Sundry and Divers Matters

[rj_anderson]

Despite various efforts to control my internet addiction, I recently found that I was still struggling with self-discipline when it came to Getting Stuff Done. The Time Map I did a few months back was a little too vague to be useful, so this past Sunday night I drew myself up a new Daily Schedule, starting when I get up at 6:30 a.m. and ending at 10:30 p.m. when I go to bed.

Most of the items on the Monday-Friday chart are the same every day -- prayer and study, getting the kids off to school, meal prep, family time and so on -- but I also divided up my household chores and assigned myself two tasks a day, the morning one intensive (groceries, bathrooms, vacuuming) and the afternoon one lighter (laundry, garbage/recycling, organization). I made sure to block off 2-3 hours for writing and/or editing each day, as I've been doing for several weeks now, but on this schedule I also set apart three distinct 20-minute blocks for checking e-mail and LJ. That way I know that I do have time to maintain an online presence, but I (hopefully) won't be so tempted to fritter away spare moments clicking around the web when I could be doing something more worthwhile.

After two days, I'm already feeling more relaxed and contented. Instead of struggling to keep track of all the things I have to do and worrying I won't have time to do them all, I just have to look at the schedule to see my responsibilities for the day. It makes everything seem so much more manageable and less daunting. I realize that I really do have enough time, not just for the things I have to do but even for the things I enjoy -- if only I manage my days responsibly instead of just letting them happen. Sure, things are bound to come up that throw off my schedule, but because I do have a schedule then I know exactly what I'm missing, and what things I need to do to catch up.

My plan is to follow the schedule consistently, making adjustments and refinements as needed, for the next three weeks -- I'm told it takes 21 days to form a new habit, which sounds about right to me. I'll let you all know how that goes.

And before I shame myself by forgetting again, a very happy birthday to halseanderson, who is not only a superb author and an inspiring speaker, but knits beautifully and cans a mean tomato. Oh, and runs marathons, too, thereby making the rest of us look like sorry American Idol-watching slackers. Seriously, it's a good thing she's such a lovely person or we might be forced to take drastic measures.

Comments

[shoebox2.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes, we all have one of those people in our lives, don't we? S'pose we should be glad they've decided to use their powers for good, after all. :)

Anyway, brava for your new schedule, and long may it reign...or perhaps rain, as in peace and contentment upon your head, which they tell me is an excellent spur for composition. I've made and discarded so many self-improvement lists over the years I'm fully sensible of the effort required - and the rewards.

[capnflynn.livejournal.com]

Hello! Long-time lurker, first-time commenter. This is a lovely idea; I too am working from home, and weak-willed when it comes to the internet. I am going to borrow your idea and try to instill some more discipline in my own life. Thank you, and best of luck to you as well!

[rj-anderson.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the comment! I hope the idea helps you out!

[wahlee-98.livejournal.com]

After I failed my rhetoric class and had what I suppose amounts to a nervous breakdown, I read a book on procrastination called The Now Habit. It basically says to schedule in your play first, and then schedule your other stuff. I've found that it actually works pretty well for me-- I allot my time for futzing around on teh intrawebs and for knitting, and then I can happily do my work, knowing that at 3:00 I can pick up the knitting again. I've been so productive since I actually started doing it.

[labellerose.livejournal.com]

I like the way you are doing the scheduling thing-mind if I borrow?
I've been trying to stay off The Great Time Sink (TM) that is lj, but finding I miss everybody and feeling guilty for not reading and responding. (Hey, I'm a Mom. I worry. It's what I do. * wry grin*)

I think I'll play along for the next three weeks and see how things go!