Thank you so much for watching! Here are the links mentioned in the video: >> Mega Motivation Playlist: cli.re/Time-Tips >> Free printable planner: cli.re/Free-Planner >> Take Your House Back Course Details: cli.re/take-your-house-back
As a homeschool Mom we have been doing it for 3 years I would love to know what curriculum you have chosen or did you choose more than one curriculum because of the different ages of your children thank you so much and you really have a glowing smile and so does your sister and your videos and advice are helpful and has brought me joy and I am feeling better about having less and being able to manage it better. And your videos and channel was one of the first that showed me how to take this head on, I Rely a lot on prayer and I even quit caffeine! 😆
If you get time in an upcoming video can you go back over kids clothing. I’m trying to stick to 14 days of clothing but it is so HARD. Both the kids need an extra set for school. Extra in the car. They take their clothing off and sometimes it gets misplaced in a basket of stuff of mine or my husbands, or under a bed or some other wild place and suddenly we went from having 14 days of clothes to 5 days and it never feels like enough once I get started. Help lol
My grandma taught me that you should always "climb your mountains in the morning and the rest of the day is all done hill.". She also said that Friday is for " finishing". She also believed not to start large projects on Friday--it can wait until Monday. If you don't have anything to do on Friday, you have earned your extra day off. This lady was a young widow who raised her 8 children on a productive farm. All of her children had college degrees although she herself had only completed 2nd grade. She sat down each evening and let her children teach her what they had learned that day. As a retired teach myself, I can't name a better teaching/learning strategy than having a student synthesize what they have learned into their own words.
I'm writing this down as well, excellent strategy, sounds like something that would work for me. Your Grandma sounds like an amazing woman. Thank you so much for sharing.
I like that! So true! It’s fun to hear how different countries/cultures name things! For me, I would say the things that get put off do get bigger because if it’s something I have procrastinated on, it often cost me more money to get something fixed that I’ve neglected, for example. I’ve had to pay late fees on bills that I didn’t pay on time because I put it off.
I have ADHD. With that, I have "time blindness". I have no sense of time passing and therefore no clue how long regular tasks take. For everyday tasks, I actually time myself doing them so I know how long they take. Like I set a timer and get myself dressed for the day so I can know whether it takes 2 minutes or 15. But for novel tasks, I cannot accurately estimate how long I need to set aside for a task. That used to keep me from using this method. But now, I write down how long I will spend on the task today. I try to set aside about 30 minutes for things that feel insurmountable. By then end of that 30 minutes, I will have either finished the task, or have a better idea of how much longer I need to finish it. So if making a time estimate is what is keeping you from using this method, you can tweak it just a bit to make it work for you.
Heather, thank you SO much for this really helpful tip. I don't have this particular problem but I now completely get it and will adjust my attitude to my loved one accordingly (as well as suggesting he try this!). I have to say that managing both to explain the problem AND come up with a solution in one paragraph is pretty awesome!
I have this problem too. I literally have no idea how long things will take, and i always optimistically underestimate. I think i can achieve an amount of things in a certain time which is not realistic for ANYONE, (and i am pretty slow) . As the day goes on i have less energy as well, even for intellectual tasks. I will give this a try. Many thanks.
Another list idea that I really love is the Victory List. Yes, keep the 3 main things list, and add a list of what you *actually did* . Maybe this a won't/can't be an every day habit, but it can be especially helpful if the struggle with self-image is getting particularly combative. Maybe you didn't call the dentist like you intended, but you *did* give hugs and kisses to an injuried toddler, and dried tears with a favorite silly board book. Maybe you didn't get that amazing dinner you had planned done, but you *did* help an elderly neighbor with their trash cans and talk with them about their recent difficulties. Observing what you *actually do* during the day can be extremely enlightening, and sometimes just the observing can lead us to make better choices, and cut ourselves some slack.
I do this so that when my hubby asks what I did during the day I can tell him rather than saying, "oh, nothing." He is actually interested. Yay! I like the idea of calling it a Victory list
Our family has always said, "Remember the bear." We had a jointed Christmas ornament in the shape of a bear that came apart one year. For probably 3 years that bear sat there in pieces. One day I took the bear with me as something to do while waiting. It took 5 minutes to fix the bear! I had spent much time over the years thinking about the bear. Just do it! Whatever the it is.
Something that I am learning to say when I am late, or letting people down, is to immediately THANK THEM for their patience. That way it’s not all about ME. Don’t start by saying: I am so sorry, I feel bad, etc. let people know how grateful you are for their patience. Thanks for this video! Your time management videos are awesome!
I feel this advice is well-intentioned, but the last thing I want to hear when someone has kept me waiting impatiently for their arrival or for them to do something they promised to do yesterday or last week is "Thank you for your patience." My "patience" was coerced, even if I'm polite about it; I had no choice about it and they took that choice away from me. I want to hear that they recognize they've kept me waiting, I DO want to hear that they are sorry and I want to know what they're going to do to resolve any resulting problems..
@@pearly4253 I agree with both bits of advice, having been guilty of letting people down and being let down-both. Apologies with the intention of not repeating (and the effort to improve) makes a thank you matter. Asserting gratitude is constructive, as is acknowledging fault when the apology leads to action.
I’m the same way! I am quick to apologize for not delivering- whatever it was- and thank them for “ being patient with me “. I think taking responsibility for my “ shortcomings “ and being sincere about it makes a difference in how people deal with me.
Right after you posted this, I started doing a morning meditation. It was a frog-getting in my daily meditation. It’s now a 78 day streak! Love the 3 goals only.
Firstly, love you and your channel. All the way in Ireland. My journey toward minimalism is in the early stages. I chose to begin it about 4 weeks before the birth of my 3rd boy. Mainly because I was already overwhelmed and tired and terrified of the future. So proverbs 31 woman kept jumping out at me. That she laughs at the days to come. No fear of the future or how she's to manage a growing circus (family). And people kept telling me that boys will wreck your home and girls will wreck your heart. So three boys in I'm trying to set us up for life and not get bogged down by the day to day clutter. I have a 4 year old who has autism, a rambunctious toddler of 2 years and now a hangry bundle of joy who doesn't sleep well. All of this affects the decluttering journey and success of plans made. So far I've learned so much from you, your twinie and others you've collaborated with. I love how you discuss the organisation side of things as it's an area I struggle with most. Reminds me of a teacher who once told me "fail to prepare... Prepare to fail"- it's really 90% prep. My little nuggets of advice which I've gleamed from my own experiences are as follows (they kind of relate to planning.....): Put God first- winning or losing the daily battle not as important as Him and Jesus Christ already won the war so when I'm super stressed I just remind myself that there's no clutter in heaven. When breastfeeding on demand ...use a travel cup for your tea it avoids panic if you have to stop what you're doing to feed and keeps warm so no more cold tea.... Unless you're into that... If you're worried about your kid leaking poop from the nappy on a long car journey just double diaper him. You'll thank yourself later. Always have a plan b for things like rain when walking kids to school or out shopping. In Ireland it rains a lot. A Handy rain cover = life saver Leftovers are a God send. Playdoh is banned, so is magic sand... if you leave your kid alone with it for more than 2 minutes you'll be cleaning it up for more than 2 days . With an ASD affected child don't worry if the days don't go as planned. Remember that every kid ASD or Neuro typical eventually goes to bed. Meltdowns are a test of endurance and just wait on the Lord as he calms the storm. If you're too tired to read the bible before bed... Pray. He cares more about our relationship than our reading. Reading gives us knowledge and assurance but prayer resets us mentally and spiritually.
Another idea from my momma- write EVERY thing you will do and add/cross off things even after the fact to acknowledge what you've done. There are tasks needing doing all day that you already do. If you feel like a slouch, start writing down the invisible tasks and crossing them off to acknowledge your work and motivate you to do the harder things. (Helps you feel momentum and acknowledge your productivity.) (ie. For all of us- ✔ Make bed)
I found that the more I obsessed over my daily, mile-long to do list, the worse I felt about myself! Small, manageable lists and eating more frogs has helped immensely, not only with productivity, but also with my self esteem.
Listening to you describe putting off that project gave me a physical reaction of anxiety. Yikes! Phone calls, scheduling, and appointments are the hardest for me. I’m an introvert with a “healthy” dose of social anxiety, but I try to take care of them early in the week and recuperate the rest of the week. I usually assign myself only one hard/difficult/uncomfortable task for a day/every few days. Then, it’s easier to push myself to get it done and off the list, and also reward myself with a reprieve from further hard task for a bit.
Stop calling it a "to do" list. Call it a "pick list". Then pick the 3 or 4 things you want/need to accomplish over whatever time span you choose. The illusion of more control is surprisingly useful.
For a “brain dump”, I keep a running note on my phone called “Admin / Loose Ends.” I put a few down on a written list for the day and check things off as they are completed (deleting them from my main note as they are completed). I try to pick one each day that’s tricky/time consuming or urgent and then add a couple other simpler ones. This is helping me so much. I keep a separate one for work also.
Where do u keep the “admin” thing in ur phone? Do u create one everyday? Or carryover and update that every day ? Or have some pre- planned itemized things on 7 days(per each week)?
