I have implemented many “Git r done” routines in my life. Whether online at todoist, or in real life on a post-it note, to do lists are my bread and butter. (I actually really love bread and butter. ) When I get to the root of it, to do lists are my attempt to feel better about my work/life balance.
There are only so many minutes in a day, and I find it easy to beat myself up about how much I get accomplished. The best realization that I ever came to is for short time to do lists. I only put down what I can reasonably accomplish in the given time frame. That way I feel good about marking everything off instead of depressed about only finishing two of my 900 things to do. I feel even better when I have “extra” time to get things finished that I didn’t expect to.
A little bit about me: I started two new jobs this past year! One is my full time gig. The other is a part time thing, but requires Monday-Friday attention. I embrace change. I heart change. I yearn for change. Still, these two changes put me for a loop. New = learning curve = more time needed. I’m still adjusting to these changes, but proud of my successes with all this newness going on.
It is easy for me to compare myself to other people, which usually results in negative feelings about my self image. Most of this arises when I compare myself to people who are not like me. Young House Love is a great example. They post 7-8 posts a week. Gah! It is easy to feel jealous, but then I remind myself that two awesome people are working more than 40 hours a week to accomplish that feat. Comparing yourself to others does not help the work+life=happy equation. Compare yourself to your previous self. How has your life changed and how have you adjusted (for the good and/or the bad)? Be your own yardstick for growth.
I was inspired to write this post from another post, “Work Smarter, Not Harder” from Young House Love. I love that it offers advice from a myriad of different people, so you can soak in what sings to you. I found myself nodding along to some advice, thinking “Hey, I do that!”:
- Cutting Back on Personal Hygiene – This sounds funny, but it isn’t as gross as it sounds. Doing things like not washing your hair everyday (Cue Hot Tips for the Everyday Gangster from Neon Fresh) can save a lot of time!
- Multitask in the Shower – I don’t know how hygiene became a theme, but brushing your teeth in the shower is one example I like to do. I also like to plan what to wear the next day and have lunch ready to give me more time during my morning routine to focus on getting more things done.
- Being satisfied – I am not super human (as fun as it is to pretend I am). I admit this is a struggle for me at times, but I do aim to be okay with what I finish in the time I have. I bust booty at work and wherever I am at 4:30, I stop and go home. This helps in two ways. One, I have an hour long commute, and beating some of the traffic saves me about 15 minutes a day (aka I don’t want an hour and 15 minute commute!). Two, I love my job. I have a million ideas I would love to implement and I’d work myself to death otherwise. I often do work at home as well, but at least I’m leaving at 4:30.
Some of my fav “new” ideas to try include:
- Live by your calendar – I already fairly actively use Google Calendar. The spin here is to schedule FUN things too! Put in a lunch date with a friend. Schedule a weekend trip to the mountain. Make your fun time a priority too!
- Gmail has a “canned” responses feature. What? I don’t think I super need this, but it is useful to know it exists for future anticipated business. (A girl can dream!)
- Never, NEVER work on a Saturday – I feel like knowing Saturday will be a NO work day will motivate me to do more during other days. I LOVE this idea. Super love!
What idea is your fav?
∞ Jessica