I know lots of people who are not organized - or at least think they aren't. And even more people who say they don't have time. Or there's too much to do and it's overwhelming. I hear you. I understand. I feel overwhelmed when my list has 10 things on it, AND when it has 50 (yes, some lists have really been that long.)
I too am prone to wanting a Netflix day, or a mental health day. We all need a break sometimes. But I rarely take a whole day, or even half of it, and actually do NOTHING. I am very bad at doing nothing. I am a woman of action, progress, moving (preferable forward, but I'll take whatever comes). Good thing too, cause my kids don't stop moving either. One moves his body even in his sleep, and the other, amusingly, moves his mouth nonstop - even in HIS sleep. Ha!! Love those boys.
But, wait - here's the SECRET - it only takes 5 minutes.
Really, only 5, especially on the days when I'm in survival mode. On better days, I can extend that into 10, 15, or little time slots all day long.
Okay so it's not really a secret. And I didn't really develop this "theory" or habit, I just think this way, and live this way by nature. But let me share it. I know it works, and when I share it with those I help, in business and in personal life, they see it works too.
I too am prone to wanting a Netflix day, or a mental health day. We all need a break sometimes. But I rarely take a whole day, or even half of it, and actually do NOTHING. I am very bad at doing nothing. I am a woman of action, progress, moving (preferable forward, but I'll take whatever comes). Good thing too, cause my kids don't stop moving either. One moves his body even in his sleep, and the other, amusingly, moves his mouth nonstop - even in HIS sleep. Ha!! Love those boys.
But, wait - here's the SECRET - it only takes 5 minutes.
Really, only 5, especially on the days when I'm in survival mode. On better days, I can extend that into 10, 15, or little time slots all day long.
Okay so it's not really a secret. And I didn't really develop this "theory" or habit, I just think this way, and live this way by nature. But let me share it. I know it works, and when I share it with those I help, in business and in personal life, they see it works too.
Here's how:
Look at your list. Or look around your house. Or even in the one room you are in. Look for one task that you know takes 5 minutes. Maybe it's putting the family shoes away. Or hanging up coats in the closet. In your office, maybe it's picking up the trash that missed the mark (like crumbled ideas you were playing basketball with?). Or putting the pens and pencils back in the drawer. Little things.
Set a timer. Do one of those little things. Right now. Then do another one. Keep doing small tasks till the timer runs out. Then stop. All done. Sit down, play on Facebook, have another cup of tea (or whatever). Read a book. Take a nap. OR - - try it again after a breather, but this time, set the timer for 10 minutes and do one slightly longer task. Like loading the dishwasher. Or matching loose socks. Or taking out the trash.
I don't set timers for myself. But only because I developed a sort-of internal one after working this way for so long. I get interrupted a lot. And I probably have a bit of a short attention span. This method doesn't work for everybody, and certainly works better for tiny tasks. But it's a great way to feel a little less overwhelmed, and a bit more organized.
Try it. Let me know how it feels to get a couple things done in only 5 minutes when you think you have NO time. Share the small successes.
~ Adrienne
Look at your list. Or look around your house. Or even in the one room you are in. Look for one task that you know takes 5 minutes. Maybe it's putting the family shoes away. Or hanging up coats in the closet. In your office, maybe it's picking up the trash that missed the mark (like crumbled ideas you were playing basketball with?). Or putting the pens and pencils back in the drawer. Little things.
Set a timer. Do one of those little things. Right now. Then do another one. Keep doing small tasks till the timer runs out. Then stop. All done. Sit down, play on Facebook, have another cup of tea (or whatever). Read a book. Take a nap. OR - - try it again after a breather, but this time, set the timer for 10 minutes and do one slightly longer task. Like loading the dishwasher. Or matching loose socks. Or taking out the trash.
I don't set timers for myself. But only because I developed a sort-of internal one after working this way for so long. I get interrupted a lot. And I probably have a bit of a short attention span. This method doesn't work for everybody, and certainly works better for tiny tasks. But it's a great way to feel a little less overwhelmed, and a bit more organized.
Try it. Let me know how it feels to get a couple things done in only 5 minutes when you think you have NO time. Share the small successes.
~ Adrienne