Dawn, I paused the video right after you said you aren’t qualified to say anything about homeschooling to tell you this, after having homeschooled to high school graduation (and had the pleasure of seeing her graduate from University) and am at it again with another child: YOU ARE QUALIFIED! If it is working for you or if it isn’t, there is probably another parent or grandparent in a similar state of mind who needs your encouragement JUST WHERE YOU ARE! And even seasoned homeschoolers sometimes just need to be reminded that they can simplify and maybe even let go of some things. I never really “did school” exactly the way most people around me did, and sometimes found myself feeling like I was lacking. Sometimes we really weren’t doing much more than math and reading and trying to keep our heads above water because real life problems needed to be dealt with. And at one point we had to give up homeschooling altogether for personal reasons- something I never imagined we’d do. But now we are back. And it is TOTALLY different this time around. We do what works for our family and we do not EVER worry about what anyone thinks, or how many advanced subjects their kids are in, or that I’m not doing enough. It is a process and every family is different. But you are qualified to tell people whatever you want to say because everyone starts somewhere. Can you imagine a new Believer in Christ saying, “ Well, I want to tell you about how knowing the Lord Jesus as my Savior has changed my life and given me joy, peace and hope,but I’ve only read a few chapters here and there in the Bible and haven’t found the perfect church yet, plus we are always late on Sunday mornings, and I haven’t volunteered at church, and the only Scripture I have memorized yet is John 3:16! So I’ll let you know how it goes after I’ve been a Christian for a few more years. Then I’ll probably know how to talk and look like a real Christian and people will know I’m for real”?! No way! (I’m not equating one thing to the other, just painting a picture.) You’ve got this! You love your kids. You are home with them. You are educating them. They are learning. You are teaching them values You are building Christian character. You are helping them understand the crazy world we are in at the moment. And they know no matter what you and the family have each other. Never, NEVER feel like you haven’t done this long enough to be “qualified!” Your homeschool is whatever you want it to be. Of course each state has different regulations, but operating within that framework is freedom. Maybe step back and look at it with fresh eyes and put the burden down. If you haven’t already, consider joining Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) if you are truly homeschooling outside the confines of the government system, and look into supporting the Parental Rights Association (by getting their emails, if nothing else). This may not all apply to you but I’m saying it for whoever took the time to read this looooong comment as well. Stepping down from my soap box to return to your video. Love you and your channel.
According to an article I read recently they are called non-zero days, it’s about doing at least one thing, even if it’s just making the bed and being proud of getting that one thing done. Then, on the days you can do more it can start a snowball effect and on days you just can’t it means you can go to bed at night knowing you did not have a “zero” day.
I binge-watched more than 30 videos of you in the last weeks. I was in a really bad place, and I kind of still am, but this video was the first thing in the last weeks that made me feel understood and also really helped me. You don't know how much you've helped me with this one. For me it is really typical to put off things and sometimes even years later, i still feel bad about not getting back to someone.
I'm glad the videos are helping you! It's always good to start small and pick goals that are realistic for you and the mental state you're in. You are loved!
Dawn, have you ever read The ONE Thing? It says that we should look at our tasks and ask ourselves the question “what one thing would, by doing it, would make other tasks easier or not prioritized”. That’s how I start my list! It’s a great read.
I agree with what is being said here. I also have days when the chronic fatigue gets bad, particularly in the morning and early afternoon. Instead of letting that mean I might as well waste the rest of the day, I now give myself permission to plan to do things in the evening when I know I'll feel most capable. I'm learning to turn my anxiety over not doing things into anxiousness TO do them, keeping goals small enough to be achievable, and then watching for that moment my energy swells. It's a bit like surfing, I suppose. For most people, morning is the time to catch that wave, but not everyone. Use your intuition, and keep trying.
YES! Especially if you get into the stickers etc. I recognized this problem a year ago with me. So I made a give-away package of my planner "goodies", started 2020 with a much simpler straight forward planner and only indulged in a favorite pen. Perfect.
Yes, which is why I am now just using up simple notebooks that I already have (and the author copies I order from Amazon of the books I sell on there). I absolutely adore planners and all the stickers/charms etc, but I could very easily get myself back into debt by 'buying it all'. I removed myself from all the planner groups on social media (and bullet journal groups, as I tried that, but just ended up with a few nicely coloured/decorated pages, and then the rest would be left blank!).
Yeah I thought for a few days that the official bullet journal (as opposed to any similar tensing bullet journals) was going to be my solution, but I found it too detailed and complex. It felt like everything needed to be perfect, so I kept putting it off...and discontinued 😆
I've been a master procrastinator all my life and I recently heard Gretchen Rubin from the 'Happiness Project' say 'the stewing is worse than the doing'. How true! This one simple phrase put it all into perspective for me. Why do I keep putting it off when it feels so much worse than actually doing it!? It's been a game changer. Thanks for another great video packed with well thought, realistic ways we can continue to improve our every day life.
Oh and also Jen from Solid Starts taught me to have a way to separate tasks that can be done with an awake toddler vs have to be done with an asleep kid/childcare etc. Been so valuable to me!
I finished a major task today (something I took on as a volunteer that I knew would be a rough task but it needed the time). Got it done today! Took several hours but it is done ! Did I mention it is done! I may actually sleep tonight.
This must be for younger woman in a different chapter of life! If I make a list it's because I NEED to remember to actually do or go or get what's on the list!
I don’t know, I’m the same, and I’m not that old yet… just rounded into 40s. Not a thing gets remembered if I don’t write it down. That’s why I like how I can put repeating tasks into my phone. They can happen everyday or every week and I’d still forget them.
I agree with the sentiment of not setting yourself for failure. I go about it a different way. I have memory issues due to a medication I’m taking, so I live by to-do lists because I will forget tasks otherwise. However, I was finding that I procrastinated on the harder/less desirable tasks, so now I have 3 to-do lists. The first is all of the big things I need to do (IE pay taxes, paint a room, go to a Dr, etc) I also set a timeline on when each task needs to be completed. The 2nd list is the tasks that need to be done each day/week/month. For example, I have to put take out trash on Monday and Thursday night. Because of my memory issues I need it really broken down to the basics. The 3rd list is my daily to-do list for that day. I take from list 1 and 2 to make list 3. Sometimes I don’t get my item from list 1 done in that day, but I don’t put it off more than 3 days because I have my timeline on when it needs to be completed. I know it sounds like a lot, but it isn’t for me. My list 1 is pretty constant and I review it once a week to see if anything needs to be added (I’ll also add when a task comes up.). List 2 rarely changes at all. List 3 I’ll make the night before or some weeks I even make my list for the entire week (listing what I have to do every day). Just wanted to share what works for me.
I used to write mortgages. The thing that is most dreaded in the job is having to call and tell the borrower that the loan is declined. I always made the call immediately after the Underwriter notified me, so I wouldn’t have to dread making that call, but I was the only person in my office who did not put it off until the end of the day. I was always encouraging my coworkers to “rip off that band aide”, just get it done. I found that the customers always appreciated knowing as soon as possible and usually had expected that they might not be able to get a loan at that point. Instead of dreading I called and helped the customer create a plan to be able to buy a home down the road. That was great advice to get the dreaded items out of the way.
“Prioritize the things that hang over our head, cause stress when they are incomplete, have bearing on our financial well-being and other important aspects”
Sometimes when I am avoiding a task and keep carrying it over, I finally realize that maybe this is not the time for this or maybe I don’t want to keep it on the list at all. This requires a lot of self-reflection and self-honesty. It also means learning how to recognize when this is indeed the case. This has happened several times recently and giving myself permission to “un-do” the item can be very freeing.
I agree. When i find myself not doing something on my list for several days, I look more closely at its value in my life to determine if there's a misalignment.
I've always been a get-er-done person. When I was young my Mom would tackle her hardest or most important task first thing in the morning and preached that to us kids. I have lived that way and it feels so good to know that your day can only get easier. Putting things off only causes underlying stress. Personally I also think the way to increase productivity is to turn off the TV. I haven't had on for 10 years.
Sure, but now the addiction is on our handheld devices like our smartphones that are usually within reach at all times & beckon us to check the news, Yahoo/Google, email, text msgs, social media, and vlogs we are subscribed to. There are so many interesting things and knowledge that it's tempting to let it suck you in everyday. And then... where has the time gone, what did you accomplish, and how do I break this habit? For that matter, you could watch an entire TV series or movie on your phone. So I guess it's actually worse than TV 📺. 😬
I love to wash my dirtiest pots and pans first. The kitchen always look so much less intimidating when those are out of the way. (traditionally, the order is cleanest to dirtiest, so you can keep using the water ). I also like to get the silverware over with. I hate washing those! Getting my workout over with in the first part of the day does wonders for the mood, too, knowing you got it over with.
I love all the advice and tips. Everything is so logical, but I gotta say, with the big frogs, I have to just wait until I feel like it. That is what works for me and I need to give myself the grace and space to do it that way. If there is a deadline, then I am driven by the deadline. But with things that do not have to ever get done, such as decluttering, I have to be in the mood. I hope I am not alone.
I agree here. I can’t force myself to do things bc it just doesn’t work out for me. It’s about creating the flow in my days so that I am able to tackle harder stuff but trusting that when I am ready I am ready (unless deadline but I self imposed deadlines all the time and have to tell myself that it’s totally fine to not do it. I used to bully myself into doing things so this approach works for me)
I agree. With most big jobs, even the ones I hate, there will eventually come a day when I'm just energized and psyched to get it done, and I do it better than if I had forced myself to do it sooner.
Sometimes I just have to make myself get started on a task even if I don’t feel like it. Bonnie Hunt once quoted her dad on her talk show, He had said that activity promotes energy, but being idle promotes tiredness...something to that effect. I remind myself of that all the time when I don’t feel like doing something.
Same, J M. I've learned to trust myself to do it when I'm in the "zone" and find it easier and smoother because I waited until I was ready. And since I can now trust myself to get it done when it works for me, I don't feel it looming over my day. Win-win.
The Laundry Frog. My brain talks me into thinking that I am hauling all our clothes down to the river, beating them on a rock for hours, and losing my knuckles in the process instead of the reality of carrying a small bag to a machine, putting a pod in, pushing a button, and then putting my feet up to watch youtube videos. lol
Thank you! I will do my 3 frogs list. I have 3 small kids. And I agree to downsize the list. I am a breastfeeding counselor and I usually recommend new moms to do 2 things and make a small task list to put on the fridge for visitors. It is amazing how much help you can get when people ask "how I can help?" And instead of saying nothing, you can say thank you for the offer actually I have a list on the fridge. And for new moms only 2 a day is enough to make you feel you did it. So I will add to my counseling only 3 frogs. Thank you friend. I like that I don't have to do this alone. I am grateful to God for my friend Isabel from Colombia that recommended me to watch your experience and expertise.
This is almost exactly what I do. I have tried a bunch of different planners and I keep coming back to the Moleskine planner because it's so simple. I brain dump on the right page and pull from that list into the left side with my schedule and appointments. I love that the days have small spaces because it works as a container. If I have too many things to fit on the day page, I know I've overcommitted.
