted in the concept of “body doubling,” where just seeing others tackle their tasks can light a fire under you. Yes, it’s subscription-based, but adding a few “caves” to your routine could help you tackle big projects in bite-sized chunks, not to mention finally get you cracking on those personal goals you’ve been putting off. 

Key Features:

• Options, options, options. With a packed calendar of “caves” running daily, it’s easy to find one when you need it.

• Session monitors to ensure the virtual space feels safe for everyone. 

• A quick, fun icebreaker. Each session kicks off with a one-minute breakout,  where you share your to-do list (and a fun fact) with a fellow Caver. Motivation? Check. Human connection? Double check.

• Camera-on optional. Prefer to go heads-down without being watched? No problem. Whether your camera’s on or off, your own focus is what counts.

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