Why I don’t blog.

I have a bad habit of trying to do everything at once. (Overachiever?  People pleaser?  I’m not sure…)This has the inevitable consequence of nothing ever getting finished. Any progress is very slow because of the other 8-10 tasks that require my attention as well.

In fact, 35 minutes have passed between this sentence and the previous one. I was working on several emails and projects for work. It’s a wonder, really, that I noticed that this document was still open.

…40 minutes…

So, this is why I don’t blog…frequently. I get distracted by other, possibly more important things. But blogging is important too! What to do?

I want to improve this little quirk – it will make me more effective, and reflect God’s character a bit better. He’s a God of order, completing what He begins within the timeframe He lays out. I’ve been praying for God’s help with this in my life…and…

My combative measure has become the awesome power of The List. I love lists. Lists help me refocus and prioritize nearly anything. I can see my thoughts and objectives on paper, and evaluate what needs the most attention. It really is amazing.

The other key ingredient in The List is The Ranking. When I make lists, there is typically no recognizable order to them. After I’ve emptied my brain of tasks, I step back and give them a ranking based on their importance and time-table. This is tricky, because some things are VERY important, but may not need to be finished for weeks – others may be nearly thoughtless, but immediate. So, next to each task I write a number – 1 is top priority…and the numbers descend from there.

Now, the execution. I start with number one, and focus on that one thing until either (A) I’m finished with it, or (B) I’ve hit a point where I can do no more until something else happens (waiting for an email to be returned, or the washer needs to finish..something like that). Then I move on to 2, same thing. IF 1 is not completed, and suddenly I get what I was waiting for, I return to that task as soon as I can to complete it. Then back to 2 until completion or impasse. Then 3. And on and on I go moving down the list crossing things off.

No, I haven’t “arrived” at 100% productivity, but I’m now MOVING in that direction. Constant communication with God is keeping me on track, helping me prioritize, and it is working for me! But that doesn’t mean lists work for you…

What inhibits your productivity?

Are you easily distracted?

What have you done to become more focused/productive?