Thursday, October 7, 2021

Little Sister Spilled the Beans

Hey all you Joyful Single-Taskers!  My last post ended with this {oh-so-clever} teaser ... 

Linda:
Up next?  

I'll share a simple, practical key that opens the door to joyful single-tasking.  You'll be surprised at how doable and effective it can be.  Meanwhile, I'd be fascinated to hear your insights on what works for you when it comes to handling life's multiple demands and unexpected challenges ...

And then my little sister jumped right into the comment section and spilled the beans! 

Marilyn:
I have always been a multi-tasker, but noticed that nothing ever got done to completion.  I would start working on something else in the middle of another job.  I have two jobs, so I have a long "to do" list so I don't forget anything.  I recently read an article for people who work, instead of a never ending "to do" list, bundle some things from the list and put it on the calendar.  That way there is a time to do them, you get more done in a shorter amount of time and it works!  I've only been doing it for a week or so, but I do see some improvement.  Hopefully the list will get shorter! 



Well, the girl might have stolen my show but she's spot on.  As ever.  And because she's holding down two jobs, I'd say she's worth listening to.

MARILYN'S SINGLE-TASKING STEPS   
LIST

BUNDLE 

DO


LINDA'S MORNING UPSTAIRS BUNDLE
jot down 3 - 6 tasks to complete before heading downstairs 
wash & dress
tidy bedroom
tidy bathroom
tidy loft
desk work - bills, correspondence, blogging & online stuff

LINDA'S MORNING DOWNSTAIRS BUNDLE
jot down 3 - 6 tasks on fridge white board
laundry
breakfast
devotions
tidy kitchen
tidy living room
tidy bathroom
plan supper
make phone calls

I stay focused because the lists are right in front of me, and there's a huge feeling of accomplishment as I finish each task {do the hardest one first!} and cross it off the list.  Without bundling and listing, I find it far too easy to get sidetracked once I go online ... or find myself aimlessly wandering through the day without accomplishing much.

Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; 
not grudgingly or under compulsion; 
for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7

So many of you have said that you're single-tasking ... or want to do more but aren't quite sure how to go about it.  I'd love to hear what works for you ... or what your dilemma is.
Linda

P.S.
As I was writing this mid-evening post, I heard my husband downstairs washing dishes.  It hit me that I had wandered upstairs to do something / get something hours before and ended up spending the evening at my desk writing about, you guessed it, staying focused and not wandering aimlessly.  😄

🔐



🔐

visiting with 

🔐

spilled beans
photo 
by Alin Luna from Pexels
pencil & paper
photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

43 comments:

  1. I have made lists my entire life. SO SATISFYING to cross items off that list. Even better is having to rewrite the list because I have marked through so many items it is difficult to find those not done yet. OH, Girl, I LOVE A LIST

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Even better is having to rewrite the list because I have marked through so many items it is difficult to find those not done yet.'

      Yes, yes! I love that, too!

      ;-}

      Delete
  2. Linda, I'm a huge fan of joyful single tasking-since I'm a science geek, I already know the neuroscience that proves how damaging multi-tasking is to the brain and focus. I am an avid list maker, and then as I complete tasks I look back at my list and ask, Lord, what makes the most sense to do next? Though I admit if overwhelm takes over I can default to multi tasking, which never goes well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I've done reading on the impact of multi-tasking and/or excessive screen use on the brain and our long term ability to focus. It's not good news. If you explore that subject on your blog, please be sure I don't miss it, Donna.

      If we knew the damage we were doing to our bodies, maybe we'd heed a wiser, saner lifestyle ...

      Delete
    2. Love the idea of asking the Lord, "What makes the most sense to do next?" I'm writing that down! Thank you, Donna.

      Delete
    3. Important point! Just because we think something makes sense doesn't necessarily mean that's what God would have for us.

      Delete
  3. "Little Sister" checking in. We could have done without the picture of the two of us! I thought your lists were fun! I don't put things on my list that are normal everyday jobs, but you have to do what works for you. There is no "one" way to do things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely, Mah ... there's no one right way to do most organizational things like these lists we're talking about today. I'm always fascinated to hear what works well for others ... that's when we end up discovering the solution to what we were trying to figure out all along.

      Delete
  4. I loved your little sister's advice, Linda. When I was working, I did the same thing, keeping a list for each day and prioritizing what had to get done right away and what could wait. Yes, I practiced the one step at a time, and before I knew it, I'd eaten the entire elephant, one bite at a time.
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One step at a time works for so many challenges, big and small, doesn't it. This mantra keeps us focused on the next right thing, keeps us from being overwhelmed by all those future 'what ifs' doubts and fears that so easily hijack our common sense.

      Our faith sure gets stretched in these kind of situations as we learn that He's got this. Whatever it is.

      Martha, thanks for taking us in the direction of the elephant!

      Delete
  5. As you may remember, I'm a list maker from way back! But I, too, have noticed that overly long list can overwhelm rather than focus and motivate. Breaking the list up into doable bites gives a feeling of accomplishment.