Love these printables, Dawn! I’ve been doing something similar: my short non-negotiable/have-to-do list and then a lengthy would-be-nice-to-get-done or tadpole list (tasks that will end up on my have to do list as frogs in the day or week or so, but today it’s a tadpole)
Hey Dawn - Thanks for this great video! I have been struggling with my schedule even though I've been a faithful "monthly calendar" girl for years. I finally created a system I think will help me and I thought I'd share it. I created a weekly calendar on Google Sheets. The days are columns (Monday-Sunday) and hours are rows (I use 8 am-6 pm). Some hours get more than one row depending on need. I have 4 kids at 4 schools, each with different pick ups and drop offs. Three of the kids have after school activities and I also have a day job (with flexible hours of course). So first thing on the spreadsheet is the pick up and drop off times for the kids. Knowing how long it takes to do each has allowed me to have a better idea of how to schedule the rest of the day. The monthly calendar wasn't cutting it and I didn't want to hand write all these pick ups and drop offs on a daily calendar. I was completely overwhelmed before this system, and I kept making appointments for the kids that couldn't possibly work and then had to cancel and reschedule (and felt like I was failing). It was a disaster. Now I am able to see what I can and cannot do, and if needed seek help for things that cannot be rescheduled. I print out the schedule for the week and carry it with me. I color coded it for interest. I prefer this over using an app because it's much easier to change the time slots in a manual spreadsheet (copy/cut and paste) as opposed to a system that's asking me all sorts of questions like, "how many time will the event repeat". The schedule changes every day and on the fly, so I can make changes pretty easily on the google sheet without a fuss. Hope this helps anyone in the same boat as me. I can say it feels good at the end of the day to see how much I've accomplished on this spreadsheet, as opposed to just feeling tired and not knowing exactly why because I can't even remember what I did all day!
Hey Dawn, Thank you so much for this video it was literally an answer to prayer. I looked back in my journal and I had prayed for help with this in the middle of the night on Saturday. I woke to tasks I needed to do running through my head. As each one would pop up, I tried mentally putting each task in a tote. Pretty soon I had 3 or 4 totes for different categories. The tasks that came up fit into one of those boxes and I was able to snap the lids on and set them aside. I asked God to help me figure out a better system for handling my to do list and then a few days later, your video popped up. I ended up using 4 large post-it notes for my brain dump 'totes.' And then I can move them through my standard spiral notebook with a two page spread for days of the week. Thank you so much for all you do, it has been such a blessing and an encouragement. Also, I got the chance to put minimizing into practice sorting through our private schools storage rooms. It was so fun and exciting for all of us to experience the change. Everyone is delighted to be able to go downstairs and see what we have and find what they need. Thanks for the training, you are making a difference!
Really appreciate the advice about calling someone you've not spoken to for a while! I'm really trying to call more instead of messaging. I honestly think it covers more ground and saves time overall. I've also gone back to writing short letters to people I've not seen or spoken to for a while. When I receive a letter or card, it feels so personal that someone took the time to craft this to me.
One regular task "frog" of mine is writing a newsletter. I don't enjoy it at all. Two difficulties are #1-dislike and #2-the task of writing is a CREATIVE process which does require a bit of "feel-like-it". I can't just write as if I'm making a phone call....I have to be inspired. So...I've tried to find ways to change my mind about the liking part and I try to take my computer away from my home desk and frog this from another location. Another thought about a planner: I leave my planner open to the date on my desk at home. Sometimes my husband will read it and take something off of it! He asks "can I take something off your plate?" I love him for that!! Thank you so much for your wisdom.....
Great post! Another good reason for assigning estimated time to do a task is that when you wonder why you can’t get a lot of things done on your list and then you add up the total time that you’re allotting to get it done you will sometimes see that you don’t have that kind of time available! So then you are really forced to narrow down what you can realistically get done
I once saw a 100-year-old woman interviewed and she was asked what would be the best advice she could share. Her response was, "Do the hard things first." I try to keep that foremost in my thoughts on a daily basis!
Just use your "eat that frog" tip today with a project I have been putting off for a long time. And after it was done...I felt so good!!! And it gave me momentum for the rest of my day...and still have that momentum this afternoon. 😁
I have a bog full of frogs! I just paused you, got up, and did one, and now I really do feel better. Thank you for this video. I'm going to watch it about 10 more times.
Dawn, I know you feel like you are not qualified to speak "homeschool" but you make things so simple and relatable and realistic. PLEASE make a HS video of what you use, what you do, etc. Pretty Please!
I read a story one time about this gal who hated mopping the floor. She finally timed herself and it was fine in five minutes! She said that she couldn't believe how much anxiety she had allowed herself to feel over something that took five minutes. I also try to remind myself how good I'll feel when something is accomplished and go from there.
Some days I can only get one big thing off my to-do list but I always write my top three out the night before. I want that get stuff done identity! Great video as always Dawn! 💕
I watched your video last night and this morning made a sticky note of the 3 things to do today. One of them was vacuum my car out which I have been putting off for weeks. I wrote that it would take 30mins to wipe it down and vacuum. I dropped my kids @ school and then drove to a park with my wipes and cordless vacuum. While listening to the birds I cleaned the inside of my car in 20mins and was done in time for Homesense to open @ 9:30. Instead of waiting in the parking lot for it to open, I was productive and I feel great! Thanks for the tips, love your videos and you inspire me on my decluttering journey!
I’ve been using your reference to “eating the frog first”. As I’ve worked through my mental illness it’s been a huge help. I do the project/task I’m most unhappy about having to do. I’m also trying to track how little time it actually takes, so I can turn some frogs into a princess aka an easy task ☺️
Go easy on yourself, we moms are often the default setting for the entire family. Congratulate yourself for what you DO get done and you’ll be in a better place emotionally for the remainder.
You are my 👼. I am a smidge autistic and have depression issues, my house has been an absolute clutter fuck and you are guiding me to relief. You are more effective than my meds. Thank you for being here!
I couldn’t agree more about the long to-do lists. It’s just so frustrating when you can’t get it all done! And once we’re past like 5 we basically know we’re putting ourselves in for failure. Face those top 3 of importance first thing and you’ll feel so good about it.
(Melanie here) My take-away is (1) Make shorter "to do" lists - with only 3 items and (2) Label longer lists something else (maybe like "Brain Drain") which are divided into my roles. Great video
agreed! I have been diving up my to-do list into the roles I play for a while, which was useful, but it still got overwhelming, because there was so much on there! I like the idea of categorizing most of these things as a brain dump and picking out the priority to-dos for a separate focus list :)
This is a constant issue for me! These are great ideas and I’ve been hearing your “frog project” ideas which has stuck with me! Another point I heard on a different channel recently that resonates with me is “do something today that tomorrow you will thank you for!”. Both of these points are really helping me be more productive!
Thank you!!! I've purchased planner after planner after planner. I've jerry-rigged some. I've tried making my own. I've gone with paper, electronic, and calendars on my fridge. None of them, NONE OF THEM, are as good as what you've just provided. I downloaded your free planner, turned it into a booklet, and used it last night. Wow. Just... Wow. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. And thank you for keeping it free. I don't know if I would have tried it otherwise. You've saved my sanity.
I have about 9 things on my to do list. Long story short, I picked three this morning to get done today and it was amazing! I chose to do the laundry, go food shopping (gotta eat, right!), and work on the emails from work. I left the house at 8am, went shopping, home by ten. I put those away and had lunch. I then tossed the laundry in and grabbed my laptop. While it did it's thing, I did complete a lot of the work needed to be done for work. So, my day went well BECAUSE I only focused on those three things. I felt more relaxed all day because I did not allow anything to hang over my head. I just put it out of my mind and accomplished what I needed to. Thank you, Dawn!
I have always made my list and then prioritized. Eat the ugly frog first!! is my common mantra... I was lucky to get a crash course in time management several decades ago as part of my college intake week in my freshman year. We were taught goal setting, time blocking, prioritization and so much more as keys to successful student life. I have used these techniques my entire life!
I just found you yesterday and I am a 65 year old who has always thought herself to be quite organized and able to work through to do lists but you still at my age have some great tips. as a matter fact I had never heard the 20/20 idea and that helped me clean out both a linen closet that was an overflow for my kitchen and my kitchen pantry and I thank you so much! I got everything up off the floor and I got rid of a multitude of things both goodwill and trash piles and both areas are now so much more workable. Keep up the good work!
Following your channel has been one of the most impactful things for my life. I definitely think God has gifted you with this opportunity to impact people. I’m suuuupppper pregnant right now and had put off the dishes for 3 days (not something I normally do) and it took me 15 minutes to get my entire kitchen clean this morning. Only 15 minutes!! Thank you for you doing what you do 🙏🏻❤️❤️
Thank you so much for the printable’s. An earthquake today changed my priorities! I had made my three top goals, After watching your video Sunday night. Monday morning, I am looking over the list and drinking my morning water. At 7:59 AM, there was an earthquake here in Southern California. If you’ve ever seen a chef shake the contents of a frypan quickly, that’s what it felt like. So my priorities had to change, on the first day of trying your system! I had to make sure we had gas in the car and food so that we could manage if there was a big earthquake later-grocery stores would be shut down from food spilling all over
I love my to-do lists. Not only does it help me remember what I need/want to get done, but I keep them so I can look back and remember the last time I did a certain thing. I don’t worry about checking things off in order, I just get them done. And if I don’t, no big deal, you have to give yourself some grace. I also add to my list throughout the day, as things pop into my mind. Doesn’t mean they have to be done that day, but if I don’t write them down when I think of them, I will forget. I don’t give myself time limits either. In the end, we just need to be kinder to ourselves.
I also am very lax with my to do lists. I have an ongoing list of things that need to be done at some time in the future. Examples.. organize camping gear and put photos in album. I also have a daily 10 list. These are items that MUST be done each day. Examples...shower and insulin shot. My lists keep me focused.
