The game-changing productivity hack that totally transformed how I plan my days.
The hack I discovered is one where I divide my day into smaller tasks to accomplish the things I want to do. It’s usually something like; things I want to do for the day, small wins for the week, work-related tasks, personal tasks, and anything else that needs to be on the list.
My version of executive dysfunction is the one where I struggle to start. I think everything is too overwhelming to handle all at once, so I don’t bother doing anything. I just let it be and worry about the fact that I’m not taking action.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that breaking everything down into smaller bits allows me to easily define what I want out of life and what I need to feel good about being alive.
Then I can pursue those things repeatedly — the cycle of life.
This chapter of my life consists of:
- Work
- Personal
- Voluntary
- Future plans or long-term goals
On a daily basic that would look like
- 5 am — 8 am: Work out, meditate
- 9 am — 10 am: Get ready for work, eat breakfast
- 10 am — 12 pm: Work; Context gathering
- 12 pm — 2 pm: Work; Explore ideas
- 2 pm — 3 pm: Rest
- 3 pm — 5 pm: Review if goals for the work day were achieved.
Outside Work hours
Personal Tasks
- 6pm — 8pm: Write out the first draft of a new article
- Finish painting
- Read chapter 3
And then the same for voluntary and future plans.
There are times when I have no idea what my day is going to be like. In those situations, I simply write out a to-do list without adding specific time slots.
In the past, I used to spend all my time working and neglecting self-care. However, things have changed since I started creating my to-do list and categorizing tasks into personal, work, and other areas.
I’ve discovered that breaking tasks down in this way helps me accomplish something for myself every day. It could be something that brings immediate gratification or contributes to my long-term plan.
This way of planning your day keeps you grounded. You know which areas of your life you miss out on after a while. I know this because I started including “Go outside”, “Take a walk”, “Call Dad” and “Hang out” in my weekly and monthly entries.
Try it for yourself. You’ll see how it works and if it’s a better way to set up your to-do list for the day.
This hack is also a way to actively be present — with ADHD, people forget to have fun when dopamine levels are low — and stay aware of your small wins and your life in general.
Don’t forget to live while chasing a goal or dealing with whatever feels like the worst challenge you’re going through.
