Tags
Daily Tasks, Flexible, Hybrid, motivation, Rigid, Schedule, Scheduling, Self-Awareness, To-do Lists
Well, it’s about 1:45 am and I am getting this post done early as I’ve changed my schedule to take advantage of the peace and quiet. One of my fellow bloggers mentioned she could do the same as I do, but has an “early bird” husband, so she has to keep a different schedule. I get that. I’m lucky to be retired as young as I did, and have a little more freedom than most.
What is the topic for today? Schedules. Some folks are very rigid in their schedule, while others are more flexible. I tend to be on the flexible side. I list out my tasks daily (recurring on Google Calendar) and knock them out. Sometimes, I do my writing early in the morning like today. Other times, I don’t begin my work until I get up around 2 or 3 pm (sometimes earlier). It literally depends on how well I sleep or what’s going on. As most of you know I retired early to help out my folks. My Dad suffers from Dementia, and needs someone around him all the time. If my Mom has an errand to run, I need to get up. Sometimes, earlier than I like, but it must be done. So, I get up, get some coffee, and hang out with Dad while he sleeps in his chair (most of the time). When Mom gets back, I take a nap. Subsequently, my flexible schedule of doing things everyday is just that–flexible. I get all of my stuff done, but not at a specific time each day.
I’m not locked into any type of writing schedule, learning schedule, or exercise schedule. I do my daily meditation at a fixed time (5 PM daily), but that is flexible too, particularly if something comes up, like an appointment, going out to dinner, or what have you. I do, however, get all of the things I have slotted for the day completed.
You may not be wired that way. Some of my writing friends, for example, have to write at a given time each day for a set amount of time. It’s their process. I have no problem with the rigid schedule or my flex schedule. The key to this is to identify if you are rigid, flexible, or a hybrid. Hybrids will be flexible sometimes, and rigid at other times. Once you identify which one of these categories you are most aligned with, you can plan out your days, tasks, and schedules as you see fit. For those hybrids out there, you may have periods of a few weeks or months where you have to have a rigid schedule, and then get the nudge to be more flexible. Self awareness is the trick here.
So pay attention to what’s going on internally. What is easiest to achieve? Are you resisting your schedule and missing start and end times, or are you missing some of your tasks because your schedule is too loose? Only you know the answer to those questions. Either way, follow your gut. You’re in charge of your schedule outside of work. What works? When you find that–stick to it. You’ll get more done, and you won’t feel hemmed in by your calendar and to-do list. Who wouldn’t be motivated by a schedule that aligns with the way they are?
Well, folks, have a great Monday!
Until next time…
Dave
Daily Ramblings... 