Do you ever feel like this guy? So many things to do that you can't even see what is right in front of your face??
Well, Simple Mom posted a great article that is a fast read and includes 36 Tips for Productivity in the Home.
I enjoyed a number of them, but I especially liked point number 28.
Single-Task!
All too often, we try to do too many things at once and then end up not finishing any of them or at least not finishing them well. There have been a number of studies recently that show that multitasking can be very bad for productivity. That is mostly because we pick the wrong things to multi-task.
Anything that requires the mind to think and concentrate should not be tied to another thing that requires the same type of brain power. So, listening to a teleconference recording while cleaning out your email is not only going to slow you down, but will likely make you miss something important.
On the other hand, I have a coffee heating game that I play with myself that helps me eliminate procrastination. You see, it takes me about 1 minute to reheat my coffee. While it is reheating I try to do as much in that minute as possible. I will empty (or fill) the dishwasher, put clothes in the washer/dryer, make my son’s lunch for the next day, etc. That kind of multi-tasking works great for me.
Or, here is one that I do a lot too. Washing the bathroom floors by hand is one of my least favorite jobs, but when I pair it with listening to one of my favorite marketing gurus on mp3, then the time flies by and I get both done. I don’t have to focus mentally on the floor, so I can keep my focus on the mp3, but since I don’t sit still well, cleaning the floor complements my fidgeting.
What do you do to make your home more productive? What has been your experience? Have any to add to the list that simple mom shared? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Can’t wait to read them in the comments section.
