I find that when I don't feel much like working that timers can be my best friend. I am not sure if it is the obsessive part of me or the competitive part, either way it seems to work. I will make a list of all the rooms I want to get cleaned in a certain amount of time for example, I might have 6 rooms to clean in 3 hours. I would then give each room 30 minutes. Then I will set a timer and work as fast as I can. When the timer beeps, I leave that room and go to the next one on the list, even if it is not finished. By the end of the 3 hours all the rooms should be quite a bit cleaner than when I started, even if they are not all the way clean. If a room gets done before the timer beeps then I will go back to a room that did not get finished. That way I know when my cleaning time will be done and it seems easier to handle.
Timers are also handy tools for kids. I will set a timer and tell them OK, if you can get "such and such" done before the timer you will get to watch a movie. It really helps them to work hard (sometimes). I will usually say OK, you have 1/2 hour to clean this room, then set the timer for 25 minutes and tell them when the timer beeps that it is their 5 minute warning. Then set it again for 5 minutes.
Try timers for you 5 minute challenges also, when the timer beeps you are allowed to quite done or not and get the points!! Give timers a try this week and let me know if they work for you.
I used timers like crazy in my classroom, I've never used them at home though. I'll have to try it. I am also motivated (compulsive, competitive, whatever) by things like that.
ReplyDeleteI always love timers. Unfortunately my kids like them, too, so they never last long. Any advise on the type of timers you like best?
ReplyDeleteI just bought one a couple weeks ago, maybe I will use it in my cleaning this week.
Good tip!
That is such a good idea, I've never thought to use them for myself! I'll let you know how it goes.
ReplyDelete