One of my resolutions this year is to be more productive with my time, but that broad resolution deserves some breakdown into more specific manageable goals. Because I know my tendencies and am aware of how my productivity has changed over time, I recognize one particular mindset that continually sets me back–waiting for one big dedicated block of time to tackle a project or “get things done” and squandering all the perfectly good smaller chunks of time available in the meantime. Here’s the thing–those dedicated stretches of quiet appointment-free days labeled “clean the garage” or “work on book”? They are most often mirages–dreamy fictional destinations I will always be seeing in the distance but never arrive to. Then there’s also the issue of my attention to a project which–since I love analogies–I will liken to a very excited puppy who is running back and forth between the new toy and the food bowl and then the other toy and the bone; and his tail is wagging, and he’s panting, and he can’t decide which cool thing to do so he gets all worked up and runs around in circles chasing his tail until he finally collapses on the rug and falls asleep because all the possibilities for fun things to do are overwhelming and exhausting and–goodnight, I’m just going to lie down for a bit to calm my brain. I’m sorry, was that a run-on sentence? So is my brain all of the time. I have the energy, the will, the ideas, the passion–I often just need more focus and attention to the tedious work of getting a job done.
My sister and I converse a lot about the way our brain works because we are similarly wired when it comes to getting things done and attempting creative projects, and recently we came back to a strategy that works for us in cleaning our houses–setting a timer for 15 minutes for each room and cleaning as fast as we can in that short amount of time before moving on to a different room. I’m always surprised when I apply this strategy that I’m usually able to completely clean a room in 15 minutes when I was avoiding it because I thought it would take 45. My sister upped the ante recently though when she suggested I get a Time Timer. “You engage more visually,” she pointed out, “I bet seeing the block of time you have left would motivate you even more.”
So I bought the timer, and the verdict is…I’m obsessed. It’s immediately become the manager I’ve been needing, the puppy tamer that calls the shots– SIT DOWN AND ENJOY YOUR BONE. 15 MINUTES. READY, GO. I keep it on my counter in the kitchen and set it for 15 minutes when I have a short block of time where I can knock out some dishes. I bring it with me into my bedroom when I’ve committed to cleaning it because I’m less likely to get sidetracked looking at old diaries I found under my bed when there’s a bomb-looking clock with a red line slowly ticking toward “detonation.” And I bring it into my office and place it on my desk to help me stay focused on one thing at a time. One hour with my butt in my seat–no click bait. The visual representation of a slowly disappearing red circle on an analog clock works really well for motivating me and keeping me engaged, and learning how to efficiently use the many 20-minute pockets of time that are sprinkled throughout the day is helping me accomplish more…plus, it’s fun! I’ve even convinced the kids to jump in and help frantically clean with the fun challenge of trying to finish the job before the red disappears and the timer dings.
Do you have a brain that’s wired like mine? A list of projects you’re not getting to? What productivity tips and tools have worked for you to help you accomplish more?
Kathy says
I also use a timer for cleaning and tasks around the house. And for work, I have an app on my laptop called Forest. You choose a tree to grow, and how long you want to work (I usually do 1 hr blocks). The app blocks all websites except the ones you place on your whitelist (or, alternatively, only blocks websites on your blacklist). If you try to visit a blocked site while Forest is running, it asks you if you want to kill your tree. If I finish the time without breaking my rules, then I add a new tree to my forest. Decide to quit early in order to visit Facebook, and I have to agree to kill my tree. Talk about motivation!
Kelle says
OMG–this sounds SO PERFECT FOR ME! You had me at the visual of “choose a tree to grow”. This visual is brilliant. OMG. Thank you!
Lisa says
Oh this one resonates! “Do you want to kill a tree?” OMG no I don’t want to kill a tree! THIS is my language.
Jennie says
Me! Me! *Raises hand. Also, I’m a middle school teacher and often find myself counseling students who have fallen behind on school work. I have a few clocks I lend for this purpose. 11 and 12 year olds are easily overwhelmed by the idea that it might take them an entire hour to complete some work so we practice little bites. They set it for 15 minutes then take a break, no exceptions! Kids have actually started arguing over the timers!
jennifer Reil says
Oh my gosh, I am the puppy! I’ve felt that way for years, but didn’t know how to put it into words. I need one of those timers! Thanks for sharing!
