“I thought once I retired, I would get everything done.”
“I figured after the kids moved out, I’d be much more productive.”
Have you ever had more discretionary time and found it more challenging to get stuff done? I have. Pre- COVID, business was booming. Understandably many people are still cautious about inviting someone to work inside their homes, so this means I have more time in mine. It's easier for me to put off household chores, when there's more time available to do them.
Erin Elizabeth Wells says, “Productivity is doing the right things at the right time in the most effective and efficient way possible.”
That might sound unattainable or outright boring, so let’s break it down in three Timely Tips.
Timely Tips for productivity
“DO THE RIGHT THINGS”
There are some essential “right things” like paying bills and doing laundry. We may not experience joy in the process of these, but the result is peace of mind and ease of living. Make a short list of the undesirable essential tasks you tend to put off.
There are also the “right things” you choose to do—your personal priorities. Identify your top three. These could include anything from working on a relationship or hobby, volunteering, or getting a degree.
During the pandemic, three of mine have been continuing education classes, writing a children’s book on organizing, and sorting through my keepsakes. Yes, I have keepsakes.
Working on your priority list has a double benefit. They’re things you really care about and, since you’ve determined them to be a priority, you can let go of the guilt from not doing things that didn't make the cut.
Photo by Jess Bailey Designs from Pexels
“THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT WAY”
You may prefer to complete the unpleasant or difficult tasks first and then reward yourself with the enjoyable ones. Others may alternate between the two, so that boredom or becoming drained of energy doesn’t stop progress. Figure out what keeps you moving forward and do that.
Some listen to music or podcasts to enhance productivity. One of Scott and my “right things” is a 7-minute workout in the evenings before watching TV. (We’re starting small.) We find listening to comedy on the Dry Bar Comedy app makes it more enjoyable. For jobs like writing, I need quiet. Ensure that your environment supports the effectiveness of your task.
To promote efficiency, simplify your tasks. Keep supplies convenient and work smarter, not harder. Store some cleaning supplies in each bathroom. Prepare a week’s worth of veggies at once so you don’t have to wash and cut them every day. If your project is paper sorting, have a bag for recycle, a shredder or shred box, and folders on hand.
Reduce distractions by clearing off your workspace so you can focus on one project at a time. Have a notepad handy or use Notes or Reminders on your smart phone to record other tasks that come to mind while working. That way you won’t stop to do things you’re afraid you’ll forget.
As always, start small. Choose one essential task and one item from your priority list. Schedule the “right time” on your calendar this week and consider how to make that time effective and efficient.
Wise Words
You can't turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again. --Bonnie Prudden
In other words, beating yourself up for not being productive yesterday, last month, or last year, doesn't help. Choosing to start with one thing tomorrow, does!