All this talk about the importance of 30 minutes reminded me of a time management system which was popular in the 80s. Back in those pre-internet days, I'd push Steph in the buggy round to the library and come back laden with craft books, novels, and books which promised to get my life, house and family organised. Then the children would play with their toys or look at books, while I sat and read. I made endless lists; things to do, budget charts, meal plans...
One popular time management technique was developed by an Italian, Francesco Cirillo. This guy's motto is 'work smarter not harder' Pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato. and Cirillo realised his tomato shaped wind-up kitchen timer was just what he needed to get things done.
The idea is to break everything down into smaller tasks which take 25 minutes. Wind up the timer. Do one of these 25 minute bursts of activity, then rest for 5 minutes, then repeat. After four such tasks, take a longer break. Like this...
I notice that a number of British Universities actually promote this technique to help students with revision.
I have a slightly less structured way of doing a similar thing.
Whenever I put the kettle on, I try and find a task I can do in the time it takes the kettle to boil. I know I can
- clean my teeth
- empty the dishwasher contents onto a tray and carry it into the kitchen [Bob often puts things away, which helps - otherwise they sit there till the next kettle-boil]
- empty all the wpbs and pull out the wheelie bin onto the pavement.
- take the dirty laundry to the Futility Room and load and run the machine
- empty the machine and hang the wet laundry on the airer
- water the houseplants
Every time I put the kettle on I stand at the back door and gaze out into the garden... could this be why things never get done?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good activity - a few minutes pause to reconnect with nature and reflect on blessings!
ReplyDeleteHow to eat an elephant? -one bite at a time! This was something I learned on a management course last century but the idea is similar to Pomodoro. I always do something while my porridge is cooking for 2 minutes and like you it’s often kitchen/laundry related. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI would rather eat a tomato 🍅 than an elephant 🐘!
DeleteI recently learnt the one touch rule - you only “touch” a task once- so no leaving things on the stairs to take up later, or laundry in piles to put away- just getting it done immediately really does reduce the build up of clutter!
ReplyDeleteI'm not very good at that!
DeleteIf something is in the microwave or kettle, then yes, I usually so something to fill the time. It is a good idea. When I did my PGCE, in the half term holiday, i went to the vicarage to work with my friend Ruth, who was doing her A'levels, and we'd do 50mins study then 10mins break (often involved exercise!) It was a good strategy. X
ReplyDeleteIt's easier if there's someone else to encourage you to have a regular break
DeleteIt's easier if there's someone else to encourage you to have a regular break
DeleteAngela, you certainly are very well organised and use your time well. Margaret (New Zealand)
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret
DeleteI just ask Alexa to set timer!!lol
ReplyDeleteShe just sounded an alarm here. But I ignored her as I want to finish to finish replying to comments!
DeleteShe just sounded an alarm here. But I ignored her as I want to finish to finish replying to comments!
DeleteAs I have got older I seem to have the attention span of a gnat! I can start to tidy up walk into another room to put something away, see a task that needs doing and start that instead of finishing the first task. These days I am not a completer/finisher - I’m blaming it on years of being in charge and telling others to get on with it😏
ReplyDeletePerhaps we should both try Steph's "one touch" system (see comment above)
DeletePerhaps we should both try Steph's "one touch" system (see comment above)
DeleteMy approach is The Headless Chicken approach! I have always been a bit here there and everywhere but I do get things done. I tend to flit from job to job partly doing bits and bobs but eventually things get finished. Funnily at work I was much more systematic and reports always got done in one go and on time. Home chores are more randomly dealt with. I'm all for coffee breaks though. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteThere's less time pressure in retirement (hallelujah!)
DeleteI have heard of the Pomodoro method and have done something similar (15 minutes of doing a task, then taking a break). However, I do small tasks while the water boils for my tea and/or while the tea brews. Those tasks can include brushing my teeth, feeding Dancer, or putting the dried dishes away. I have heard about the "Touch Once" method (often recommended for paperwork), but, that doesn't always work for me.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Dancer comes into the kitchen when you fill the kettle,in the hope of a treat 😸
DeleteDancer comes into the kitchen practically every time he hears me doing something in the kitchen! His food bowl is in the kitchen and since we are trying to get him to put on a bit more weight (he lost half his body weight due to his thyroid issues, prior to treatment), he almost always gets another spoonful of food! He doesn't always eat it, though.
DeleteYou are good company for each other ❤️
DeleteI'd heard of the pomodoro technique but didn't know what it was. I do similar when marking student reports, the one part of my job that I dislike! Sometimes the break is longer and like you I get a housekeeping chore done.
ReplyDeleteMarking students' work is tiring, you need regular breaks
DeleteSteph's comment reminds me of a neighbour whose mother told her, "Don't put it down, put it away!" I try to follow that, as it really works, but I get a bit slack sometimes and things sit when and where they shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteA place for everything, and everything in its place
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