    I love the honesty and transparency in your PS. And let's not forget to applaud your husband for doing the dishes!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, dear Unknown, I'm not sure who you are but if you say you're a list maker, then I absolutely believe you! And I sure do agree that overly long lists are terribly overwhelming and lead us to believe we're going no where fast.

      And yes, I'm grateful that my husband doesn't mind the kitchen. The best nights are when he cooks and I clean up.

      ;-}

      Delete
  6. Love using white boards for writing down short time-frame lists and then crossing them off. my daughter started me on this. I guess I did not realize this was called bundling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've had a white board on the refrigerator forever ... couldn't live without one. What could be more fun than wiping away one task after another after it's cared for?

      I know, I know, I need to get a life!

      I don't know if it's technically called 'bundling,' but it works for us, doesn't it!

      ;-}

      Delete
  7. I have kept a "to-do" list for decades. Then last year, in the middle of the Pandemic Lockdown, the Lord led me to start tracking things I accomplished each day, as a means of making sure I wasn't wasting time (b/c for a while there, well...😳😜🙄). Some days, such as Sundays, very little gets written down, and that's fine. Other days, it's amazing how much He helps me get things done! And there are days when what is on my "to-do" list doesn't get done, but many other things do. So by giving our days to the Lord, and trusting Him to redeem the time, and then tracking what we do get done... amazing things happen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trusting and tracking. I like that Allison! And for sure, God cares how we redeem our hours. The pandemic did us no favors in moving forward in that area ... we had all the hours in the world back then, didn't we. I'm thinking many of mine were wasted.

      Delete
  8. We've got a Little Sister here,
    and her name is Belle;
    some of the dogs would make it clear
    that she comes straight from hell.
    She has a thing for floppy ears,
    and the Labs now look with dread...
    they take counsel of their fears,
    and would rather stay in bed
    than face that nutcase furball
    with giant snapping jaws
    who's willing to suspend, yeah, all,
    of the canine playful laws
    and grab legs and ears and tail
    so that fun can never fail.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Giant snapping jaws!' Yikes! Belle is such a sweet name for this 'nutcase furball' who calls you master.

      Delete
  9. "Trusting and tracking" (from your comment to Allison) sums up nicely our chosen method for tackling the to-do list. We can trust God to help us prioritize and remain productive without frenzy, and track our progress to stay organized and motivated. Also, bundling DOES make good sense. Thank you, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that idea of 'productive without frenzy,' Nancy. Anytime frenzy is in the mix, I'm never productive in a way that's healthy for me or anyone else who happens to be around.

      Don't you just love how the Lord whispers peace and direction even in the busiest of days?

      Delete
  10. such great advise and I love the joy in your writing too

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you could glimpse the joy, friend ...

      Delete
  11. Where is "take a nap"?!

    I do lists. Very helpful! I also make one for the week (or so), so not overwhelming for one day, if feeling sluggish!

    * subscriber email

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, yes. If I was listing afternoon to-do's, there'd most likely be a nap in there somewhere.

      'Cause that's what 66 looks like.

      {yawn}

      Delete
  12. Thank you, Linda, and your little sister, too! God bless you both!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great advice, indeed. I tend to write out short and long-term lists. Some get crossed off daily, others on the long term side are taken care of as I can get to them. It does feel so good to cross things off a list! Great little sister advice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, I do love that fairly-long-term list, too, Marilyn! Some days I work right off it, and other days I pretend it doesn't even exist.

      ;-}

      Delete
  14. My dear husband does exactly what you are suggesting. He accomplishes more than anyone I know. Thank you Linda.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You guys are a great team together, Pam. I've always marveled at all that you accomplish ... and then share with us. You are a creative, energetic inspiration in my life. I bet you're creating something beautiful in The Cottage this weekend ...

      Delete
  15. Linda, love the bundling idea, and I also love that you applied, "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart" to your tasks. I have never thought of that scripture in conjunction with anything but giving of money; but now I see it could apply to the giving of your time. Hmm.... and sometimes I'm grumpy about the "to-do" list ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that Scripture, Jerralea. Your thoughts are prompting me to follow through with creating a post on that 2 Corinthians passage. Paul's words are a rich feast for us today. Thanks for the nudge forward, friend!

      Delete
  16. Love the idea of bundling! I think what I'm discovering is ... I feel, think, and do differently depending on the day. Go with what works!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, Barbara ... each day has her own unique personality, doesn't she?!

      Delete
  17. Lists absolutely work for me. And writing daily 3-6 thing that are priority. I generally rate them too, putting the most important on top. For other "B" list items, I'll move them to the next day if not tackled that day. If they still are not done by the end of the week, I re-evaluate on their importance and if they need to be removed or put on the shelf for a time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynn ... that weekly evaluation idea is superb! Sometimes what seemed so necessary loses its importance by the end of the week.

      What a helpful outlook!

      Delete
  18. I love the bundling idea! Sometimes I'll bundle unrelated tasks and give them 10 minutes each for a couple of rounds. It's not efficient, of course, and I don't always finish them all, but I move forward a little in each. That gives me a feeling of satisfaction anyway. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love your 10 minute idea! It's amazing what we can accomplish when we're laser-focused.

      Delete
  19. This Marilyn sounds like an amazing woman!

    ReplyDelete