There are some days when I bounce out of bed, full of energy and ready to take on the world.
Sadly, today is not one of those days. =(
Today, I am childish and whiny and (inwardly) complaining about all the stuff I have to do.
So, I have found a way to fool myself. (I know. I’m already delusional. No need to point it out.)
I call it the Fifteen Minute Day.
Here’s how it works:
I carry a timer around with me set to fifteen minutes and only work until it goes off.
I strip sheets off my bed and put the clean ones on. I carry the laundry basket downstairs and start the laundry. Did all that only take fifteen minutes? (I amaze myself.)
I carry my trusty timer into the kitchen with me and put dishes in the dishwasher and wipe down counters. Gosh! That didn’t even take fifteen minutes! I am indeed a domestic goddess!!
Then I set the timer again and head for the bathrooms. Both done in fifteen minutes! My family is sooo going to love me!
Living Room. Pick up and dust and even vacuum. Hey! That only took ten out of fifteen minutes! I really rock at this!! =D
My whiner-baby-inner-child now wants a break. I have, after all, been working for almost a whole hour. How about a fifteen minute reading break?
Now I’m starting to gain momentum and enjoying that veneer of self-esteem that comes from doing stuff you don’t want to do but makes you feel good after you’ve done it. In fact, I’m starting to feel a little superior.
I think I’ll just take a picture of my timer and go blog about this! What do you know? That only took fifteen minutes.
I think it’s almost time for a real reward. A Cuban cafécito sounds like just the thing.
"In the future, everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes." ~ Andy Warhol
Gotta go now. My fifteen minutes are up. 😉
Pam Pensiero says
I wonder if Gene’s 20 day jury trial could be done in 15 minutes?????
Eric says
Great post honey. I was so discouraged last night – so many little tasks to do. I read your post this morning. Yes! I can do 15 minutes! Thanks for being there.- Eric
class factotum says
That’s brilliant! I like to make a list of everything, including the stupid stuff I do every single day, like make my bed or wash the breakfast dishes, so I can cross stuff off and feel as if I am accomplishing something.I have also used a variation of your method — one ABBA song per task and then I get to stop.
Kristen Benson says
I use this method too…it works really well.
Carrie says
You are a So. Cal Fly Lady. (You know her?)
La Ventanita says
‘ño! I have to try this method; if it works my husband will adore you!He already loves you for the pastelitos!