A Different Way to Plan Your Day ?

Think smarter, plan ahead, and prioritize. These are the essentials of time management for a person to increase their productivity. However, even though I utilize several time management tips, I now have integrated a different approach or technique I created. I named it task management.

Time has been stolen from me, right alongside my deteriorating vision, a result of an incurable and progressive eye disease (Retinitis Pigmentosa). I had to think smarter, get organized, and plan ahead to continue remaining independent. I might learn how to manage my time in one situation before being thrust into another setting or more vision
loss. Each change meant getting more organized to free up time or to increase productivity.

Learning to pay attention to detail was the first step to increasing my productivity. Simple things like placing milk, butter, catsup, salad dressing, and other frequently used items in the same place in the refrigerator saved time and eliminated me from participating  in a scavenger hunt when cooking. Even paying attention to where I walked meant possibly reducing steps. Analyzing where I put my laundry basket was a biggy.

All organizational skills I applied when single, sighted, or having children, flew out the window. A clock became a huge distraction to me, creating much stress and pressure, so I had to find a new way. I still use lists galore to plan ahead, but my time is organized by tasks now rather than a clock.

Even list-making has changed from a notepad and sticky notes to lists on my computer that I transfer to my digital tape recorder or send in texts or emails to myself or others. The way I plan my schedule is no longer based upon a clock, but rather what type of tasks are on my lists. Thus, my new term “task-management”.

What does task-management look like? Well, I  group tasks together by conditions – things I can do by myself, things done with other’s help, outdoors, errands, need sunlight, high-energy, concentration, and the like. Each group is prioritized before putting on a list. The amount chosen for the day depends on already scheduled appointments.

I look at a week to decide which tasks would fit on each day. Rather than scheduling a set time, I mentally break up daily tasks around my routine. For example, before exercise, after lunch, in the morning, or when I’m home alone. Think more like block scheduling. This allows flexibility when you live in organized chaos as my family does. Your
“to-do” list revolves around the “if/then” statement. You know, “If I can find someone, then I’ll rearrange my furniture.” Or, “When my husband goes into town, I’ll write.”

Task-management and block scheduling lists allows for more flexibility to live and serve. Interruptions can become opportunities over irrritations. The key is to know your priorities, remain aware, and assess often.

When a method doesn’t work, change.

What do you think of the task management concept?

© 2015, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.