You are speaking my language! As a Recovering Perfectionist, I tend to put off projects that I cannot complete from beginning to end. This, of course, means that things pile up (mail, dishes, toys...) or get neglected altogether (cleaning, writing thank you notes, responding to emails...). Years ago, I heard someone say, "Just do 10 minutes or 10 things." It has become my mantra and my primary productivity hack, for all the reasons you so beautifully stated in this post.
This is such a great newsletter. I’ve been so much more social than ever lately, but I’m overusing my phone. 15 minute blocks of unscreened time sounds very doable.
These numbers are terrifying. And you're so right that we could use those chunks, even the smallest amount, to let it add up to something else, even reading.
I like the 20-5-20 rule. 20 minutes on the computer, 5 minute break, staring off into the distance 20ft away to reset vision. I also like taking breaks outside, as the red light from the sun helps regenerate my nervous system and eye health b/w 20 min sessions.
I love this Katherine...it's something I often do for myself (getting up 15 minutes earlier to clear the dishwasher etc) can change your whole day. I love the film 'About a Boy' with Hugh Grant - he doesn't have to work, so to avoid boredom breaks his leisurely life into 30 minute activities (having his hair washed/buying clothes etc) but we can apply the same principle to our less-privileged lives too! Keep up the good work with the newsletter. We are using it for our own Smartphone Free Childhood group here in New Zealand. It's called Unplugged Together Balmoral and we are asking the parents at school to make a pact not to give smartphones to their children until at least year 9 (age 13). My own son is almost 14 and has limited screen time at home and no phone. I dread to think what our (already challenging) relationship would be like if he had his head over a phone the whole time! Kate (Auckland NZ)
You are speaking my language! As a Recovering Perfectionist, I tend to put off projects that I cannot complete from beginning to end. This, of course, means that things pile up (mail, dishes, toys...) or get neglected altogether (cleaning, writing thank you notes, responding to emails...). Years ago, I heard someone say, "Just do 10 minutes or 10 things." It has become my mantra and my primary productivity hack, for all the reasons you so beautifully stated in this post.
This is such a great newsletter. I’ve been so much more social than ever lately, but I’m overusing my phone. 15 minute blocks of unscreened time sounds very doable.
These numbers are terrifying. And you're so right that we could use those chunks, even the smallest amount, to let it add up to something else, even reading.
So much can be done in 15 minutes!
I like the 20-5-20 rule. 20 minutes on the computer, 5 minute break, staring off into the distance 20ft away to reset vision. I also like taking breaks outside, as the red light from the sun helps regenerate my nervous system and eye health b/w 20 min sessions.
I love this Katherine...it's something I often do for myself (getting up 15 minutes earlier to clear the dishwasher etc) can change your whole day. I love the film 'About a Boy' with Hugh Grant - he doesn't have to work, so to avoid boredom breaks his leisurely life into 30 minute activities (having his hair washed/buying clothes etc) but we can apply the same principle to our less-privileged lives too! Keep up the good work with the newsletter. We are using it for our own Smartphone Free Childhood group here in New Zealand. It's called Unplugged Together Balmoral and we are asking the parents at school to make a pact not to give smartphones to their children until at least year 9 (age 13). My own son is almost 14 and has limited screen time at home and no phone. I dread to think what our (already challenging) relationship would be like if he had his head over a phone the whole time! Kate (Auckland NZ)
I agree with the concept of increments and 15 mins at a time works.
Great newsletter, and I'm also talking about Nick Epley and talking to strangers in my newsletter tomorrow!