To save time and energy, think plan…think schedule…think routine.
Thinking takes time. Deciding takes time. When you make the decisions necessary to produce a schedule, you plan once and then never have to decide again. Why keep reinventing the wheel?
Once you establish a routine, don’t think—just do.
Your schedule (your pre-planned list of what you will do each day) becomes a routine—a sequence of doing things. When routines become automatic, then even less thinking is involved which means the sequence of tasks can be done quickly (whether or not you are depressed or stressed or can’t think well). Just do what’s on the list in a hurry without thinking about it. You’ll feel much better once the house is orderly.
Limits are Good
Some people think having a schedule or routine to follow is limiting…and it is. Having a schedule or routine limits and focuses your attention on a few, chosen tasks each day, reducing the possibilities of becoming frustratingly sidetracked. For a short amount of time you are doing one task after another as quickly as possible until you are done. It’s the schedule that helps you know when you’re done.
Watch the Clock
Your cleaning will take as much time as you have, unless you put a limit on it. Keep your eye on the clock. See how fast you can get things done. Clean as quickly as you would if you were getting paid. Aim to have the basic and occasional cleaning chores done before a certain time each day.
Example of a “Rapid-cleaning” Routine
Here is an example of a morning, automatic, “rapid-cleaning” routine in which the completion of one task triggers doing the next task which triggers doing the next task, etc… (You don’t think or mentally argue about it. You simply do it.
- I’m ready for the day, my bedroom is ready for the day and then I eat breakfast.
- I have a load of laundry in the washer as soon as I can. If I’m quick, I can have a load done in the dryer and one in the washer to take care of by the time I’m finished with the rest of the scheduled tasks.
- All traces of breakfast are cleaned up, children are ready for the day, and then I start with the rest of the cleaning.
- Cleansers are in the toilets to start working (and in tub, if needed), I clean the mirrors, and the counters, scrub the sinks (don’t mix ammonia and bleach), wash the outside of the toilets and clean the basins, dust, sweep/vacuum and mop.
- Because doorknobs are one of the dirtiest surfaces in the house, I clean them often.
Remember
The faster you do the things you have to do, the more time you’ll have to do the things you want to do. Do you want to save more time and energy with your housekeeping chores? Then embrace the wonderful “limits” of planned schedules and automatic, rapid routines.
Are you ready to get things done and feel successful? Look at the clock. Pay attention to the schedule.
On your mark…Get set…GO!
