Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Power of Routines

Routines are a powerful thing. We know they work for our kids (think bedtime routines), so why not use them more often for yourself?

I am working on creating a weekly cleaning routine. The idea is to do a little cleaning and laundry every day, so it does not pile up and overwhelm me on the weekends. 

Example:  
Monday - clean toilets/sinks, wash linens
Tuesday - dust, wash lights
Wednesday - vacuum, wash darks
Thursday - mop, wash kids
Friday - catch all 
Saturday - mirrors/windows, wash work clothes

They say it takes 21 days to create a habit, so now I need to build a routine to make sure I stay on track. 

1.  Daily to do list - I review my daily to do list every night and morning, to make sure key tasks are captured and I have a plan to address the most important tasks.  Remember, do first things first. 
Note - I use the Evernote app on my Smartphone for most of my list making. It means I can check my list anywhere. At work I use Microsoft Onenote.

2.  Schedule - blocking time for key activities helps prioritize what you should be working on. After my son goes to bed is my housework time. I wash dishes and do the daily cleaning. 
I have also heard using a timer helps focus your cleaning efforts for a specific 15 minute block. 

3.  Reminders - I put my daily clean/laundry schedule on my command center (currently a whiteboard on my fridge) so I would see it every day as a reminder. 

4.  Accountability - having a partner that helps hold you accountable is important whenever you are making a change. Get your spouse or children involved in the schedule. I also found an app called "Lift" that allows you to track how often you achieve your daily habits and see your frequency and progress.  

The hardest part of a new habit is finding time and sticking to it. With the motivation of a cleaner and more comfortable house, I am determined to make this habit stick. 

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