The 10-Minute Task Cure

10-minute tasks

When I work with my clients, we usually block out one to three hours for a session. Often during that session certain tasks are set aside that the client prefers to do on their own time after we finish. It might be simply taking a box of items that belong elsewhere in the house and putting them where they belong. Or perhaps they have set aside a box of papers to shred or sort.

This usually works quite well and I try to keep these follow up tasks reasonable.

As clients make progress in organizing and decluttering spaces in their homes, they usually come face to face with the realization that now these spaces must be maintained.

I help clients work out maintenance routines that are reasonable with their work schedules and whatever else is going on in their lives.

Now, having said all of that, we all know that life happens. Roadblocks happen. And then the client begins to feel overwhelmed again.

While it is not magic, I have found that convincing those clients to make just a 10-minute push to do just one small task can make a big difference in how they feel about themselves.

Just last week I was brainstorming with a client and helping her set up her maintenance plan. She stated that there was one day a week that when she came home all she wanted to do was collapse. She would just drop whatever she brought home with her, kick off her shoes, and sit on the couch. Sometimes she would fall asleep there. Absolutely nothing got done on that evening. She suggested that perhaps if she could just push herself to put her bag away and set a timer for 10 minutes, she could accomplish something and it might actually pep her up a bit so that she could then really enjoy the rest of her evening.

I have used this technique on myself. On days when I have had a really blah day and I feel like I have not accomplished anything on my list, I set my timer for 10 minutes and work on just one task. Sometimes, doing that perks me up enough that I continue on for more time but even if it doesn’t, I feel better.

Doing a 10-minute task:

·        Reduces your feeling of pending overwhelm

·        Gives you a sense of accomplishment

·        Saves you time in the long run

Possible 10-minute tasks to tackle when tired:

·        Chose one counter in the kitchen – clear it completely, wipe it down, toss any trash, and put items back that belong there – you will now be in better shape to prepare food

·        Chose one shelf in your pantry – remove all items and wipe it down, toss any expired foods or put in a donation box foods you don’t plan on eating, sort food items by type and put small packets of food into a container, return kept food to pantry – you now have a better idea of what you have when you make your grocery list

·        Clear your entry floor and sweep it – put back only the items that belong there, relocate items that do not belong in that space – you will feel better about coming into your home

·        Empty your reading basket/container – sort like with like, toss or recycle old issues, put reading material back into your container, put on top any old copies that have items you still want to read – as a reward you can relax and read a couple of the items and then trash them

·        Take everything off the chair in your bedroom – put dirty laundry in the basket, hang up or fold any clean clothes, put away, donate, or toss any shoes, bags, or other items that do not belong – now the chair looks attractive and useful for sitting

No matter what is going on in your life, taking just 10 minutes a day to reset an area can lead to a more organized and less overwhelming life. The key is to make it a habit. Do it before you sit down to rest. Choose a manageable task.

Over time these small efforts will improve your home and how you feel about it.

If you are looking for other 10-minute tasks check out Diane Quintana and my deck of cards, Organize Your Home 10 Minutes at a Time. Or if you are ready to work on any other specific organizing project and want some tips, encouragement, or accountability join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You virtual clutter support group. You could complete a small project during the call. The group will offer ideas, support, and gentle accountability for working on developing plans or projects.

Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.