(1 minute read)
We all have several tasks or ‘jobs’ – usually around the house – which we’ve put off, because we need to get the important things done first.
Stephen Covey – best-selling author and thought leader – reminds us of the need to prioritise the Big Rocks in our lives, before getting into the day-to-day tasks which can quickly consume our attention. (Watch his explanation here in this short video).
While this practise is both effective and admirable, it can lead to putting-off (parking or delaying) tackling some of the smaller tasks – little rocks – in our daily and weekly lives.
One strategy to help get back on top of the multitude of tasks we have to complete (the little rocks) is known as the ‘5-Minute List’.
How it Works
- Grab a piece of paper, or a stack of small post-it notes.
- Sit down and list all the small, 5-minute tasks you need to do in the coming month. (These can be at home or work – from cancelling a magazine subscription, to tidying the kitchen pantry).
- Keep the list somewhere accessible and in sight.
- When you find yourself with some spare time, look at the list and complete 1 or more of the tasks (be sure to tick it off the list, or scrunch up the post-it note).
This simple strategy allows you to make progress on things you have been putting off or procrastinating over.
Try this out, as a little ‘Life Hack’.