OrganizingAugust 29, 2008
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Make a "What To Do" List for Idle Moments

Photo of a to do list.Have you ever wondered how some people get more done than others? I have always believed that wasting time is as bad as wasting resources or money. I started taking stock of how much time I spend waiting for something, and the numbers will astound you!

EXAMPLE: I spend 30 hours a year waiting for my coffee to brew! If you spend 5 minutes a day, that comes out to be just about 30 hours per year!

I spend about twice that waiting for a bus! And don't even get my started on the 20 minutes per hour that is nothing but commercials on each and every show I watch!

So, I compiled a list of what I do while I...

I hope this will help you not only in your time management, but perhaps even help you eliminate some things you may be doing that you don't even like!

While I Brew My Coffee I:

  • load or unload the dishwasher
  • water the plants
  • see to the cat bowls
  • thaw something for dinner
  • plan next weeks meals
While I Wait For The Bus I:
  • delete my cell memories and menus
  • read
  • crochet a small project
  • make lists of thing I need to do
While I Wait For The Laundry I:
  • set up the VCR to tape a show
  • roll yarn
  • cut up veggies for a salad and zip lock them
  • put a casserole together
  • clean out the fridge
While I Watch Endless Commercials I:
  • mute!
  • mend clothes or work on a crochet project
  • cut coupons or recipes
  • catch up on articles I have saved
  • submit cool things and read cool things on Thrifyfun!
While I Sleep I:
  • put a stew in the crock pot overnight
  • let some spray cleaner sit in the tub
  • run the dishwasher
  • soak out some stains in the sink
  • defrag the computer
  • charge the phones
If you really think about what you can be doing while you think you have time to do only one thing, you will compile your own list.

It sure helped me and I am sure it will help you all too.

Source: I thought of this myself. I have been a multitasker from before it had a name, so this is old stuff to me. This is a way to get it out to all "like minded" people. Enjoy all your newly saved time!

By

Related: Staying Organized With Lists

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Read feedback for this post below.

By
04/05/2009

WOW! If anyone deserves to win a contest, you do! These are some great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

By
04/05/2009

Excellent ideas. One great idea for commercial time is to sort your sock basket.

Thanks for the idea about exercise during the commercials. Add a few jumping jacks, or use the stepper for the whole time frame. I love it. Thank you. Karyh

By
04/05/2009

I love idle time, it makes me feel a little more productive and everyone asks how I get so much done.

Anyhow, I first thought of the coupons, as I am sending some to a military base. Then I realized when I sit and watch TV is when I notice all the cobwebs in the corners, so during commercials you can sweep out the corners or take the vacuum to the cus ions....another money making endeavor sometimes as well.

By
09/05/2008

I have been doing this forever. I call it using "scraps of time."

By
09/01/2008

I always find things to do, while I am waiting for the coffee to warm in the microwave. Amazing what you can do in 60 seconds. I also dust, do dishes, (by hand) and pick things up while I am talking with my best buddy at 8:00 AM for an hour every morning. The house always looks presentable. Thanks for sharing.

By Peter Cousseau (Guest Post) 08/31/2008

During commercials, get off the couch or sofa and do some push ups or sit ups, or jump rope.

By
08/29/2008

Fantastic idea. no more excuse for saying "I just don't have time"
I have a small note book which I keep with me at all times. Divided into sections, - to do list, things to achieve, and things to remember. its a godsend. I just add to it as soon as I need to and then cross each item off as it gets done. Its a good feeling when you see pages crossed off.

By
08/29/2008

It's nice you posted to share with everyone!!! Thanks ! :-)

By
08/29/2008

Great ideas. Thanks for getting me thinkin.

By
08/29/2008

A big mahalo nui loa for sharing. Just the right kick in the okole to get going and stop dawdling. I'm printing this out in BIG PRINT.

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