Planning to be more productive

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle

I generally like to beat to the rhythm of my own drum and am usually a cheerleader for spontaneity rather than mundanity. However, I have since had a rethink and realised this Greek dude, Aristotle , seems to know what he’s on about.

I have found that on days where I allow myself to drift and get to do tasks as they find my way, these days are the most emotionally, physically and mentally draining. Far from offering the freedom and carefree feeling that a laissez faire attitude promises, there’s more stress, strain and stiffness at the end of the day.

A few years ago, I took a leaf of Aristotle’s papyrus and wrote a list of stuff I needed to do for the week in a plain, lined notebook that easily fits into my handbag. (I am quite technology savvy and could have easily done this digitally on my iPhone or on any trendy app but I am visual and still a tad old-school).

After having my morning cuppa or sometimes the night before I list the things to be done for the day - even small tasks like hanging out the washing or sending a text message to check on someone’s health. Being a busy woman who wear many hats during any given day, I obviously can’t complete all the tasks on any set day but I quickly number them in order of priority clustering tasks that could be done together like replying to emails, making calls, checking student essays etc What a wonderful feeling it is as the day marches on to see work items getting progressively highlighted. What a sense of achievement!

Now here’s the humbling but magical part - any task that does not get done within the day, I meticulously write it in long hand for the next day and the next until it’s done. I promise you the springs of guilt run deep by the third day or so if you are still postponing a task so you are forced to strike it off. This niggly chore gives you a most woeful. pathetic look from the page mouthing “why don’t you come near me?” so you just have to bite the bullet and despatch of it.

And that is my answer to many who ask how is it possible to juggle so many balls in the air ( or my able assistant who still looks perplexed when she learns that I still manage to pack a decent lunch and cook a full home-cooked dinner every day).

Taking the time to create a list of tasks to be tackled, blocking out some time to get it done, makes you feel a 100 times better at the end of the day. It is an awesome feeling to feed your mind, body and soul by building a daily routine to live your best life. Give it a go and you will be so glad you did.

Have a freakishly productive week, Folks!