Jacki Hayes says
This is so timely. I just committed last week to focusing on one room of the house each day for 15 minutes. I couldn’t believe how much got done in that amount of time, when I was 100% focused on just that.
Bailey devitt says
We’ve used this clock as a tool for teaching time management and executive function with my classes! How funny that I’ve never thought about it for myself! Interesting! Thank you for sharing!!!
Jennifer says
Oh my goodness! I am sooo getting this for my daughter!
Liz says
We have one of these for my son that we use when he has kindle/computer/time to kill before bed but I NEVER thought to use it for myself. Brilliant!!!!
Emily of The Three Bite Rule says
I love this small time batch reminder. My mom used to set the timer on our microwave for power clean up on occasion. I should do this more often. My husband is a little all-or-nothing for “clean out the attic” or whatever but I with 2 little ones we could make real progress with 15 or 20 minute time blocks.
cate says
Funny, I learned about Time Timer from a DS parents group. There’s also an app version, if you want it on your phone.
Brook says
Am I the only one that thought the spray bottle played a part in the motivation? Great post, was a little disappointed you dont have to spritz yourself if you get distracted.
Teresa says
Love this tip! Thank you so much for sharing!
Stacie Weedon says
Our bedroom has become our own version of hell, where there are “things” we are keeping and storing. I am avoiding cleaning it until I have a full day to do everything, clean out, reorganize, style, decorate. Because I feel like I want it to be perfect when I’m done. Maybe I should just jump in and try 15-minutes a day.
Leah says
We need one for our daughter, but after reading this, I’m convinced I need it too! With age I have found I may be A.D.D. It could be the little people in my life pull me in a lot of directions so it tends to scatter our thoughts, but either way thanks for sharing!
Angela says
I admit that I also procrastinate over big jobs because I don’t have a huge block of time available and consequently they don’t get done. I also have a habit of multitasking, so end up doing 3 or 4 things at once rather than setting aside time to do one thing properly. Sure it feels like I am being more productive cooking dinner while sending an email, helping a child with homework and trying to find an errant notice but generally it’s far less efficient with much higher chance of mistakes happening. It also turns out that trying to do 5 things is too much and something gives… usually dinner gets burned.
I think the timed activity would work well when I’m stressed and not sure where to start because there is so much to do.
Eile says
15 minutes is an awesome tool! If you have ever read anything from Flylady, this is one of her basic tools-you can do anything for 15 minutes.
Kelle says
I think that’s where it originated. My sister and I used to be on her e-mail list back in the day–such efficient tools!
Marion cameron says
Oh man. I’m definitely not wired this way. The timer would just make me nervous. “Bah! I only have 15 minutes to get the dishes done!!!”.
I feel like I live every minute of my day on an imaginary timer (get up, get 3 people ready for the day, drop off at school, rush to work, rush back, pick up kids, activities, dinner, homework , lather rinse and repeat!). So any non-timed time I have is so precious.
But glad you found something that works for you!
Brady says
Yesssss! Most of my work is on the computer, so I use mytomatoes.com. I use it primarily in two ways. (1) If there’s a task – like email – that I’m afraid will consume my whole morning, I’ll give myself one “tomato” to get through it and then I have to stop; (2) If there’s a project – especially a long-term one – I don’t want start on or am having trouble starting on, I just make myself do one “tomato” and then I get a break. Once I get started, it’s much easier to continue. It’s incredible how much a small tool like this has reshaped my days.
Kimberly says
I work in Special Education and flipping LOVE the Time Timer as well as the MotivAider. These are tools that anyone can use to be more productive! They’ve helped both me and my husband with our ADHD.
Amy says
I had the Time Timer Plus and used it when my oldest was a preschooler. He kept dropping it and it broke multiple times. Which is the most durable Time Timer? I think it’s time to get one for my younger son and myself!
Kelle says
I actually think the small one is better than the big one. It’s been a while since I’ve held the big one (back in teaching days), but from what I remember the smaller one feels more durable.
Patti Phillips says
I use Wunderlist and Google Keep. I love checking the boxes and crossing out the items from a list.