The secret to getting more done every day is to make the moments in between work for you.
I had no idea how much time I was wasting until I started taking inventory of what I was actually doing with the minutes and hours in each day. Sometimes I’d hand thirty minutes over to investigating who Harry Styles’ new songs were about, and other days I’d organize my books by color to avoid opening the mail that had been sitting on my counter for a week (or more).
We have plenty of noble reasons to avoid doing the things we know are most pressing, and these kinds of excuses are the most dangerous because they hide under the mask of productivity.
Once I realized all of this, I got to work figuring out how to hack my tendency to procrastinate, and the answer I found was deceptively simple. To make better use of my time and get back on track when I’m tempted to procrastinate, I need to allow myself space to take advantage of small breaks. This allows me to meet myself where I’m at and give my brain a mental reset before it starts to drift.
We all have pockets of space within our days that can be used more effectively, whether for getting refocused on work tasks or for life management or to take care of ourselves. I keep a list of things I can do in a short period of time, so when I’m early for a meeting, waiting for the water to boil, or waiting for my oil to be changed, I can be more intentional with my time. Sometimes the right choice is to meditate for five minutes. Other times, it’s taking care of work that needs to be handled.
The key to using these micro-moments is to be in touch with what is triggering you to procrastinate in the first place, whether it’s that you’re overwhelmed or feeling disconnected or are distracted by the clutter in your space.
The key to using these micro-moments is to be in touch with what is triggering you to procrastinate in the first place, whether it’s that you’re overwhelmed or feeling disconnected or are distracted by the clutter in your space.
I’ve created five categories for you to easily identify what you need in the moment, so you can focus on a shortlist of universal tasks that can be done in a brief period of time. Sometimes all we need to move forward is an incremental reset.
Add the tasks that resonate with you to your digital notebook or download a free printable template (shown below) to set on your desk, hang on your fridge, or add into your planner. Create your own list and start to enjoy the feeling of putting yourself and your needs first.
Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
BY Kate Arends - January 13, 2020
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Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
This is so useful Kate thank you!! I really needed to find out why I was procrastinating on so many things and by reading this I realized I was overwhelmed.
I’m so glad you found this useful!! I’ve been in the same spot many a time—you’re not alone!
Love this post! I’m definitely going to try some of these tips!!
https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/
Thank you, Ashley!! I hope these tips work for you!
Such great advice!! I do a lot of these, but never in a moment of needing to gain my productivity. Definitely trying these out!
Thanks for reading, Bethany! I hope you find these ideas helpful!