Hi Ms friendly you have no idea how Much you help me. Never give up keep Up the good work, l love the to do list ideas GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES FROM Cristina
This is BRILLIANT! I listened last night and printed out the attachments. Today, I simply took a yellow post it note and wrote down 3 tasks: go to the post office (which I hate), pay bills and make a dental appointment. I stuck the post it note to my keys. It's all done! Thank you for all of your videos, I've learned so much! I'm going to listen to this again. Keep doing what you're doing 👌 👏
This is soo timely. I have been putting off doing the FAFSA for my daughter because it is such a pain to get into and get done. They make it really hard for a parent to do. . I just have to do it! She is in her second year of nursing school and she needs the financial help. I will do it first thing. Also, I bought the book "Eat that frog" Thanks for reminding me that I did...hahah
I’ve used the ‘Planner Pad’ for years. It’s designed for us to categorize our lists. I love it. Also, I’ve read Brian Tracy’s book, Eat that Frog, many years ago & have always lived by it. It’s automatic, now. Great video!
“Assigning how long it’s going to take” - wow, that’s great. I used to do that for school assignments, but it never occurred to me to do that for regular daily tasks. I have been putting off making an appointment with the eye doctor for the longest. Pretty sure I can do that in less than 30 mins!!!
@The Minimal Mom Being a person who gets things done, or as I phrase it, "a person who keeps my promises to myself", is something I'm working on. So, the minute you mentioned that, I got up and sorted my laundry. Thanks for the motivation!
I have a different brain (thanks ADHD!) so no ready-made system has ever worked for it. I've learned that the most important thing is to understand your own brain and circumstances. Why you're "procrastinating," or are you simply paralyzed by fear? How well your tasks reflect your life goals, big and small. In my case, time is not the real limit, my brain power is. Which fluctuates, kinda randomly, between superhuman and totally useless. So I've tweaked my productivity system to work for me. Sure, it requires conscious planning and mindfulness, but it's so worth it in the end. I always encourage everyone to just start experimenting and keep tweaking and reflecting. 😉
I'm a co-dependent "fixer" and I've found that getting professional counseling has gone hand-in-hand with decluttering ALL of the CRAP I was "trained" to take & then hold onto. It's suffocating! In addition to counseling, I watch Lisa A. Romano's videos. Namaste. ❤️😊
I love the Getting Things Done method of dividing and conquering my Brain Dump List: Start with if it can be done in less than 3 minutes do it now. 1) divide the rest of the list into SomeDay Some Way (dreams), 2) away from home tasks (errands one day a week only), 3) need to talk to someone before I can do it tasks, and 4) for the rest of the list write down the first step to get it started. As in filling the sink with soapy water.
I keep my master list on my computer, including their priority and the approx time to complete. Tasks that will take more than an hour, I consider to be ‘weekly projects’, so only schedule 1 per week. Those taking less than an hour, I spread throughout the week. Both get transferred to my weekly planner. I don’t remove tasks from the master list until they are actually done.
Put you on pause, got up and did 4 task I had been putting off all day LOL Yes it did take me an hour but now I’m done so time to finish watching you. No they weren’t on my To Do list because they just came up this morning but they needed my attention. Thank you Dawn 😂
Hello, Dawn! Me again, lol. I just wanted to say, this video has made such an impact on my day-to-day that I've taken to listening again and again as I plan out my week. So much great advice in this video. Thank you again.
Dawn: this one helped me out a ton, OMG the "simple" things we can do !!! I was able to arrive early to a family gathering and be "StressFree" in the process by following the steps. Is that even possible? Thanks so much for sharing. You're the BEST !!!
Dawn, you've been a life changer for me in so many ways, from minimalism to organization. I've always struggled with just getting things done and it's made me beat myself up. This is just one more way you've improved my daily life. Thank you!
After your recommendation to read Eat That Frog, every day my to do list has a frog written in green. It really does focus me to get that frog out of the way. thanks Dawn
I just researched and made a phone call I have put off for 9 months!! It took 30mins. I imagine every problem that can come up instead of just doing it!!
Thanks so much for this video. Because of it I was inspired to tackle one of my biggest frogs. And of course it only took me 20 mins and was super easy to complete! It's amazing how big a deal we can make out of things sometimes!
Only you would make this free! Dawn THANK YOU!!!! I was already thinking how I could recreate that planner page and then you had it for me already! You are just the best!!!
I always avoid those important "frogs" that need to get done. I like the idea of writing out the time to complete the project and writing the to-do list separate from the three priorities. Thanks!
I love using a composition notebook. 📓 I do a sorted brain dump and a loose (not pretty, but functional) bullet journal without the detailed rules. I have a dedicated one for grocery shopping - meals (and source, Pinterest, website, cookbook) on left and grocery list on the right. Use it the next week and recycle the meals that worked. Life is easier with this.
I have developed a system! I have a clipboard with 3 sets of printed items that I use throughout my day. 1. A printed M-F checklist of daily tasks for that weeks Flylady zone. I also put in errands & appts. 2. Decluttering list of each space in my house -marked w 4 boxes--one for each quarter of the year 3. Deep cleaning list of every item to be cleaned in each Flylady zone with the same 4 boxes. It looks complicated, but it's not. This way I know that every Tuesday I have my set of tasks I need to get done (homekeeping/errands/projects) and included in that is a decluttering time and a cleaning time for that zone. When I declutter (goal: 15 min/day), I flip to the decluttering list and make sure I am marking off each space as I declutter in a zone. When I have zone deep cleaning time (goal: 15 min/day), then I flip to the zone list and mark it off. This way I keep track of where I've been and what I need to look at.
The paper planner was something I had a hard time keeping up with because I had to go find it when I had a thought. Taking a small pad of paper helped. But with smart phones, I always had a notepad with me. And with an app that syncs to the cloud, I had my notes available on many devices. This progression was how I developed my planner on my phone. I have a day of the week list up top for events and appointments. The a ‘Today’ list which would be your ‘Top Three’. Then a ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘This Week’ list to allow me to look ahead. And finally a ‘Pending’ list which is my brain dump. But as you pointed out, my pending list is quite chaotic. I’ll have to give the categorizing a try. Thank for the advice
The consensus from these productivity videos seems to be that there's no perfect planner. It's all about finding something that will work specifically for you. So like most things in life, it's a case of trial and error. Thanks for the great tips!!
Wow how did you do that? I already new about only 3 things on my to do list and yet you added value. “Destroying self-image” major lightbulb. That was the missing part. From now on EVERYTHING I do will focus on addition and subtraction to me. I know this is how it serves me or not, but today I was in the right place to take this in. Thanks so much.
I really appreciate your advice, the way you word things really makes sense. You are an inspiration to me! I've started a big project, decluttering and organizing my basement. Your tips have helped make the process less stressful 🥰
I love that book! When I was working the whole office was encouraged to read it. What I remember most is it is easy to identify a frog project and of course eat the frog first but most of all don’t look at it too long. Just eat it!
It's been 2 days I tried this and it works amazing :) I had a lot of things on my "to do list" and I did 90% of them and other things that were not on the list. I also did something it was stressing me for weeks and it took me only 20 minutes to do it! Can't believe
Thank you for this! I’ve been watching you while decluttering all week and this morning I ate my frog instead of doing something easy first. Now I have my whole day ahead to enjoy my other tasks without worrying!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Dawn for this extremely simple planning solution!! I know I can maintain this one. LOL! I haven't had the best success with most planners, but I LOVE the idea of just THREE tasks to accomplish each day! Thank you so much for everything you share with the world! It's such a blessing and much needed in these challenging times! Blessings and Peace to you, Tom and your entire family!
Thank you so much for watching! Here are the links mentioned in the video:
>> Mega Motivation Playlist: cli.re/Time-Tips
>> Free printable planner: cli.re/Free-Planner
>> Take Your House Back Course Details: cli.re/take-your-house-back
As a homeschool Mom we have been doing it for 3 years I would love to know what curriculum you have chosen or did you choose more than one curriculum because of the different ages of your children thank you so much and you really have a glowing smile and so does your sister and your videos and advice are helpful and has brought me joy and I am feeling better about having less and being able to manage it better. And your videos and channel was one of the first that showed me how to take this head on, I Rely a lot on prayer and I even quit caffeine! 😆
Thank you for the tips! Would it be possible for me to join the mega motivation group? I would love to contribute to this!
If you get time in an upcoming video can you go back over kids clothing. I’m trying to stick to 14 days of clothing but it is so HARD. Both the kids need an extra set for school. Extra in the car. They take their clothing off and sometimes it gets misplaced in a basket of stuff of mine or my husbands, or under a bed or some other wild place and suddenly we went from having 14 days of clothes to 5 days and it never feels like enough once I get started. Help lol
Huh. What do you know...? I tried this and it actually worked! 😅
None of the links seem to be working for me :(
My grandma taught me that you should always "climb your mountains in the morning and the rest of the day is all done hill.". She also said that Friday is for
" finishing". She also believed not to start large projects on Friday--it can wait until Monday. If you don't have anything to do on Friday, you have earned your extra day off. This lady was a young widow who raised her 8 children on a productive farm. All of her children had college degrees although she herself had only completed 2nd grade. She sat down each evening and let her children teach her what they had learned that day. As a retired teach myself, I can't name a better teaching/learning strategy than having a student synthesize what they have learned into their own words.
Wow, I want to meet this amazing wise woman. Thanks for sharing her words, I wrote them down.
Love this!
I'm writing this down as well, excellent strategy, sounds like something that would work for me. Your Grandma sounds like an amazing woman. Thank you so much for sharing.
Loved this!
Wow! This is so inspiring on so many levels. I'm so glad you shared! 💗
Loved this video. Thank! Here in Sweden, those tasks hanging over your head are called “sour doughs”-the longer you wait, the bigger they get.
Like defrosting the chest freezer that's needed it for far too long 😃 and now it's done! Feels GREAT.
I like that! So true! It’s fun to hear how different countries/cultures name things!
For me, I would say the things that get put off do get bigger because if it’s something I have procrastinated on, it often cost me more money to get something fixed that I’ve neglected, for example. I’ve had to pay late fees on bills that I didn’t pay on time because I put it off.
Wow! I love that!
Love this! ❤️
Ya, that's cool!
