A timer is a core tool in my time management toolbox. When I have a task that I hate to do (particularly house cleaning) , or when I have been procrastinating, the timer is a great motivator for me.
For cleaning, I set a timer for 15 minutes and go at it without stopping until the timer goes off. If the task isn't done, I rest for a few minutes, drink some water (stay hydrated!), and then go at it again. Wash, rinse, repeat until the cleaning is completely done. The guru on this method is Flylady.
Here's an example. It has not been a tidy week in Aunt M's house, as my kitchen table clearly demonstrates.
In 15 minutes, I have flattened boxes for recycling, put away groceries and other assorted detritus, loaded the dishwasher, and wiped down the table.
The Very Tidy among you will notice that a table considered clean in my house is still not completely empty. Uncle and I are the sort that prioritize convenience over empty surfaces. So you see how I organize our daily needs--human meds in the pill sorter, dog meds (and peanut butter) in the strawberry basket, dog food in a bin, pens and pencils in a favorite mug, and a crafty candle holder gifted from a niece in a place of honor. My home will never be featured in a decorating magazine, but it is convenient and pleasant for us.
Fifteen minutes is arbitrary. The underlying theory here is the Pomodoro Technique, which officially uses 25 minutes increments in sets of four. Between each rep, you take a 3-5 minute break. After your fourth rep, you take a longer break of 15 minutes or so. I find 25 to be a bit too long for my attention span, but it might be just right for you.
Sometimes, I use the 15 minute rule just to get started. At work or when I need to write, I set the timer as a minimum time that I must work on the chosen task and not be distracted by email, people, or other tasks. If I get immersed in the task, I don't have to quit when the 15 minutes is over. I just turn off the timer and keep going until I lose momentum.
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