Personal Care/Style :: Self-Improvement |
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Get It Done The First Time. |
| When I made an effort to improve the way I did basic day to day jobs a few years back, I realized I could finish jobs more easily, if I didn't double-handle so many things, and didn’t only half-do so many jobs. Remember, it's not just physical time wasted when we allow interruptions to keep distracting us from the task at hand, but also mental time. “What a waste of thinking time!” So next time you find yourself saying, “I must do this or that”, then make yourself do it right then and there, so you don't waste any time thinking that same thought again! |
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Have you ever said to yourself, “I've been trying to get this done on and off all day, and still haven't finished it - this is ridiculous!!!" If you have, you know about the effect constant interruptions has on getting what you need to get done. When I made an effort to improve the way I did basic day to day jobs a few years back, I realised I could finish jobs more easily, if I didn't double-handle so many things, and didn’t only half-do so many jobs. What I needed to do, was focus on making sure I completed one job before going onto something else.
Interruptions
Firstly, I became more aware of how I let interruptions, prevent me from finishing what I was doing, (particularly by my children). Most of the time what my kids are asking me for, or asking me to do could wait an extra minute. So I would explain to them that “I was just finishing off whatever I was working on, and that I would be right there after I’ve finished," and would often finish what I am doing as I say this. This doesn’t always work of course, especially with younger children, but does most of the time which is all that matters.
Cut out all the Double touching
When I say double-touching things, I mean for example picking up a wet towel and popping it outside the bathroom door, as you go onto do something else. Then when you walk past it an hour later to go to the bathroom, only then do you pick it up and put it back on the towel rack where it belongs. If you had of simply taken a few more steps to put it back where it belongs in the first place, then you wouldn't have wasted time double-handling it. I know it's only a matter of seconds sometimes, but when you think about it in terms of doing this dozens of times a day, not only is there clutter constantly around the place, draining our energy all the while, it adds up to time we could have spent on other things – like ourselves!
Mental time wasting is a killer too
Remember, it's not just physical time wasted when we allow interruptions to keep distracting us from the task at hand, but also mental time. Imagine walking past a letter that has been on the bench for a couple of weeks, which you need to post. You repeatedly walk past thinking, 'I must send that today,' but do not proceed to get an envelope and stamp to make it actually happen, but rather go on to do something else instead, walking past numerous times, thinking the same thought again and again. “What a waste of thinking time!”
Take note
So next time you find yourself saying, “I must do this or that”, then make yourself do it right then and there, so you don't waste any time thinking that same thought again! Don't convince yourself that you are too busy, and will do it later, because chances are you won't, until of course it gets to the point where you have to. The same applies when it comes to clutter that has been accumulating for ages, that you madly tidy up because someone is coming over. Funny thing is, when it’s all done you probably think to yourself” Doesn't the place look great, and it didn't even take me that long!!" (Might help to try remembering this thought next time things start building up again!)
Just do it!
I still have to constantly say to myself when I am faced with jobs that need doing - "Just do it now, it'll be much easier this way.” Whether it's putting dishes in the dishwasher straight after use, or putting my clothes back on their hangers, putting all the towels back where they belong, making the bed properly etc. So one by one, as little jobs come up, say to yourself, JUST DO IT NOW! And you will notice a huge difference when you go from room to room and see relatively clear spaces instead of constant energy draining clutter.
Only you can change your habits. Remember lots of baby steps will get you there, starting from the ground up. You can do it!!
Author Profile :: Clairemcfee1@gmail.com
Claire McFee is author of Organize Your Life and co-Creator of the new Organize Your Life e-Organizers. Claire has a ~10years experience helping people get more out of life by being more organized and improving their mindset. Claire is also a speaker and has been extensively showcased on TV and other mediums.
www.organizeyourlife.com.au/organizeyourselfnowmetime
Article Source: www.activehowto.com
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Posted 2009-05-15 18:38:28 By Claire Mcfee
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