Clutter Busting: The 5 minute Challenge

How many times do you utter the phrase, “But I don’t have the time” over the course of a week? Just imagine how much you could accomplish if you could get an extra hour or two a day. Or would you? Often it is said that the more money you make the more you spend, and the same can often be said of time; the more you have the more you waste.

Often times I recommend to clients to do a task with the help of a timer. It is absolutely amazing what can be accomplished in 15-20 increments. I tell them to not answer the phone or even go to the bathroom until the timer rings. It keeps them focused on one thing, completing that job and only that job within a certain time period. If a job requires more than that amount of time they are to take a break and set the timer again.

But what about those simple tasks; the ones that make you ask yourself, “Why did I put that off so long” once they are accomplished? How many of these simple tasks, which are completely overshadowed by the looming higher priority items, do you keep on your to-do list? And how about those other things that never gain enough priority to even land on your to-do list. Instead you assume these things are left up to those who simply have too much time on their hands!!

My challenge for you this week is to write down a handful of these simple quick tasks. Throughout each day set the timer for 5 minutes and see what you can check off your own list. Here are some examples:

• Send a note to a loved one
• Do sit-ups, pushups, leg lifts, etc.
• Download pictures from your digital camera
• Update your calendar
• Call your Dr. and schedule a well visit for yourself
• Throw a load of dirty laundry into the washing machine and fold some clean laundry
• Go through one drawer and grab items to donate
• Call your Mom (Dad, Best friend, Grandparent, etc. etc) and tell her how much you love her
• Write a note and tuck it into your child’s lunchbox
• Relax, meditate, pray, or do a 5 minute devotional
• Paint your toenails
• Swish the toilets
• Clean your everyday jewelry
• Write a note of gratefulness and encouragement to your child’s teacher
• Clean up all the DVD’s that are not put away
• Plan your menu for the following week
• Read a book and read to your child
• Grab a bag and clean out the car
• Make a pudding parfait for the kids using instant pudding and whipped topping
• Make an appointment to get a fresh summer haircut and manicure
• Call your neighbor and tell them how beautiful their flowers look this year
• Organize a girls night out (movies, dinner, etc) – pick a date and send out some emails

Once this week is up, remind yourself how much can be accomplished in 5 minutes, and also how much time is wasted in the course of a day. Don’t allow yourself to use the excuse, “I don’t have the time” to keep you from achieving the small, yet important, tasks that will bring you much contentment and satisfaction.

Make each minute count,
Betsy