Four Simple Ways to Knock Out the Pesky Tasks In Your Life
There are four words that are so often said and rarely acted upon in life.
Sometimes they’re geared toward lofty “should do” goals like learn how to cook or learn a foreign language.
Other times they’re just simply little tasks that need to get done that you just simply don’t want to do. And as a result, you don’t. Imagine that.
Have you ever said the following four words…?
“When I Have Time…”
I recently read a great book by Gretchen Rubin called Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives. Highly suggested book if you have a desire to improve your habits and ultimately your life.
The author was talking about how she dreads all of these pesky tasks that she knows she needs to get done but will get to them “when she has time.” But that time never came.
Here’s a Definition of the Pesky Tasks – one-time keep-postponing tasks
I like how Gretchen Rubin classifies them: “something that can be done at anytime is often done at no time.”
Now, let me give you an example of some of the pesky tasks in my life to give you ideas:
- changing light bulbs
- software updates
- changing filters
- organizing certain locations – drawers / closets
- changing batteries
- simple repairs around the house
Here Are Four Simple Ways to Knock Out the Pesky Tasks In Your Life
1. Create a List
This sounds so remedial but how many times do you want to do something and simply cannot remember everything or sometimes simply anything you’re suppose to do?!
Tip: Put the list somewhere easy to find. If you’re the technology type, put it in a task app or Evernote. You could also use something as simple as Notes in an iPhone. You could even go Old School and put it on paper or a 3×5 card. The mindset is “Getter on the List!” Or to say it another way, “Think It / Write It”…
The goal is when it’s go time you want to spend your time knocking out the list not looking for it.
2. Create a Time
Again, thank you Dr. Obvious, but if you don’t create a time to work on your list, you’re right back to the maddening lie of “when I have time” which as you know, never happens.
Creating a time answers two questions:
how often – what is the frequency question – once a day? (and if so, which day) / once a week? / once a month?
For example, Gretchen Rubin says she does her “Power Hour” one Saturday a month.
how long – what is the duration question – If you choose to do your “When I Have Time” slot more often, the duration may be shorter.
For example, Gretchen Rubin chose one hour on Saturday since she only did it once a month.
Tip: Find a day / time you know has a high likelihood of follow-through for you. If it doesn’t work, change the day, don’t give up on the idea.
3. Create a Task Force
The idea here is to involve others.
There will be tasks that only you can do and by all means, you should do them.
But many tasks can be an All Skate and include others and I mean your kids.
There are numerous small tasks that can get easily get the Fam involved. The tasks can be age appropriate and a good learning experience for all involved.
I suggest not making this part of a weekly allowance but a “just cuz you’re part of the Fam” exercise, but your call. You could do something fun once the list is knocked out to give the kids some level of motivation. But let them know in advance and be organized.
Tip: If you create a Task Force, be organized so you can use time wisely. Remember, the goal is two-fold – get others involved but also actually knock out pesky tasks!
4. Create a Habit
The goal is to create the habit. How?
Repetition. This is the Rinse & Repeat part of the program. You’re wanting to lock this habit into a routine by doing it consistently.
The problem is how naturally we procrastinate on normal things not to mention the pesky tasks. So, we need to be extra aware of our consistency to create a habit.
Once you get into the habit of thinking of a pesky task and putting it on the list, it becomes second nature (a habit) and part of your new routine.
The difference is you’re taking something negative (avoiding pesky tasks) and making it into a positive that actually gets something done. And consistently.
Closing Challenge…
Once you’ve created the list, the time, and the task force, you will be amazed at what you can get accomplished even in a short period of time.
And oh, by the way, it creates the following feelings:
- a sense of relief
- a sense of accomplishment
A part of being productive is learning to take even the unenjoyable and menial tasks of life and getting them done.
Closing Questions…
When will you implement your pesky task time block?
What are some ideas that are going on your pesky task list?
