The secret to getting more done each day is to make the moments in between work for you.
I had no idea how much time I was letting go until I started taking inventory of what I was actually doing with the minutes and hours of each day. Sometimes I would spend thirty minutes researching who the new Harry Styles songs were about. Other days, I organized my books by color to avoid opening mail that had been sitting on my counter for a week (or more).
We have many noble reasons to avoid doing the things we know are most urgent. These types of excuses are the most dangerous because they hide under the mask of productivity.
Once I realized all this, I got to work figuring out how to hack my tendency to procrastinate, and the answer I found was deceptively simple.
To make the best use of my time and get back on track when I’m tempted to procrastinate, I need to give myself space to take advantage of small breaks. This allows me to meet myself where I am and give my brain a mental reset *before* it starts to drift.
We all have pockets of space in our days that we can use more effectively, whether to refocus on work tasks, manage life, or take care of ourselves. I keep a list of things I can do in a short period of time, so that when I’m early to 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 about taking care of a work task that needs to be done.
The key to using these micro-moments is to get in touch with what drives you to procrastinate in the first place, whether you’re overwhelmed, feeling disconnected, or distracted by clutter in your space.
The key to using these micro-moments is to get in touch with what drives you to procrastinate in the first place, whether you’re overwhelmed, feeling disconnected, or distracted by clutter in your space.
I’ve created five categories to help you easily identify what you need right now, so you can focus on a short list of universal tasks that can be accomplished in a short period of time. Sometimes all we need to move forward is an incremental reset.
5 minute tasks to complete when you are…
Feeling the need to reset.
- Meditate.
- Drink water.
- Practice aromatherapy.
- Write a short journal entry.
- Get up and stretch.
- Take a walk around the block.
- Wash your face.
Overwhelmed by work.
- Make a list of everything you have to do.
- Return a phone call or email.
- Choose a task that can be delegated to someone else.
- Delete or archive emails that do not require action.
- Start the task you’ve been putting off for the longest time.
Wanting to connect with someone.
- Send a text message to someone you care about to tell them how much they mean to you.
- Make lunch plans with someone you missed.
- Invite someone you’ve met and liked over for coffee.
- Write a list of people you have enjoyed spending time with.
- Catch up with the people who fill you up on social media.
Wanting to organize your space.
- Wind the cables carefully.
- Take out the trash and recycle.
- Clean a drawer that you use daily.
- Take inventory of your closet and mark a few things to donate or repair.
- Clean your kitchen or bathroom countertops.
Overwhelmed by life.
- Make a shopping list.
- Make a meal plan for the next day or week.
- Make an appointment you’ve been meaning to schedule.
- Check your bank account.
- Read your email.
- Send a thank you note.
Add the tasks you care about most to your digital notebook or download a free printable template (shown below) to place on your desk, hang on your refrigerator, or add to your planner. Create your own list and start enjoying the feeling of putting yourself and your needs first.
To download a free 5-minute to-do list template (shown below), click here.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. He is currently learning to play tennis and is always testing the limits of his creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
