I think my to-do list stretches all the way from North Carolina to Kansas. I hate feeling like I’m overwhelmed, that the tasks are in charge of me instead of my being in charge of them. So here are some things I’ve learned that might help you as well:
1) Get rid of some of obligations.
Find a pocket of time when you can sit down and focus on all of your responsibilities. Make a list and then pray through it. Ask God to show you which ones He wants you to do and which ones to take off your plate. It’s hard telling people that you can’t do something, and sometimes it’s difficult to let go, but you can’t reach for the new things God has for you if your hands and lists are still full of the old things.
2) Keep plugging away.
Sometimes the challenge is just getting started, but once you do, you’ll see results from consistent effort.
3) Make a list of what needs to be done.
Cross off what you’ve finished so you can see results. This is particularly important for those days when you feel like you haven’t accomplished anything. I’ve felt that way many times, but then when I look at my list, I usually realize that I’ve actually done a lot that day.
4) Set a timer for concentrated periods of work.
(This is one of my best tips!) I’ve found that 25 minutes focused on one task provides amazing productivity for me. I take 5-10 minutes after that to get a cup of tea or to do tasks like throwing the clothes into the dryer, and then I set the alarm for another 25 minutes, repeating the process throughout the day.
5) Bite off manageable amounts.
Look at the small picture instead of the big one. Do the most important or most time-sensitive items first and then start through the other items on your list. This even works for cleaning your home. Is your bedroom a mess? Put up 10 items every time you walk by the room.
I also do this every time I walk through the kitchen, and it makes it easy to load or unload the dishwasher. Or sometimes I set the timer for 25 minutes and straighten through the house until the timer beeps. I’m always amazed by how much I get done.
6) Ask God to be the keeper of your schedule.
If He’s in control of what you’re doing, then you don’t have to worry about the results.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path… (Psalm 142:3)
