Classic Amy Joanne

I tell myself all the time, just start with one thing….just start something, anything.

10 minutes can accomplish something.

I know that one thing started is better than none and one thing will lead to another.

I tell myself don’t look at the whole job, break it down into small pieces of time.

Find something to motivate you ~ then begin…..just begin.

…and for heavens sake, put down the phone.

I simply can waste more time waiting for the right time, or to have more time, or even free time ~ but life doesn’t work that way and I’m trying a new approach to accomplish small tasks (or even begin large tasks) with the time that I have in front of me. …and it hands-down beats scrolling thru apps on my phone. If I only had the time back that I wasted scrolling, imagine all that I could have accomplished past 6 inches from my face.…but I digress.

~*~

I had 10 minutes before leaving for an appointment.

So I ‘created’ containers with vintage finds on the kitchen counter top. You have to admit this Milk Glass chicken looks better than a cardboard tea box. I wonder what else I can conceal? All I needed was 10 minutes to find a better way to use decor and clear the everyday clutter.

~*~

I’m not sure about you but I overlook simple 10 minute to-do’s daily ~ to-do’s that would keep my home tidy, like sorting mail on the counter or putting away shoes by the door.

I have a running mental to-do list looming in my head, along with a hand written list in my planner (yes I have one, doesn’t everyone?) of small and large projects, including closets to organize, home improvement projects and more ~ realizing that most projects take less than 10 minutes to begin or even accomplish.

~*~

For instance, the wrist pad on my keyboard had seen better days (and has been on my to-do list and overlooked daily) ~ so one morning I coordinated matching scrapbooking paper for the keyboard to my desk, then added decoupage glue to the wrist pad, added the scrapbooking paper and let it dry, then cut the excess paper away, and it looks so much better than before….and coordinated I might add…..yep only 10 minutes of time, and crossing it off my to-do list was so satisfying.

It felt more satisfying than any scroll time on my phone.

~*~

Also

Having projects readily available is always a plus to get things done or at least moving forward ~ whether it be in a basket by the sofa for tv night or a bag in the car for a lengthy appointment wait time ~ maybe a book, a knitting project or even punch needle. In the past I sorted paper coupons while I waited in line. (now I am dating myself ~ but they were the good ol’ days for sure!).

It only took a minute or two to add a basket by the sofa and pack a travel bag. I’m ready now and am setting myself up for accomplishment.

~*~

As you know, I shop for vintage items for our home frequently ~ and am always super excited about each purchase and have big plans for each item ~ and then they end up on a pile in the basement waiting on ‘a day’ to clean them and in some cases paint them….some end up there for years. It is a cycle I hope to break. A small painting project can, at the least get started even within a limited amount of time.

Such as this mug holder ~ a few small moments of time and the project was completed.

~*~

creating new ‘good and healthy habits’ is not easy…and putting down the phone is probably one of the hardest habits to break ~ we are so conditioned to pick up the phone if we have any spare moments available.

For a few years now I walk a mile each morning taking about a half-hour, spending time in prayer and leaving my phone at home. It’s Not easy, but feels so good.

I’ve been thru this before when I left Social Media for a year, it wasn’t easy but I did it.

~*~

I have always been an organizer of time, probably since I’m 16 ~ at first with the ‘free’ Hallmark Calendar in my purse, then I moved into a day planner in my 20’s and then into a larger daily planner when I started my business. I still live by my Meal Planning (read here), and a Cleaning Plan (read here). Tweaking each a bit but for the most part this has been my way of life. …so I know I can do this, I can set my phone aside and use my time wisely. Setting myself up for good healthy happy habits. Finishing small projects and preparing myself for big projects with my time.

Throwing away time is worse than throwing away money, you can’t get it back.

For now, when I am ready to pick up my phone or work on my laptop I will set a timer. Time to read my favorite blogger’s posts, check my email, scroll some on Pinterest and write blog posts ~ then when the timer goes off I will be ready to begin my day and enjoy life more than 6 inches from beneath my face.

I’m ready to live life again, ready to use time wisely, ready to start………and ready to put down the phone, for sure.

Creatively Yours, Amy.

~*~

Be sure to visit our Daily Dose ~ for a quick 1 minute boost of inspiration, daily, before you put down your phone, of course (click here).