Get More Done Using A Simple Time-Management Technique
I’m often asked how I accomplish so much, and the answer is not that I’m gifted with superpowers but that I use a time-management technique so simple anyone can do it. I take advantage of the power of routine.
What is a routine? My definition is that routine is a group of repetitive tasks you perform during a specific time frame in a certain order for maximum efficiency. I’ll break that down.
Elements of a Routine
Repetitive tasks: Tasks that repeat allow you to benefit from establishing habits, the secret sauce that makes routines so efficient. A habit is something you do without having to stop and think.
Time frame: It’s so easy to keep putting something off while other demands press in. At the end of a day, you can look back and realize you didn’t do anything you planned to do. Sometimes that still can happen, but establishing set patterns within the greater context of your day makes it easier to remember to do things that you otherwise might forget.
Order: Because you do them in order, you will without effort memorize your routine. This allows you to move smoothly from one to another without having to think about it. This amplifies the productivity created by habit. It’s amazing, really.
Some Examples of Routines from my own Schedule
It might help you to see how using routines works out to guide my typical day. I can’t say I accomplish every item on my schedule each day. Sometimes life gets in the way. However, I am able to do more than I would have without a plan.
My schedule might seem strict, but it’s not really. If I need to on a given day, I can always cross the more flexible things off the list, like decluttering. It doesn’t bother me to readjust around the needs of the day, however not everyone has the type of personality where that’s comfortable for you. If that’s the case for you, a solution is to build more margin into your schedule to help you flex without stress.
Morning Routine
Wake at 6 AM.
Eat breakfast while scheduling my day.
Pray and read my Bible.
Make my bed.
Dress and groom.
Start a load of laundry.
Move food from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw, per my written menu.
Do breakfast dishes.
Work in my home office.
Afternoon Routine
Grade and schedule for homeschooling.
Eat lunch and load lunch dishes in dishwasher.
Transfer laundry to dryer.
Take out trash, recycling, and compost.
Pull three buckets of weeds and perform other garden chores, per my gardening schedule.
Shower and put on clean clothes.
Remove laundry from dryer. Fold and put them away.
Work at my desk or make calls on family matters .
Do one household chore, per my cleaning schedule.
Declutter one area for 45 minutes.
Assist child in decluttering her room for 15 minutes.
Evening Routine
Fix and eat dinner with family.
Do dishes.
Spend time with family.
Put child to bed.
Work until an hour before bedtime.
Read.
Isn’t Following Routines Confining?
I might have said that before I started using routines, but I actually find them freeing. Each day is different, so one day is never the same as another. I’m never bored.
It’s important to give yourself unscheduled time. I don’t schedule my weekends but might use a to-do list if we’re working on any projects. I also take Sunday as a day of rest. This affords me the energy to start fresh on Monday morning.
©2014 by Janalyn Voigt
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