I have ADHD. With that, I have "time blindness". I have no sense of time passing and therefore no clue how long regular tasks take. For everyday tasks, I actually time myself doing them so I know how long they take. Like I set a timer and get myself dressed for the day so I can know whether it takes 2 minutes or 15. But for novel tasks, I cannot accurately estimate how long I need to set aside for a task. That used to keep me from using this method. But now, I write down how long I will spend on the task today. I try to set aside about 30 minutes for things that feel insurmountable. By then end of that 30 minutes, I will have either finished the task, or have a better idea of how much longer I need to finish it. So if making a time estimate is what is keeping you from using this method, you can tweak it just a bit to make it work for you.
Heather, thank you SO much for this really helpful tip. I don't have this particular problem but I now completely get it and will adjust my attitude to my loved one accordingly (as well as suggesting he try this!). I have to say that managing both to explain the problem AND come up with a solution in one paragraph is pretty awesome!
Yes! Jessica McCabe’s Ted talk was LIFE CHANGING!!
Make sense. Thanks!
I have this problem too. I literally have no idea how long things will take, and i always optimistically underestimate. I think i can achieve an amount of things in a certain time which is not realistic for ANYONE, (and i am pretty slow) . As the day goes on i have less energy as well, even for intellectual tasks. I will give this a try. Many thanks.
Thank you that's a great tip, I have the same problem with time blindness. I also started reading "driven to distraction" (I think I have ADHD too).
Another list idea that I really love is the Victory List. Yes, keep the 3 main things list, and add a list of what you *actually did* . Maybe this a won't/can't be an every day habit, but it can be especially helpful if the struggle with self-image is getting particularly combative. Maybe you didn't call the dentist like you intended, but you *did* give hugs and kisses to an injuried toddler, and dried tears with a favorite silly board book. Maybe you didn't get that amazing dinner you had planned done, but you *did* help an elderly neighbor with their trash cans and talk with them about their recent difficulties. Observing what you *actually do* during the day can be extremely enlightening, and sometimes just the observing can lead us to make better choices, and cut ourselves some slack.
Goodness Febbie, I LOVE your outlook & ideas! I'm going to try the Victory List, it sounds so positive 👍
Wow this is amazing. Self image is such a struggle. Productivity can get overwhelming because of the”fails” but this sounds truly victorious!!
I call it a ta-da! list 😉
Love this!
I do this so that when my hubby asks what I did during the day I can tell him rather than saying, "oh, nothing." He is actually interested. Yay! I like the idea of calling it a Victory list
I use a list with the heading: what do I feel guilty about? Whatever pops up is usually my highest priority action items
Our family has always said, "Remember the bear." We had a jointed Christmas ornament in the shape of a bear that came apart one year. For probably 3 years that bear sat there in pieces. One day I took the bear with me as something to do while waiting. It took 5 minutes to fix the bear! I had spent much time over the years thinking about the bear. Just do it! Whatever the it is.
I just love this story! I call my boyfriend Big Bear and he procrastinates a lot.
The Nike slogan “ just do it “. This saying has motivated me many times . Also if something will take less than 3 mins just do it now .
d
I’m so glad someone else has a story like this too!
Something that I am learning to say when I am late, or letting people down, is to immediately THANK THEM for their patience. That way it’s not all about ME. Don’t start by saying: I am so sorry, I feel bad, etc. let people know how grateful you are for their patience.
Thanks for this video! Your time management videos are awesome!
Great advice x
I feel this advice is well-intentioned, but the last thing I want to hear when someone has kept me waiting impatiently for their arrival or for them to do something they promised to do yesterday or last week is "Thank you for your patience." My "patience" was coerced, even if I'm polite about it; I had no choice about it and they took that choice away from me. I want to hear that they recognize they've kept me waiting, I DO want to hear that they are sorry and I want to know what they're going to do to resolve any resulting problems..
@@pearly4253 I agree with both bits of advice, having been guilty of letting people down and being let down-both. Apologies with the intention of not repeating (and the effort to improve) makes a thank you matter. Asserting gratitude is constructive, as is acknowledging fault when the apology leads to action.
I’m the same way! I am quick to apologize for not delivering- whatever it was- and thank them for “ being patient with me “. I think taking responsibility for my “ shortcomings “ and being sincere about it makes a difference in how people deal with me.
I detest it when someone says “Thank you for your patience” before they ascertain my mood. I have not usually been waiting patiently.
Sometimes you are the only person who says " I love you, and I hope you have a great day!" It's so thoughtful, and sincere. God bless you.
Right after you posted this, I started doing a morning meditation. It was a frog-getting in my daily meditation. It’s now a 78 day streak!
Love the 3 goals only.
Firstly, love you and your channel. All the way in Ireland. My journey toward minimalism is in the early stages. I chose to begin it about 4 weeks before the birth of my 3rd boy. Mainly because I was already overwhelmed and tired and terrified of the future. So proverbs 31 woman kept jumping out at me. That she laughs at the days to come. No fear of the future or how she's to manage a growing circus (family). And people kept telling me that boys will wreck your home and girls will wreck your heart. So three boys in I'm trying to set us up for life and not get bogged down by the day to day clutter. I have a 4 year old who has autism, a rambunctious toddler of 2 years and now a hangry bundle of joy who doesn't sleep well. All of this affects the decluttering journey and success of plans made.
So far I've learned so much from you, your twinie and others you've collaborated with.
I love how you discuss the organisation side of things as it's an area I struggle with most. Reminds me of a teacher who once told me "fail to prepare... Prepare to fail"- it's really 90% prep. My little nuggets of advice which I've gleamed from my own experiences are as follows (they kind of relate to planning.....):
Put God first- winning or losing the daily battle not as important as Him and Jesus Christ already won the war so when I'm super stressed I just remind myself that there's no clutter in heaven.
When breastfeeding on demand ...use a travel cup for your tea it avoids panic if you have to stop what you're doing to feed and keeps warm so no more cold tea.... Unless you're into that...
If you're worried about your kid leaking poop from the nappy on a long car journey just double diaper him. You'll thank yourself later.
Always have a plan b for things like rain when walking kids to school or out shopping. In Ireland it rains a lot. A Handy rain cover = life saver
Leftovers are a God send.
Playdoh is banned, so is magic sand... if you leave your kid alone with it for more than 2 minutes you'll be cleaning it up for more than 2 days .
With an ASD affected child don't worry if the days don't go as planned. Remember that every kid ASD or Neuro typical eventually goes to bed. Meltdowns are a test of endurance and just wait on the Lord as he calms the storm.
If you're too tired to read the bible before bed... Pray. He cares more about our relationship than our reading. Reading gives us knowledge and assurance but prayer resets us mentally and spiritually.
Another idea from my momma- write EVERY thing you will do and add/cross off things even after the fact to acknowledge what you've done. There are tasks needing doing all day that you already do. If you feel like a slouch, start writing down the invisible tasks and crossing them off to acknowledge your work and motivate you to do the harder things. (Helps you feel momentum and acknowledge your productivity.) (ie. For all of us- ✔ Make bed)
I found that the more I obsessed over my daily, mile-long to do list, the worse I felt about myself! Small, manageable lists and eating more frogs has helped immensely, not only with productivity, but also with my self esteem.
This is so awesome!
Agreed:)
So for some reason I started reading the comments before watching this video. And I was confused as to why your eating frogs helped! 🤣
@@ro2409 the comments widen the view.
Listening to you describe putting off that project gave me a physical reaction of anxiety. Yikes! Phone calls, scheduling, and appointments are the hardest for me. I’m an introvert with a “healthy” dose of social anxiety, but I try to take care of them early in the week and recuperate the rest of the week.
I usually assign myself only one hard/difficult/uncomfortable task for a day/every few days. Then, it’s easier to push myself to get it done and off the list, and also reward myself with a reprieve from further hard task for a bit.
I absolutely relate to this!
Me too! I like your approach. That was helpful.
Geez I could of written this .
This is Katrina on my husband's tablet he prefers my iPad.
Maybe since we're supposed to breakdown our list, we could turn that one hard task into 3 points. So then we are still doing 3 hard tasks. 🤔
I relate to this so much!
Stop calling it a "to do" list. Call it a "pick list". Then pick the 3 or 4 things you want/need to accomplish over whatever time span you choose. The illusion of more control is surprisingly useful.
I really like that and I'm going to try it. THANKS!
That's a great idea. Thank you!
I used to have a short ‘only to do list’ in order to keep me focused. I could only deviate from the list if it would take less than a minute.
Ooh, Love this!!
For a “brain dump”, I keep a running note on my phone called “Admin / Loose Ends.” I put a few down on a written list for the day and check things off as they are completed (deleting them from my main note as they are completed). I try to pick one each day that’s tricky/time consuming or urgent and then add a couple other simpler ones. This is helping me so much. I keep a separate one for work also.
Good idea. Portability makes it useful.
Where do u keep the “admin” thing in ur phone? Do u create one everyday? Or carryover and update that every day ? Or have some pre- planned itemized things on 7 days(per each week)?
Don’t texting on my account mom!
This is my acc
@@itzbookboysinc2246 she said she keeps a “running note.” So I’m guessing it’s on the Notes app on her phone. It stays put until you delete it.
Dawn, I paused the video right after you said you aren’t qualified to say anything about homeschooling to tell you this, after having homeschooled to high school graduation (and had the pleasure of seeing her graduate from University) and am at it again with another child: YOU ARE QUALIFIED!
If it is working for you or if it isn’t, there is probably another parent or grandparent in a similar state of mind who needs your encouragement JUST WHERE YOU ARE! And even seasoned homeschoolers sometimes just need to be reminded that they can simplify and maybe even let go of some things.
I never really “did school” exactly the way most people around me did, and sometimes found myself feeling like I was lacking. Sometimes we really weren’t doing much more than math and reading and trying to keep our heads above water because real life problems needed to be dealt with. And at one point we had to give up homeschooling altogether for personal reasons- something I never imagined we’d do. But now we are back. And it is TOTALLY different this time around. We do what works for our family and we do not EVER worry about what anyone thinks, or how many advanced subjects their kids are in, or that I’m not doing enough. It is a process and every family is different. But you are qualified to tell people whatever you want to say because everyone starts somewhere.
