Cluster Tasks

Whether it's a goal we're trying to reach, an ongoing project, or something new we want to learn, we can reduce the difficultly level and overwhelm by breaking it down into smaller jobs. 

I've written about this before and given examples of how breaking down steps reduces anxiety about reaching a goal or completing a project. I want to dive a little deeper and talk about how to group these small tasks to maximize your efficiency and productivity. First and foremost it's important to understand and get comfortable with the fact that we will always have a to-do list. After that, we can learn the power of grouping similar tasks together and reduce a ton of stress from our daily lives.

When we are feeling like a task, project, or goal is hard or overwhelming, we often go to the next thing on our to do list and keep avoiding it. Even if it's a phone call you dread making... when you set aside a specific time to make calls, you will be more prepared to get it done. This simple strategy of grouping small jobs together is an efficient way to get through the hard stuff, overwhelm, and procrastination. 

For example, when we start and stop a task before it's finished, we waste more time because we have to re-orient ourselves to that task. When we group or cluster similar tasks together, we have better focus and get into a flow to get it done.  

Here are some great ways to group your small jobs:

1. IN-HOME CLEANING & ORGANIZING - Pick a space in your home and an amount of time you are comfortable with and see how much you get done. You'll be surprised on how motivated you'll be to continue. Make this a daily to weekly routine to create a habit that will result in your home being maintained without the stress and overwhelm. 
2. PAPERWORK - Divide your paperwork into piles. Trash anything you don't need. Make a list of tasks you need to do based on the type of paperwork... ex: bill paying, phone calls, computer work, filing, or anything else you need to do to move that piece of paper closer to the filing stage. 
3. COMPUTER WORK - Make a list of emails, research topics, bill paying, scheduling, computer updates, or anything else that requires you to work at the computer. Set aside however much time you think you'll need each day, week, or month.
4. ERRANDS - If you have to run errands, write down the stores you need to visit and items you need to get. List them based on your route so you're not driving in circles. If you're out of the house anyway, this strategy helps you maximize your time.
5. PHONE CALLS - Make a list of anyone you need to call and set aside a morning (or afternoon) to make these calls. By taking the time to 'cluster' your phone calls, you are minimizing the amount of distractions of multiple calls throughout the day. 

In addition to grouping tasks, we also want to try and make them more enjoyable. You can put on some music, a podcast, or pop in an ear bud and stream your favorite show.

Proper planning gives us more time to relax and do more of the things we enjoy!