Tackling your TO DO list doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, with a bit of creativity and a
dash of fun, you can turn those mundane tasks into more enjoyable activities. Here are some ideas:
1. Get One Done First Thing. Time management experts advise prioritizing your TO DO list by importance to ensure the most crucial tasks get done. But getting a 5 or 10-minute task done first, regardless of the priority,
gets me motivated and inspired to continue with the more important items on my list. It's nice to begin each day with at least one item started and completed!
2. Schedule Fun Breaks. Your TO DO list doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Intersperse your chores with fun breaks. While running errands, schedule a latte
break in between. At home, take a fifteen-minute reprieve to read a chapter of a book. These small joys, sandwiched between your tasks, can make a big
difference. 3. Set It to Music. Have a lot of chores? Turn up the music and let the beat carry you through. Upbeat tunes can make the time fly by...and maybe even get you movin' and grovin' a bit faster.
4. Compete with Yourself. It may sound silly, but racing against the clock can be surprisingly motivating. Challenge yourself to complete as many tasks as possible before a timer (15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) sounds.
5. Shake It
Up—Literally. Instead of working from a list, write each task on a separate slip of paper, fold each, and put them in a jar. Shake the jar and draw a slip at random. Tackle that task, then repeat. This method keeps things spontaneous and fun.
6. Rally the Troops. When possible, enlist family to help with
tasks. Working together is more fun. Plus, when you’re done, you can all relax and enjoy a lemonade and/or a board game together.
7. Reward Your Efforts. It’s easy to lose motivation doing the same tasks day in and day out. Think about how you reward children for completing tasks—why not do the same for yourself? Treat
yourself for a job well done to keep your spirits high...even if it's just a few moments to go outside and breathe!
8. Swap with a Friend. Ever heard of those shows where families swap members for a week? Try swapping TO DO lists with a friend for a day. Maybe you can’t swap everything, but even tackling some of each
other’s tasks can make the day more interesting and less monotonous.
9. Skip One or Two. Who says you have to complete everything on your list? Give yourself permission to skip one or two tasks. You know what’s essential and what isn’t, so don’t be afraid to cut yourself some slack and skip a few non-critical
items.