Can you imagine a new Believer in Christ saying, “ Well, I want to tell you about how knowing the Lord Jesus as my Savior has changed my life and given me joy, peace and hope,but I’ve only read a few chapters here and there in the Bible and haven’t found the perfect church yet, plus we are always late on Sunday mornings, and I haven’t volunteered at church, and the only Scripture I have memorized yet is John 3:16! So I’ll let you know how it goes after I’ve been a Christian for a few more years. Then I’ll probably know how to talk and look like a real Christian and people will know I’m for real”?! No way! (I’m not equating one thing to the other, just painting a picture.)
You’ve got this! You love your kids. You are home with them. You are educating them. They are learning. You are teaching them values You are building Christian character. You are helping them understand the crazy world we are in at the moment. And they know no matter what you and the family have each other. Never, NEVER feel like you haven’t done this long enough to be “qualified!”
Your homeschool is whatever you want it to be. Of course each state has different regulations, but operating within that framework is freedom. Maybe step back and look at it with fresh eyes and put the burden down. If you haven’t already, consider joining Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) if you are truly homeschooling outside the confines of the government system, and look into supporting the Parental Rights Association (by getting their emails, if nothing else).
This may not all apply to you but I’m saying it for whoever took the time to read this looooong comment as well.
Stepping down from my soap box to return to your video.
Love you and your channel.
I can’t be the only person who hit “pause” so I could read Dawn’s to-do list 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤓
Ooh, I’m going to go back and do that. 😂😍
Me lol
LOL 😅 I also hit "pause"!🤭
I did too!
😂I thought I was the only one!
I've found there are days when just one thing on my list is all I can handle. I do it, and I am so happy with myself!
Exactly! I’ve been writing a list of 3 priorities every day for like 10 years, & I’m ecstatic if I scratch off just one a day.
At least we got something done😃
According to an article I read recently they are called non-zero days, it’s about doing at least one thing, even if it’s just making the bed and being proud of getting that one thing done. Then, on the days you can do more it can start a snowball effect and on days you just can’t it means you can go to bed at night knowing you did not have a “zero” day.
I do that too!
I feel the need for UA-cam to have a heart icon instead of just thumbs up or down. Lots of hearts for your videos, Dawn!
❤
I binge-watched more than 30 videos of you in the last weeks. I was in a really bad place, and I kind of still am, but this video was the first thing in the last weeks that made me feel understood and also really helped me. You don't know how much you've helped me with this one. For me it is really typical to put off things and sometimes even years later, i still feel bad about not getting back to someone.
I'm glad the videos are helping you! It's always good to start small and pick goals that are realistic for you and the mental state you're in. You are loved!
Dawn, have you ever read The ONE Thing? It says that we should look at our tasks and ask ourselves the question “what one thing would, by doing it, would make other tasks easier or not prioritized”. That’s how I start my list! It’s a great read.
This sounds like something I would love to read! Do you remember who wrote it?
@@MoonlitBrenya Hi there. It is by Gary Keller. I loved it.
@@DRenee-fl3dw Thanks! I'll add it to my Recommended Reads list.
I agree with what is being said here. I also have days when the chronic fatigue gets bad, particularly in the morning and early afternoon. Instead of letting that mean I might as well waste the rest of the day, I now give myself permission to plan to do things in the evening when I know I'll feel most capable. I'm learning to turn my anxiety over not doing things into anxiousness TO do them, keeping goals small enough to be achievable, and then watching for that moment my energy swells. It's a bit like surfing, I suppose. For most people, morning is the time to catch that wave, but not everyone. Use your intuition, and keep trying.
When I had a planner, I spent more time managing the planner then actually getting stuff done!
YES! Especially if you get into the stickers etc. I recognized this problem a year ago with me. So I made a give-away package of my planner "goodies", started 2020 with a much simpler straight forward planner and only indulged in a favorite pen. Perfect.
@@anahuron6440 I am guilty of this…
Yes, which is why I am now just using up simple notebooks that I already have (and the author copies I order from Amazon of the books I sell on there). I absolutely adore planners and all the stickers/charms etc, but I could very easily get myself back into debt by 'buying it all'. I removed myself from all the planner groups on social media (and bullet journal groups, as I tried that, but just ended up with a few nicely coloured/decorated pages, and then the rest would be left blank!).
Yeah I thought for a few days that the official bullet journal (as opposed to any similar tensing bullet journals) was going to be my solution, but I found it too detailed and complex. It felt like everything needed to be perfect, so I kept putting it off...and discontinued 😆
I feel that way. Just a few simple lists on my phone sets me up; the calendar app; some programmed repeating tasks.
I've been a master procrastinator all my life and I recently heard Gretchen Rubin from the 'Happiness Project' say 'the stewing is worse than the doing'. How true! This one simple phrase put it all into perspective for me. Why do I keep putting it off when it feels so much worse than actually doing it!? It's been a game changer.
Thanks for another great video packed with well thought, realistic ways we can continue to improve our every day life.
OMG!! Me too and that's brilliant!!
Oh and also Jen from Solid Starts taught me to have a way to separate tasks that can be done with an awake toddler vs have to be done with an asleep kid/childcare etc. Been so valuable to me!
I finished a major task today (something I took on as a volunteer that I knew would be a rough task but it needed the time). Got it done today! Took several hours but it is done ! Did I mention it is done! I may actually sleep tonight.
You mean it’s done??!!
This must be for younger woman in a different chapter of life! If I make a list it's because I NEED to remember to actually do or go or get what's on the list!
Right on!
🤩
I don’t know, I’m the same, and I’m not that old yet… just rounded into 40s. Not a thing gets remembered if I don’t write it down. That’s why I like how I can put repeating tasks into my phone. They can happen everyday or every week and I’d still forget them.
I agree with the sentiment of not setting yourself for failure. I go about it a different way. I have memory issues due to a medication I’m taking, so I live by to-do lists because I will forget tasks otherwise. However, I was finding that I procrastinated on the harder/less desirable tasks, so now I have 3 to-do lists. The first is all of the big things I need to do (IE pay taxes, paint a room, go to a Dr, etc) I also set a timeline on when each task needs to be completed. The 2nd list is the tasks that need to be done each day/week/month. For example, I have to put take out trash on Monday and Thursday night. Because of my memory issues I need it really broken down to the basics. The 3rd list is my daily to-do list for that day. I take from list 1 and 2 to make list 3. Sometimes I don’t get my item from list 1 done in that day, but I don’t put it off more than 3 days because I have my timeline on when it needs to be completed. I know it sounds like a lot, but it isn’t for me. My list 1 is pretty constant and I review it once a week to see if anything needs to be added (I’ll also add when a task comes up.). List 2 rarely changes at all. List 3 I’ll make the night before or some weeks I even make my list for the entire week (listing what I have to do every day). Just wanted to share what works for me.
I’ve added “Drink Wine” to my to-do list so I know I’ll check off at least one thing!! 😆
@@marthagibbons2780 best comment😆
I used to write mortgages. The thing that is most dreaded in the job is having to call and tell the borrower that the loan is declined. I always made the call immediately after the Underwriter notified me, so I wouldn’t have to dread making that call, but I was the only person in my office who did not put it off until the end of the day. I was always encouraging my coworkers to “rip off that band aide”, just get it done. I found that the customers always appreciated knowing as soon as possible and usually had expected that they might not be able to get a loan at that point. Instead of dreading I called and helped the customer create a plan to be able to buy a home down the road. That was great advice to get the dreaded items out of the way.
I so needed this right now, thank you! I write ridiculously long daily lists and feel rubbish when I can’t achieve even 25% of them.
“Prioritize the things that hang over our head, cause stress when they are incomplete, have bearing on our financial well-being and other important aspects”
Sometimes when I am avoiding a task and keep carrying it over, I finally realize that maybe this is not the time for this or maybe I don’t want to keep it on the list at all. This requires a lot of self-reflection and self-honesty. It also means learning how to recognize when this is indeed the case. This has happened several times recently and giving myself permission to “un-do” the item can be very freeing.
This is SO good Jane!
Thanks!
I agree. When i find myself not doing something on my list for several days, I look more closely at its value in my life to determine if there's a misalignment.
@@mylanmo “Misalignment” is a very apt description. I will definitely borrow that in making my assessment. Thanks.
I've always been a get-er-done person. When I was young my Mom would tackle her hardest or most important task first thing in the morning and preached that to us kids. I have lived that way and it feels so good to know that your day can only get easier. Putting things off only causes underlying stress. Personally I also think the way to increase productivity is to turn off the TV. I haven't had on for 10 years.
Sure, but now the addiction is on our handheld devices like our smartphones that are usually within reach at all times & beckon us to check the news, Yahoo/Google, email, text msgs, social media, and vlogs we are subscribed to. There are so many interesting things and knowledge that it's tempting to let it suck you in everyday. And then... where has the time gone, what did you accomplish, and how do I break this habit? For that matter, you could watch an entire TV series or movie on your phone. So I guess it's actually worse than TV 📺. 😬
I love to wash my dirtiest pots and pans first. The kitchen always look so much less intimidating when those are out of the way. (traditionally, the order is cleanest to dirtiest, so you can keep using the water ). I also like to get the silverware over with. I hate washing those! Getting my workout over with in the first part of the day does wonders for the mood, too, knowing you got it over with.
It's my phone that steals time. Everything in the world is on there
I love all the advice and tips. Everything is so logical, but I gotta say, with the big frogs, I have to just wait until I feel like it. That is what works for me and I need to give myself the grace and space to do it that way. If there is a deadline, then I am driven by the deadline. But with things that do not have to ever get done, such as decluttering, I have to be in the mood. I hope I am not alone.
I agree here. I can’t force myself to do things bc it just doesn’t work out for me. It’s about creating the flow in my days so that I am able to tackle harder stuff but trusting that when I am ready I am ready (unless deadline but I self imposed deadlines all the time and have to tell myself that it’s totally fine to not do it. I used to bully myself into doing things so this approach works for me)
I agree. With most big jobs, even the ones I hate, there will eventually come a day when I'm just energized and psyched to get it done, and I do it better than if I had forced myself to do it sooner.
Sometimes I just have to make myself get started on a task even if I don’t feel like it. Bonnie Hunt once quoted her dad on her talk show, He had said that activity promotes energy, but being idle promotes tiredness...something to that effect. I remind myself of that all the time when I don’t feel like doing something.
