I've always been an organized person - I have a calendar and lists. I like to plan. It's hard-wired into my DNA. It helps me get things done. In the last few years, though, I've also realized the importance of setting goals before making those lists, so that I know what to put on my lists. I think that's why I like the idea of One Little Word; it gives me a goal and direction for the year. In January, I signed up for a free class called New Year's Revolution. The introductory materials were wonderful and really helped me set some goals for the year that were outside my comfort zone. I've done well at keeping them in the back of my mind, but I really want to return to them and check in more deliberately on how I am doing with that class. It seems a good time, as the year is almost half over. Have you checked in on your One Little Word or New Year's Resolutions lately? If so, how is it going?
One organizational approach that intrigues me is the idea of a "block schedule." Ali Edwards blogged about it here. I did some of it last fall and found it helpful. I set one day a week aside as a photography day; one day as a blogging day; one day as work day; etc. It worked for a while, but then I fell away from it. I think I'll return to the idea this summer, once I know what Clara's volunteer schedule is like. I think it will help me accomplish all those summer plans I blogged about earlier this week.
Have you ever tried this? If so, how did it work for you?
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11 comments:
I block planned part of my week when I was an academic and it worked really well for me - the part that worked the best was blocking our time to work on big projects and then actually just doing that and ignoring all interruptions and my todo list
I block things time for specific clients/projects on my calendar. As you mentioned, I find it useful to come up with goals first. I also put in play times first as the work expands to fill the rest.
Hmm, thanks for the reminder, my "resolve" isn't quite getting there at the minute - kick up the proverbial required!
Yes I have tried to block out time like that and like you I have found that it works if I can stick to it. But something very often appears out of the blue to throw a spanner in the works and then I have to rethink
I've been very good about checking in with my OLW this year as well as reviewing the five goals I set at the beginning of the year. The OLW class has helped me to process how I'm doing with my word.
I'm a list maker, too, but now that I'm not working and don't have very many commitments timewise, I've gotten a little lax (and therefore less productive!). I thought Ali's block scheduling post was good - maybe I need to work on something for the summer to keep me focused on the things that need to get done!
The useful thing about doing Project Life is I have had to make myself bock out time to work on it & find I am so far keeping up. I don't know how it work out once summer comes but I'm planning on doing some block scheduling of activities with the boys every week to keep it going.
I try to block time for certain things but I always get distracted. Now I just start the day with "what do I want to achieve today"? Most times by the end of the day I can say yes, I did that. It works for me.
I have a week off work and blocking off time is what I plan.
One day for paperwork/organising finance etc. one day for treats (hair cut, doing something nice) and more than one day sorting out my craft cabin! I've got a day planned to spend helping my Mum with things she can't do, and three days road trip to meet up with friends and attend a craft event. Not enough days off work and a month would be better, but at least it will be a start!
Checking in on the little word for the year every now and then is a very good idea. So far I have been pretty good in sticking to it - and it simply feels good.
I have never done a block schedule - it sounds interesting, though I don't know whether I would stick to it for a very long time. While it frees in one way, I would feel limited in another way. It's odd. I usually make a list of what I would like to accomplish in a week and work on that, re-arranging the priority if needs be. I definitely accomplish way more if I write it down in a list than just "keeping it in my head".
Adore this piece, the colours are so rich. BJ
I used to block time when I worked but haven't done it at home other than with my Dad (a set day and time period for doing all his errands, appointments etc) and no I haven't thought about my OLW in a while. Thanks for the reminder.
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