Daily = Done

This blog is about creativity, specifically about creative ways that I save money and re-use other things. Sometimes, my greatest obstacle to creativity is chaos. Disorganization, confusion and distraction make it hard to focus on the projects that are important to me. Instead, time is wasted shuffling piles, making lists and generally spinning my wheels. 

Disorganization leads to procrastination which leads to unfinished projects

There are countless methods to organizing time, space, money and practically anything else you can think of. The catch with all of them is getting started and being consistent. This summer I have identified several projects and goals that I want to see completed.

While walking into the library this afternoon, I was enjoying an immense sense of peace and stability. After three just days of my new system, I feel more focused, organized and purposeful than I have in months! 

Daily habits keep awkward or unpleasant tasks under control

My new "secret weapon" is a list of tasks to do every day broken into 4 routines throughout the day. The plan is that, with these recurring tasks consistently completed, I can focus my energy and creativity on the projects that I really care about... like this blog!

5 Steps to building routines that stay on top of life

1. Step away from the chaos

Take a walk, drive to a library, take a cup of coffee onto the porch or whatever you need to do to step outside of the chaos.

2. List all the tasks that must be done daily

Go ahead and list things like getting ready for the day, packing lunches and other things that may already be in your routine. These items will be the "hook" that we will hang other tasks on to help make them habits faster. 

3. Divide these tasks into 4 categories depending on the most logical time to complete each one.

My four categories are: 1) first thing in the morning, 2) beginning of my work day, 3) when I get home at the end of a work day and 4) before bed. Chances are, you already have the beginnings of routines around these same times. (You did brush your teeth this morning... right?) Now, all we need to do is to build upon the foundation of these routines. 

4. Add tasks that are related to the routine by either category or proximity

While I cook my breakfast, I unload the drainer and put away clean dishes. It wouldn't have to be done now, but by doing it when I'm standing there anyway, the task is done for the day and doesn't bother or distract me later. Also, I've found that a full drainer (or dishwasher) discourages me from washing dishes throughout the day. By staying on top of this task, I also make it easier to stay on top of dishes, too!

5. Implement the schedule (preferably on a weekend or day off)

I'll be honest, the first day you run through these new routines, you won't save much time. In fact, you may be surprised at how long some items take to complete. Most of us notoriously under-estimate the amount of time needed for our activities. However, a few days into the routine, you'll start to get faster. You'll find your rhythm and won't have to keep checking your list to see what comes next.

Stick to your routines, even on weekends. I like to sleep in as much as anyone, but when I do get up, I still run through the tasks on my morning routine. As a result, the transition back into the work week is relatively seamless.

Bonus notes:

Be realistic and remember that life still happens!

You will have days that you won't get to everything on your list. In fact, you may decide that you had too much on your lists to begin with! That's okay. Highlight the items that are the most important and, if needed, focus on those. Tomorrow, try again to make it through the whole list.

If it's really important to you, some aspect of it should be on your list

Daily=done. If you do something toward your goal daily, you are much more likely to actually achieve the goal or complete the project. Having a hard time deciding what to do daily toward that goal? Good. Now you know that you need to break that big goal down into more concrete steps in order to accomplish it. Do you want to run a marathon? Then run every day. Even if you take off a day to rest, keep the task on the list and do something related, such as a long stretching session.

Re-evaluate your list regularly

The habits that are most important now, won't necessarily be the most important in 2-3 months. By then you will have new goals to work toward. Re-assess as often as you need to in order to keep your routines relevant to your life.

Guard those routines!

Being faithful to your own priorities is essential to managing your time wisely and knowing where to allocate your energy. It's so easy to stay up late watching television and then to cut the morning routine short. Be faithful to the schedule and routines you have set. Sacrifice a little now in order to re-claim greater flexibility later. When you are current or ahead on all of your priorities, you have the "wiggle room" to change plans at a moment's notice. Think of it, if the house stays mostly clean, you can have guests on a whim! If your bills are paid a little early, you know what's left to play with! When work is in control, you can find time to spend with a visiting friend.

Daily habits and routines allow us to keep tasks in control, which allows us to focus our attention on the things that matter most!