Have you ever had one of those weeks where you had a million things to do and everything was urgent? That was week 11 for me. Perhaps I wasn’t as productive as I could have been the previous week? Perhaps I didn’t use my time management tools appropriately? Perhaps it was supposed to happen this way? Nonetheless, I made it through successfully and I learned something in the process. I’ve known this concept for years – it’s the application that was lacking.
Concept Barb implemented: Do things in chunks of time. Although my desk was relatively clean, I was getting easily distracted by the smallest of things – a paperclip out-of-place, email on my computer, a receipt not filed away. So, I took myself to the library. (Did you know they let you take books home for FREE!!!!!) In this quiet, yet open, environment I got 3 solid hours of work completed. I felt great. It was like I had broken through a barrier or something. I was so excited I had to reward myself (dark chocolate, of course!) The next day, I wanted to go back, but also needed my printer, so I , reluctantly, headed back to my office. To my surprise, I was able to focus on one task for an extended period – without interruption. Wow, it’s such an amazing feeling to start AND FINISH something in the same day. AND if I can keep doing it over the next 30 days, I’ll create a new habit. Cool, huh?
Z-Tip: Do things in chunks of time – you just might finish something!