A Day In the Life: Getting Things Done
Posted on April 19, 2010 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Productivity
A friend of mine remarked that my daily schedule must be very empty for me to accomplish all that I do. “You have a simple life, right? That’s why you have so much time.”
While I do try to simplify my life, that doesn’t mean it’s empty. And my productivity is as much dependent on simplicity as it is on organization and routines.
This week I will be sharing my daily schedule so that my friend can understand the differences.
Weekday Morning Routine
Waking Up
The alarm goes off at 6:15. This is located in our adjoining bathroom, so I have to get up to hit the snooze once. I go back to bed and try to get conscious (I am NOT a morning person!) This consciousness is helped along by one cat coming for a head-butting cuddle, the other cat howling downstairs for his breakfast, and the dog doing the I-can’t-hold-it-any-longer dance next to my side of the bed. I prod my husband into dealing with the dog and head for the shower.
Getting Ready
When I’m out of the shower, I dress with the clothes I laid out in the bathroom the night before, then check to make sure my daughter is up. A cup of coffee has appeared next to the bathroom sink (courtesy the programmable coffee pot and my husband). I finish getting ready.
About 6:55 I am dressed, hair and makeup done, and the bathmat picked up. Anything that was used in the norming preparation has been put back. I head to the bedroom, where I make the bed and tidy up. My daughter appears around this time, and I brush her hair. Picking up my jewelry and shoes, I head for our office, where my bag for the office and purse and waiting. I grab those and head downstairs, balancing the precious coffee as well.
The Kitchen Dash
Downstairs, my daughter has already started her breakfast, and my husband is moving around putting his lunch together. Both he and I usually take leftovers or something simple for lunch. I put together my daughter’s lunch as well, pour a second cup of coffee, open the dishwasher and pull out the racks so the dishes can air dry, then walk my daughter to the bus stop at 7:15.
Getting Outside
At this point I am usually fully awake. The bus picks up my daughter, and I head home, where I put the leash on the dog, grab my iPod and go for a brisk walk (about 1.1 miles). When I return home, I will eat breakfast, and see if I have to do anything else at home before I leave.
Weekday Chores
On Wednesdays I throw my daughter’s laundry in the washer. On weekdays I put the robotic vacuum in the area it is to clean and turn it on. If there is a crockpot dinner to be made, I will throw it together. At 8:00 I give the elderly cat his insulin shot and breakfast, and then I head out the door to the office.
On The Way To Work
I will be the first to admit I have an enviable commute. I work one exit down the interstate from my home, and on a bad traffic day it can take me 15 minutes to get there. I usually listen to a podcast or some upbeat sing-along music on my way in. (Yes, I’m one of those crazy people who sings in the car)
Starting the Work Day
At my desk, I will turn on my computer and put my lunch in the fridge. After I log on, the first thing I do is look at the electronic sticky note I left on the last working day to remind me what I need to start with. If it is not earthshaking, I will check my email. Otherwise I will get right on task.
This is my weekday morning routine. Next time: the end of the work day.
Photo by papalars
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Comments (1)
[...] I mentioned last time , I have a very short commute. On the way home, I do not take the interstate, but rather a highway [...]