@@FrenchCruller03 Same!
Same, J M. I've learned to trust myself to do it when I'm in the "zone" and find it easier and smoother because I waited until I was ready. And since I can now trust myself to get it done when it works for me, I don't feel it looming over my day. Win-win.
The Laundry Frog. My brain talks me into thinking that I am hauling all our clothes down to the river, beating them on a rock for hours, and losing my knuckles in the process instead of the reality of carrying a small bag to a machine, putting a pod in, pushing a button, and then putting my feet up to watch youtube videos. lol
Such a true statement!! 🤣🤣
I’ve gotten laundry to be so much easier by eliminating as much sorting as possible.
🤣🤣🤣
Thank you! I will do my 3 frogs list. I have 3 small kids. And I agree to downsize the list. I am a breastfeeding counselor and I usually recommend new moms to do 2 things and make a small task list to put on the fridge for visitors. It is amazing how much help you can get when people ask "how I can help?" And instead of saying nothing, you can say thank you for the offer actually I have a list on the fridge. And for new moms only 2 a day is enough to make you feel you did it.
So I will add to my counseling only 3 frogs. Thank you friend. I like that I don't have to do this alone. I am grateful to God for my friend Isabel from Colombia that recommended me to watch your experience and expertise.
This is almost exactly what I do. I have tried a bunch of different planners and I keep coming back to the Moleskine planner because it's so simple. I brain dump on the right page and pull from that list into the left side with my schedule and appointments. I love that the days have small spaces because it works as a container. If I have too many things to fit on the day page, I know I've overcommitted.
Love these printables, Dawn! I’ve been doing something similar: my short non-negotiable/have-to-do list and then a lengthy would-be-nice-to-get-done or tadpole list (tasks that will end up on my have to do list as frogs in the day or week or so, but today it’s a tadpole)
Hey Dawn - Thanks for this great video! I have been struggling with my schedule even though I've been a faithful "monthly calendar" girl for years. I finally created a system I think will help me and I thought I'd share it. I created a weekly calendar on Google Sheets. The days are columns (Monday-Sunday) and hours are rows (I use 8 am-6 pm). Some hours get more than one row depending on need. I have 4 kids at 4 schools, each with different pick ups and drop offs. Three of the kids have after school activities and I also have a day job (with flexible hours of course). So first thing on the spreadsheet is the pick up and drop off times for the kids. Knowing how long it takes to do each has allowed me to have a better idea of how to schedule the rest of the day. The monthly calendar wasn't cutting it and I didn't want to hand write all these pick ups and drop offs on a daily calendar. I was completely overwhelmed before this system, and I kept making appointments for the kids that couldn't possibly work and then had to cancel and reschedule (and felt like I was failing). It was a disaster. Now I am able to see what I can and cannot do, and if needed seek help for things that cannot be rescheduled. I print out the schedule for the week and carry it with me. I color coded it for interest. I prefer this over using an app because it's much easier to change the time slots in a manual spreadsheet (copy/cut and paste) as opposed to a system that's asking me all sorts of questions like, "how many time will the event repeat". The schedule changes every day and on the fly, so I can make changes pretty easily on the google sheet without a fuss. Hope this helps anyone in the same boat as me. I can say it feels good at the end of the day to see how much I've accomplished on this spreadsheet, as opposed to just feeling tired and not knowing exactly why because I can't even remember what I did all day!
Hey Dawn,
Thank you so much for this video it was literally an answer to prayer. I looked back in my journal and I had prayed for help with this in the middle of the night on Saturday. I woke to tasks I needed to do running through my head. As each one would pop up, I tried mentally putting each task in a tote. Pretty soon I had 3 or 4 totes for different categories. The tasks that came up fit into one of those boxes and I was able to snap the lids on and set them aside. I asked God to help me figure out a better system for handling my to do list and then a few days later, your video popped up. I ended up using 4 large post-it notes for my brain dump 'totes.' And then I can move them through my standard spiral notebook with a two page spread for days of the week. Thank you so much for all you do, it has been such a blessing and an encouragement.
Also, I got the chance to put minimizing into practice sorting through our private schools storage rooms. It was so fun and exciting for all of us to experience the change. Everyone is delighted to be able to go downstairs and see what we have and find what they need. Thanks for the training, you are making a difference!
Really appreciate the advice about calling someone you've not spoken to for a while! I'm really trying to call more instead of messaging. I honestly think it covers more ground and saves time overall. I've also gone back to writing short letters to people I've not seen or spoken to for a while. When I receive a letter or card, it feels so personal that someone took the time to craft this to me.
One regular task "frog" of mine is writing a newsletter. I don't enjoy it at all. Two difficulties are #1-dislike and #2-the task of writing is a CREATIVE process which does require a bit of "feel-like-it". I can't just write as if I'm making a phone call....I have to be inspired. So...I've tried to find ways to change my mind about the liking part and I try to take my computer away from my home desk and frog this from another location.
Another thought about a planner: I leave my planner open to the date on my desk at home. Sometimes my husband will read it and take something off of it! He asks "can I take something off your plate?" I love him for that!!
Thank you so much for your wisdom.....
🌹
Great post! Another good reason for assigning estimated time to do a task is that when you wonder why you can’t get a lot of things done on your list and then you add up the total time that you’re allotting to get it done you will sometimes see that you don’t have that kind of time available! So then you are really forced to narrow down what you can realistically get done
I once saw a 100-year-old woman interviewed and she was asked what would be the best advice she could share. Her response was, "Do the hard things first." I try to keep that foremost in my thoughts on a daily basis!
Dentist,DMV,Banking,ugh
Just use your "eat that frog" tip today with a project I have been putting off for a long time. And after it was done...I felt so good!!! And it gave me momentum for the rest of my day...and still have that momentum this afternoon. 😁
I have a bog full of frogs! I just paused you, got up, and did one, and now I really do feel better. Thank you for this video. I'm going to watch it about 10 more times.
Dawn, I know you feel like you are not qualified to speak "homeschool" but you make things so simple and relatable and realistic. PLEASE make a HS video of what you use, what you do, etc. Pretty Please!
I agree!
Homeschooled for 22 years k-12 (five children). Loved it.
I read a story one time about this gal who hated mopping the floor. She finally timed herself and it was fine in five minutes! She said that she couldn't believe how much anxiety she had allowed herself to feel over something that took five minutes. I also try to remind myself how good I'll feel when something is accomplished and go from there.
Some days I can only get one big thing off my to-do list but I always write my top three out the night before. I want that get stuff done identity! Great video as always Dawn! 💕
I watched your video last night and this morning made a sticky note of the 3 things to do today. One of them was vacuum my car out which I have been putting off for weeks. I wrote that it would take 30mins to wipe it down and vacuum. I dropped my kids @ school and then drove to a park with my wipes and cordless vacuum. While listening to the birds I cleaned the inside of my car in 20mins and was done in time for Homesense to open @ 9:30. Instead of waiting in the parking lot for it to open, I was productive and I feel great! Thanks for the tips, love your videos and you inspire me on my decluttering journey!
I’ve been using your reference to “eating the frog first”. As I’ve worked through my mental illness it’s been a huge help. I do the project/task I’m most unhappy about having to do. I’m also trying to track how little time it actually takes, so I can turn some frogs into a princess aka an easy task ☺️
Go easy on yourself, we moms are often the default setting for the entire family. Congratulate yourself for what you DO get done and you’ll be in a better place emotionally for the remainder.
You are my 👼. I am a smidge autistic and have depression issues, my house has been an absolute clutter fuck and you are guiding me to relief. You are more effective than my meds. Thank you for being here!
I couldn’t agree more about the long to-do lists. It’s just so frustrating when you can’t get it all done! And once we’re past like 5 we basically know we’re putting ourselves in for failure. Face those top 3 of importance first thing and you’ll feel so good about it.
(Melanie here) My take-away is (1) Make shorter "to do" lists - with only 3 items and (2) Label longer lists something else (maybe like "Brain Drain") which are divided into my roles. Great video
agreed! I have been diving up my to-do list into the roles I play for a while, which was useful, but it still got overwhelming, because there was so much on there! I like the idea of categorizing most of these things as a brain dump and picking out the priority to-dos for a separate focus list :)
This is a constant issue for me! These are great ideas and I’ve been hearing your “frog project” ideas which has stuck with me! Another point I heard on a different channel recently that resonates with me is “do something today that tomorrow you will thank you for!”. Both of these points are really helping me be more productive!
The idea of a "future self" is great. I love it when my past self was kind to my future self!
Thank you!!! I've purchased planner after planner after planner. I've jerry-rigged some. I've tried making my own. I've gone with paper, electronic, and calendars on my fridge. None of them, NONE OF THEM, are as good as what you've just provided. I downloaded your free planner, turned it into a booklet, and used it last night. Wow. Just... Wow. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. And thank you for keeping it free. I don't know if I would have tried it otherwise. You've saved my sanity.
I have about 9 things on my to do list. Long story short, I picked three this morning to get done today and it was amazing! I chose to do the laundry, go food shopping (gotta eat, right!), and work on the emails from work. I left the house at 8am, went shopping, home by ten. I put those away and had lunch. I then tossed the laundry in and grabbed my laptop. While it did it's thing, I did complete a lot of the work needed to be done for work. So, my day went well BECAUSE I only focused on those three things. I felt more relaxed all day because I did not allow anything to hang over my head. I just put it out of my mind and accomplished what I needed to. Thank you, Dawn!
So timely. I was just avoiding a work task for days. Did it in 5 min.
I have always made my list and then prioritized. Eat the ugly frog first!! is my common mantra...
I was lucky to get a crash course in time management several decades ago as part of my college intake week in my freshman year. We were taught goal setting, time blocking, prioritization and so much more as keys to successful student life. I have used these techniques my entire life!
I just found you yesterday and I am a 65 year old who has always thought herself to be quite organized and able to work through to do lists but you still at my age have some great tips. as a matter fact I had never heard the 20/20 idea and that helped me clean out both a linen closet that was an overflow for my kitchen and my kitchen pantry and I thank you so much! I got everything up off the floor and I got rid of a multitude of things both goodwill and trash piles and both areas are now so much more workable. Keep up the good work!
