15 minutes


I often lament the fact that I don't get as much done during the day as I would like to get done. Fatigue is a big factor, one that I can control somewhat, if I will get in bed by 9:30.

The other reason I don't get more done is because I feel overwhelmed when things are cluttered. My homeschool library gets this way frequently, moreso when I vacuum because I put all my storage crates up on the counter to get at the carpet, which makes the room feel claustrophobic (and gives me a great urge to pack everything in the back of my van and take it to Goodwill).

Anyway, way back when my babies were really babies, I felt like I would never have a clean home again. I was truly exhausted then, and I just didn't get how to manage everything at once. I found an organizing website that helped me get back on my feet, and I gradually got out from under the oppressive feel of hopeless disorganization.

The one thing that did the greatest good for me was learning that I can do anything for 15 minutes. I tend to be an all-or-nothing person, so organizing a closet or my library is an exercise in frustration where I tear everything out, get tired (or overwhelmed) and shove everything back in --usually leaving it in a worse state than it was when I began.

So, my challenge to myself --and to you! -- is to tackle anything you've been wanting to do, or avoiding, by doing it 15 minutes at a time. This isn't just for organization. Rick Warren said that you can read the Bible through in a year if you read it 15 minutes a day--amazing! I know I can tackle anything if I know I only have to do it for 15 minutes at a time.

Most big tasks aren't as ominous if you break them down, so I'm excited about doing this. If you try this, please post a comment and let me know how you did!

Comments

  1. I recently made a list of tasks that I could accomplish in 15 min increments. Of course, I have not put that into action yet! Thanks for the encouragement to get on top of it and out from under the feeling of being overwhelmed.

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  2. You're right. It's actually amazing what you can accomplish in just 15 minutes.

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  3. i struggle with what i call the 'give a mouse a cookie' syndrome...i might start a 15 minute project..be about 3 minutes into it when i need to discipline someone for something or answer the phone or tie a shoe..that takes me to a different part of the house and points out something i need to do there..which i start doing..and then maybe take that thing to this place and then end up in another situation...and then I've spent 15 minutes doing 17 different things and not a dang thing looks different! ha...but i attribute that to multi-tasking motherhood! it is amazing though how much you can accomplish just little bits at a time. i have enjoyed seeing that thru homeschooling the kids--the amazing amount of growing/learning/developing they can take in/do/accomplish in a teeny bit of time.

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  4. I'm an all or nothing personality as well. Frustrating isn't it? lol. Going to try and implement this. There are many things that need to get done that don't because I feel too overwhelmed at the task.

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  5. Wow, this is a great tip for me at a great time. I have to purge my whole house to get it ready to sale it in late fall and I know I need to get started but am not sure where...I thought I'd take a room over a weekend but you're right, that will never happen so maybe I need to do this 15 minute deal with my task this year and each night will be making progress on a room.

    Thank you!

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