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Then I discovered a new method, ironically, something I've used with my son to manage his schooling for years. It's the 30-10 method. Not a great name, perhaps, but a great tool for time management.
To begin, I pick a task, any task, I must complete. Then, I set the oven timer for 30 minutes and work hard at that task. When the timer dings, I reset it for 10 minutes and indulge myself in whatever I want. Sometimes, I savor a quiet cup of coffee on the porch. Other times I read. Rarely, I work on another task.
Break over, I reset the timer and return to my work for another 30 minutes. Then I set the timer for ten minutes. At lunch, I take an hour break to eat and walk the dog.
Working in thirty minute increments gives me plenty of time to focus on a thought. Taking ten minutes to rest gives my neck and shoulder muscles a healthy break from the computer. Semi-finished thoughts get time to percolate. Refreshed by my mini-breaks, I get more done than if I just try to push through.
A surprising side benefit to this method, my headaches have substantially diminished. I had no idea how seriously I had strained my neck and head muscles by bending over a computer all day. Fewer headaches means I have even more time than I used to since I'm not sidelined by them anymore.
If you struggle for organization as I do, I hope this method will help you! Please let me know how it works at your house!
Blessings,
7 comments:
That is such a good idea, Karen! I'm always looking for ways to be more productive and more organized and this seems like the perfect way to do it! The 10 minutes is plenty of time to let my brain catch up with my other tasks and get geared up to do the next task...which is only 30 minutes away for my next break! Brilliant! I'm definitely going to be trying this method this week!
That is such a good idea, Karen! I'm always looking for ways to be more productive and more organized and this seems like the perfect way to do it! The 10 minutes is plenty of time to let my brain catch up with my other tasks and get geared up to do the next task...which is only 30 minutes away for my next break! Brilliant! I'm definitely going to be trying this method this week!
Thank you for this Karen! I just wrote a post today about my overwhelming need to unplug and get some Spring cleaning done around the house. With a three year old under foot, I've been feeling a little overwhelmed with how to do this successfully, but you inspired my brain and creativity with this suggestion. So appreciated!
I do need to add a step!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before I start into the regularly scheduled day -- even before checking facebook, blog comments, and email -- I spend some time alone with God. My morning devotional time is short, but essential. I usually read a short devotional AND take the time to read the passage relating to the daily verse in the Bible. Sometimes the context of the verse opens up a whole new thing to think about.
THEN I move on to the 30-10 method. :)
Thanks Karen!! Great plan of action!
Blessings!
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing:). My children will love this...maybe;)
LOL! Karen,
This post made me chuckle, as I have been experiencing the same Time Mangement problem and had decided to go back to my tried and tested method of carrying out tasks within a specific time using my timer.
The only thing was I hadn't used my timer for so long and it isn't working and I haven't been able to find the instructions for it, so I abandoned the idea.
Blessings to you.
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