Following your channel has been one of the most impactful things for my life. I definitely think God has gifted you with this opportunity to impact people. I’m suuuupppper pregnant right now and had put off the dishes for 3 days (not something I normally do) and it took me 15 minutes to get my entire kitchen clean this morning. Only 15 minutes!! Thank you for you doing what you do 🙏🏻❤️❤️
Thank you so much for the printable’s.
An earthquake today changed my priorities! I had made my three top goals, After watching your video Sunday night.
Monday morning, I am looking over the list and drinking my morning water. At 7:59 AM, there was an earthquake here in Southern California. If you’ve ever seen a chef shake the contents of a frypan quickly, that’s what it felt like.
So my priorities had to change, on the first day of trying your system! I had to make sure we had gas in the car and food so that we could manage if there was a big earthquake later-grocery stores would be shut down from food spilling all over
I love my to-do lists. Not only does it help me remember what I need/want to get done, but I keep them so I can look back and remember the last time I did a certain thing.
I don’t worry about checking things off in order, I just get them done. And if I don’t, no big deal, you have to give yourself some grace.
I also add to my list throughout the day, as things pop into my mind. Doesn’t mean they have to be done that day, but if I don’t write them down when I think of them, I will forget.
I don’t give myself time limits either.
In the end, we just need to be kinder to ourselves.
I also am very lax with my to do lists. I have an ongoing list of things that need to be done at some time in the future. Examples.. organize camping gear and put photos in album. I also have a daily 10 list. These are items that MUST be done each day. Examples...shower and insulin shot. My lists keep me focused.
Hi Ms friendly you have no idea how
Much you help me. Never give up keep
Up the good work, l love the to do list ideas
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES
FROM Cristina
This is BRILLIANT! I listened last night and printed out the attachments. Today, I simply took a yellow post it note and wrote down 3 tasks: go to the post office (which I hate), pay bills and make a dental appointment. I stuck the post it note to my keys. It's all done! Thank you for all of your videos, I've learned so much! I'm going to listen to this again. Keep doing what you're doing 👌 👏
I have been putting decluttering and organizing my office! Just those two words alone make me want to run!
This is soo timely. I have been putting off doing the FAFSA for my daughter because it is such a pain to get into and get done. They make it really hard for a parent to do. . I just have to do it! She is in her second year of nursing school and she needs the financial help. I will do it first thing. Also, I bought the book "Eat that frog" Thanks for reminding me that I did...hahah
I’ve used the ‘Planner Pad’ for years. It’s designed for us to categorize our lists. I love it. Also, I’ve read Brian Tracy’s book, Eat that Frog, many years ago & have always lived by it. It’s automatic, now. Great video!
I love the Plannerpad too! Used it for years when I worked at the library and now I’m retired I’m busier than ever and still find it invaluable.
“Assigning how long it’s going to take” - wow, that’s great. I used to do that for school assignments, but it never occurred to me to do that for regular daily tasks. I have been putting off making an appointment with the eye doctor for the longest. Pretty sure I can do that in less than 30 mins!!!
@The Minimal Mom
Being a person who gets things done, or as I phrase it, "a person who keeps my promises to myself", is something I'm working on. So, the minute you mentioned that, I got up and sorted my laundry. Thanks for the motivation!
I have a different brain (thanks ADHD!) so no ready-made system has ever worked for it. I've learned that the most important thing is to understand your own brain and circumstances. Why you're "procrastinating," or are you simply paralyzed by fear? How well your tasks reflect your life goals, big and small. In my case, time is not the real limit, my brain power is. Which fluctuates, kinda randomly, between superhuman and totally useless. So I've tweaked my productivity system to work for me. Sure, it requires conscious planning and mindfulness, but it's so worth it in the end. I always encourage everyone to just start experimenting and keep tweaking and reflecting. 😉
I'm a co-dependent "fixer" and I've found that getting professional counseling has gone hand-in-hand with decluttering ALL of the CRAP I was "trained" to take & then hold onto. It's suffocating!
In addition to counseling, I watch Lisa A. Romano's videos.
Namaste. ❤️😊
I love the Getting Things Done method of dividing and conquering my Brain Dump List:
Start with if it can be done in less than 3 minutes do it now.
1) divide the rest of the list into SomeDay Some Way (dreams),
2) away from home tasks (errands one day a week only),
3) need to talk to someone before I can do it tasks,
and 4) for the rest of the list write down the first step to get it started. As in filling the sink with soapy water.
I keep my master list on my computer, including their priority and the approx time to complete. Tasks that will take more than an hour, I consider to be ‘weekly projects’, so only schedule 1 per week. Those taking less than an hour, I spread throughout the week. Both get transferred to my weekly planner. I don’t remove tasks from the master list until they are actually done.
Put you on pause, got up and did 4 task I had been putting off all day LOL Yes it did take me an hour but now I’m done so time to finish watching you. No they weren’t on my To Do list because they just came up this morning but they needed my attention. Thank you Dawn 😂
Hello, Dawn! Me again, lol. I just wanted to say, this video has made such an impact on my day-to-day that I've taken to listening again and again as I plan out my week. So much great advice in this video. Thank you again.
Dawn: this one helped me out a ton, OMG the "simple" things we can do !!! I was able to arrive early to a family gathering and be "StressFree" in the process by following the steps. Is that even possible? Thanks so much for sharing. You're the BEST !!!
Just the message I needed to hear today. Thanks Dawn. I have been putting off lots of work tasks to the point that it feels like self sabotage.
My husband got rid of his too big jeans! All by himself! All these tips and times listening have finally started to rub off. Thanks so much
Dawn, you've been a life changer for me in so many ways, from minimalism to organization. I've always struggled with just getting things done and it's made me beat myself up. This is just one more way you've improved my daily life. Thank you!
I can’t find enough words to express how helpful this video is!!!
After your recommendation to read Eat That Frog, every day my to do list has a frog written in green. It really does focus me to get that frog out of the way. thanks Dawn
I just researched and made a phone call I have put off for 9 months!! It took 30mins. I imagine every problem that can come up instead of just doing it!!
Thanks so much for this video. Because of it I was inspired to tackle one of my biggest frogs. And of course it only took me 20 mins and was super easy to complete! It's amazing how big a deal we can make out of things sometimes!
Only you would make this free! Dawn THANK YOU!!!! I was already thinking how I could recreate that planner page and then you had it for me already! You are just the best!!!
I always avoid those important "frogs" that need to get done. I like the idea of writing out the time to complete the project and writing the to-do list separate from the three priorities. Thanks!
I love using a composition notebook. 📓 I do a sorted brain dump and a loose (not pretty, but functional) bullet journal without the detailed rules. I have a dedicated one for grocery shopping - meals (and source, Pinterest, website, cookbook) on left and grocery list on the right. Use it the next week and recycle the meals that worked. Life is easier with this.
Text me
+①⑤⓪②④④④①⑨⑦②
You wouldn't conceivably put this out there, would you?
I have developed a system! I have a clipboard with 3 sets of printed items that I use throughout my day. 1. A printed M-F checklist of daily tasks for that weeks Flylady zone. I also put in errands & appts. 2. Decluttering list of each space in my house -marked w 4 boxes--one for each quarter of the year 3. Deep cleaning list of every item to be cleaned in each Flylady zone with the same 4 boxes. It looks complicated, but it's not. This way I know that every Tuesday I have my set of tasks I need to get done (homekeeping/errands/projects) and included in that is a decluttering time and a cleaning time for that zone. When I declutter (goal: 15 min/day), I flip to the decluttering list and make sure I am marking off each space as I declutter in a zone. When I have zone deep cleaning time (goal: 15 min/day), then I flip to the zone list and mark it off. This way I keep track of where I've been and what I need to look at.
The paper planner was something I had a hard time keeping up with because I had to go find it when I had a thought. Taking a small pad of paper helped. But with smart phones, I always had a notepad with me. And with an app that syncs to the cloud, I had my notes available on many devices.
This progression was how I developed my planner on my phone. I have a day of the week list up top for events and appointments. The a ‘Today’ list which would be your ‘Top Three’. Then a ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘This Week’ list to allow me to look ahead. And finally a ‘Pending’ list which is my brain dump. But as you pointed out, my pending list is quite chaotic. I’ll have to give the categorizing a try.
Thank for the advice
The consensus from these productivity videos seems to be that there's no perfect planner. It's all about finding something that will work specifically for you. So like most things in life, it's a case of trial and error. Thanks for the great tips!!
Wow how did you do that? I already new about only 3 things on my to do list and yet you added value. “Destroying self-image” major lightbulb. That was the missing part. From now on EVERYTHING I do will focus on addition and subtraction to me. I know this is how it serves me or not, but today I was in the right place to take this in. Thanks so much.
I really appreciate your advice, the way you word things really makes sense. You are an inspiration to me! I've started a big project, decluttering and organizing my basement. Your tips have helped make the process less stressful 🥰
I live by all these practices, but sometimes they fall aside, so love this reminder thank you! And those glasses look so gorgeous on you!
I love that book! When I was working the whole office was encouraged to read it. What I remember most is it is easy to identify a frog project and of course eat the frog first but most of all don’t look at it too long. Just eat it!
It's been 2 days I tried this and it works amazing :) I had a lot of things on my "to do list" and I did 90% of them and other things that were not on the list.
I also did something it was stressing me for weeks and it took me only 20 minutes to do it! Can't believe
I read the eat the biggest frog first book! Life changing...thanks for encouraging me and other people to get stuff done!
Thank you for this! I’ve been watching you while decluttering all week and this morning I ate my frog instead of doing something easy first. Now I have my whole day ahead to enjoy my other tasks without worrying!
1. Love your ideas!
2. Huge Franklin Covey organizing fan here!
3. Love your glasses! 😀
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Dawn for this extremely simple planning solution!! I know I can maintain this one. LOL! I haven't had the best success with most planners, but I LOVE the idea of just THREE tasks to accomplish each day! Thank you so much for everything you share with the world! It's such a blessing and much needed in these challenging times! Blessings and Peace to you, Tom and your entire family!