GON Reader Question
Why Do Tasks Always Take Me Much Longer and What Can I Do About It?
I'm always reading articles that say I can do a task in 10 minutes,
15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc., but it always takes me much longer. Why does this happen and what can I do about it?
-- Miah, Murray, KY
Response from Maria Gracia
Hi Miah,
Thank you for reaching out with your question. You're not alone in feeling this way—many people find that tasks take longer than the times suggested in articles. Let's explore some reasons why this might be happening and what you can do to better manage your time and expectations.
Reasons Why Tasks May Take Longer
Individual Pace and Productivity Levels: Everyone works at their own pace. Just because an article suggests a task can be completed in a certain amount of
time doesn't mean it aligns with your personal working speed. Some people naturally take longer because they pay more attention to detail, need more breaks, or have different levels of energy and focus.
Unfamiliarity with the Task: If you're doing something new or not frequently practiced, it will likely take longer.
Articles often assume a level of familiarity and proficiency that might not match your experience.
Interruptions and Distractions: Life is full of interruptions. Whether it’s family members, phone notifications, or just everyday noises, distractions can significantly extend the time it takes to complete a
task.
Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can be time-consuming. You might spend extra time refining and double-checking your work, which isn’t accounted for in the estimated times provided in articles.
Physical and Mental Health: Your current physical and mental state plays a crucial role. Fatigue, stress, and other health issues can slow you down more than you might realize.
What You Can Do About It
1. Set Realistic Expectations: Accept that the times suggested in articles are just estimates. Give yourself permission to take longer and set realistic goals based on your personal pace and circumstances.
2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Sometimes, the thought of completing a task within a short timeframe can be overwhelming. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more achievable and help you stay focused.
3. Create a Distraction-Free Environment:
Identify and minimize potential distractions before starting a task. This might mean turning off notifications, setting boundaries with family members, or finding a quiet space to work.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that everyone has different strengths and limitations. Instead of
comparing yourself to others or to the suggestions in articles, focus on your progress and improvements. The book, Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, is a great read! 5. Build Consistency: The more you practice a task, the quicker and more efficient you’ll become. Consistency helps build muscle memory and increases confidence in your abilities.
6. Time Tracking: Keep track of how long tasks actually take you. This will give you a better understanding of your pace and help you plan more accurately in the future. Over time, you might notice improvements that reflect your growing efficiency.
Remember, everyone goes at their own speed, and there's no right or wrong way to complete a task as long as it gets done. Articles suggesting quick times are often designed to motivate and provide a general guideline, not a strict rule.
Embrace your unique pace and work on strategies that align with your personal needs and lifestyle. Your productivity journey is just that—yours.
