The secret to getting more done every day is using the in-between time for yourself.
I didn’t realize how much time I was wasting until I started taking stock of what I was actually doing each day for minutes and hours. I once spent half an hour trying to find out who Harry Styles’ new song was about. There were also days when I organized my books by color to avoid opening the mail that had been sitting on the counter for a week (or more).
We have many noble reasons to avoid what we know to be most urgent. These excuses are the most dangerous because they hide under the mask of productivity.
After understanding all this, I started thinking about how to cure my procrastination habit. And the answer I found was deceptively simple.
To make the most of your time and get back on track when you’re tempted to procrastinate, you need to give yourself the space to take advantage of small breaks. This allows you to meet yourself where you are and mentally reset before your brain starts to confuse you.
We all have space in our day that we could use more effectively to refocus on work, manage our lives, and take care of ourselves. By making a list of things you can do in a short amount of time, you can be more intentional with your time, whether it’s arriving early to a meeting, waiting for the water to boil, or waiting for the oil to be changed. In some cases, meditating for 5 minutes may be the right choice. They may also take care of work tasks that need to be taken care of.
The key to taking advantage of these micro-moments is understanding what’s causing you to procrastinate in the first place, whether it’s feeling overwhelmed, feeling isolated, or distracted by clutter in your space.
The key to taking advantage of these micro-moments is understanding what’s causing you to procrastinate in the first place, whether it’s feeling overwhelmed, feeling isolated, or distracted by clutter in your space.
We’ve created five categories to help you easily identify what you need at the moment. This allows you to focus on a shortlist of universal tasks that can be accomplished in a short amount of time. In some cases, an incremental reset may be all you need to move forward.
A 5-minute task to complete when…
I feel the need to reset.
- Please meditate.
- drink water
- Let’s practice aromatherapy.
- Write a short diary.
- Get up and stretch.
- Take a walk around the block.
- Wash your face.
I’m overwhelmed with work.
- Make a list of everything you need to do.
- We will return your call or email.
- Choose one task that you can delegate to someone else.
- Delete or archive emails that don’t require any action.
- Start that task you’ve been putting off for the longest time.
I want to connect with someone.
- Send a text message to your loved one and let them know how much they mean to you.
- Make plans for lunch with the people you want to meet.
- Invite people you meet and like to coffee.
- Write a list of people you have enjoyed spending time with.
- Connect with people who fulfill you on social media.
I want to organize my space.
- Wrap the cord neatly.
- Take out the trash and recycle.
- Clean out one drawer that you use every day.
- Take inventory of your closet and flag a few items for donation or repair.
- Wipe down kitchen and bathroom countertops.
I feel overwhelmed by life.
- Make a grocery list.
- Plan your meals for the next day or week.
- Make the plans you had planned.
- Please check your bank account.
- Please read the email carefully.
- Send a thank you note.
Add the tasks that resonate with you to a digital notebook or download a free printable template (see below) to keep on your desk, hang on your fridge, or add to your planner. Make your own list and start enjoying the feeling of putting yourself and your needs first.
Click here to download the free 5-minute task list template (pictured below).
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is constantly testing the limits of her creativity. Follow her on Instagram @witanddelight_.
Source: – witanddelight.com
