I’ve got a life hack / time management / motivational tip to help you get a little more done every week without dread.
This approach works for cleaning, organizing, and any task you need to do on your way to a goal. I figured it out at the gym one day when I was trying to increase the amount of exercise I was doing on the elliptical machine (yuck!).
There are 3 numbers on the display that could all be my finish line – the distance, the calories burned, and the length of time.
I made it to my usual 25 minutes and as always, was more than ready to stop, but I noticed the distance was at something like 1.95. So I impulsively decided to keep going a little bit further until I made it to 2 miles.
Then, when I hit 2 miles, I noticed the calories were up to 190, so why not keep going a tiny bit further to get those to 200?
I did that, and then the time was 34 minutes, so why not go until 35?
Of course, this cycle could go forever, but I was thrilled that the extra 10 minutes passed so quickly because I was hitting little milestones along the way.
If I had aimed for 35 at the beginning, my attitude would have been different and the last ten minutes would have felt like FOREVER.
It made me realize that I can use the same technique of pushing the finish line out as I go with tasks around the house as well.
Now if I’m dreading a task, I make sure to set a small goal first.
If the whole kitchen is a mess, I’ll tell myself I just need to get the dishes done.
But then as I’m wrapping up the dishes, I’ll look around and see if there is another small interval on the way to a perfectly clean kitchen.
Maybe I can just clear any clutter from the island now? And with that done, it would only take a second if I go ahead and wipe down the counters as well.
Sometimes, getting the initial task done is the end of the game.
I don’t always have time or energy to add on just a little more and that’s okay too, I still got something done that I was avoiding because I was okay with starting small.
But most of the time, the first action swings my brain and body into doing mode and I can figure out how to move the finish line just a little bit further out before stopping.
The barrier to getting most things done is just the initial act of starting. We spend so much time avoiding tasks that could be finished if we would have initially jumped right in. For me, this happens most often when I think a task will take more than ten minutes. I could waste HOURS avoiding a 30 minute job.
Now, that I know that about myself, it’s much easier to break the job into the tiniest chunk so I’ll dive in sooner.
For example, I’m writing a book right now, and it would never get done if I just looked at the total number of words required. But it has been broken out into smaller sections of 200-500 words each, so it feels very doable.
Every time I’ve told myself I only need to finish once section, I end up on a roll and keep going. It’s magical!
Every extra minute of exercise, cleaning, or writing gets me closer to my big picture goals, and I’ll use any little mental tricks to help!
Do you do anything similar?
Valerie J Ritz says
Thanks for this tip, I do something like this by setting a timer for 10 minutes and starting a job with the option to end at 10 minutes even if it’s not done. Many times I’m done before the timer goes off, but if I’m not finished, I usually finish up the task in only a couple of minutes past 10. Of course, I have spent hours avoiding other tasks, just like you described. Keep up the inspiring words!
Melissa George says
Yes! The timer method is fabulous as well! The next trick I need to figure out is how to remind myself to use the timer with a small goal EVERY time I need or want to get something done. Progress over perfection, though!
Katie says
Sooo true….I’m the same way….I don’t want to cook, or clean, or even paint furniture I’m selling, which is what I love the MOST!
Once I get started, I’m 100% Into it….And feel soo much better afterwards for having completed the task!
Ty?
Melissa George says
YES! Isn’t that wild? You know how much I LOVE organizing, but after stocking our pantry down with food in the first week of March, I couldn’t find the motivation to make it all work on the shelves. Every time stepped into the pantry (MANY times a day) for the last 6 weeks, I was stressed by the chaos. I finally made myself get started with one shelf last Sunday and before I knew it, I was excited and had pulled EVERYTHING out to rethink each shelf. It took less time than I expected and now I smile every time I walk in. It’s fabulous!
Anita says
Wow Melissa! What a great idea. This is going to be an amazing help. I’ve been in a funk all week with a lingering bad headache and this was just what I needed to get myself restarted. Thank you!
Melissa George says
I’m so thrilled to hear that, Anita! Sometimes I write things like this and wonder if I’m the only one that gets in a funk of avoiding tasks. Taking the time out to comment is hugely motivating and reminds me to share even short simple tips that I’ve figured out myself. I hope you wake up with that headache gone for good in the morning!
Dian Owens says
You hit the nail right on the head with: “I could waste HOURS avoiding a 30 minute job.”
Jaclyn R Lorimer says
Yes! I love doing this. I’m in graduate school right now and it’s been particularly helpful. Finishing a huge project seems so overwhelming to just sit down and go — but if I give myself little goals and I’m already in the mindset and focused on the material it’s easier to keep pushing!