Do you have a list of tasks, or one particular task, that you don’t feel like doing and it’s weighing you down? Try these tips and figure out which technique works for you.
Suck it up Princess
This is the technique I personally use the most. Growing up on a farm I learnt the work ethic of just get the job done. The “crop planting fairy” does not come and plant the crops, we just had to roll up the sleeves and get jobs done. Go on Princess, knuckle down and get the job done
The stewing is worse than the doing
Gretchen Rubin, four-time New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and speaker, creator of the Four Tendencies framework, exploring happiness and good habits says “the stewing is worse than the doing”. Procrastinating and overthinking the task is often more distressing than just getting it done. Start the task instead of thinking about it too much .
Use a timer
I also use this technique with great effect. Put the timer on and get to work. This concept comes from the Promodoro Technique .
From Wikipedia.
“The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.[1] The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. These intervals are named pomodoros, the plural in English of the Italian word pomodoro (tomato), after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used as a university student” [2][3]
I use 50 minute interval for work and then 10 minute break. Find out more at: https://tomato-timer.com/
Let the clock tell you when to do it
For me running my life this way means there’s no excuse for “I don’t feel like it”. Allocate times in the calendar to get jobs done and then do them when the time comes. Less decisions frees you up to make more creative choices about how you want to spend your time so you can organise the life you want.
Don’t do it
Ask yourself “what is the value of getting each task done?” Is it getting you closer to achieving your goals? What would happen if you did not do the task? See which items you can cross off the list without even spending any time on it to free you up to spend on more productive tasks.
Break the task down
Perhaps the task is too big and daunting and that’s why you don’t feel like doing it. Break down the task into steps. What is the very next action you need to do to move the task forward? Breaking the task down into smaller steps will make it more manageable.
Outsource
Which bits on your to do list can the kids take on? Which bits can your husband help out with? Which bits can your neighbours, friends, work colleagues or other family members help out with?
Alternatively, find someone that specialises in life admin such as “Organise.Curate.Design” and get them to do it for you – yes, they will fill out your school enrollment forms and pay your dog registration. https://www.facebook.com/organise.curate.design/
Time block
Put chunks of time aside to tackle special projects. First thing in the morning is best before you get sidetrack with stuff that life throws at you.
Eat that frog
Brian Tracy, Entrepreneur, Professional Speaker, Best Selling Author & Success Expert talks about doing the worst job on your To Do list at the start of the day when you’re fresh and energised.
On his website, Brian says “Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long. Your “frog” is your biggest, most important task, the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do something about it”.
Follow this link for more information: https://www.briantracy.com/blog/time-management/the-truth-about-frogs/
Next steps?
Tackling the tasks by using one of these tips will get it off your To Do list, lift the weight off your shoulders and stop you thinking about it and free you up to do something more fun. Be sure of your goals and priorities and know if you really do need to do the task at all.
Write up your own goals for 2019 by using my downloadable page in the article Clear goals make priority setting easy to help reduce the “I don’t feel like it” feeling.
Try one of these suggestions and let me know how you go. Which one works for you?
Still need help
I love to work with people one-on-one to help them set priorities to make it easier to decide what to do next and reduce the “I don’t feel like it” feeling. We will prioritise all that you need to get done each week. Examine your goals and how you can get it all done in an easy step by step process. With my support, you can create the success and outcomes you deserve – go on, organise the life you want! Reach out to me at info@spaceandtime.com.au or check out my services here.
Who is Julie Cliff, Professional Organiser?
Julie Cliff founded her professional organising business, Space and Time, in Melbourne in February 2015. Space and Time is a professional organising consultancy which helps busy working mothers live easier, far less stressful lives through simple, easy to implement organising systems to clear the clutter- both mentally and physically.