The Hurrier I Go, the Behinder I Get
My grandma had a small plaque hanging by her kitchen sink that pictured a lady with a broom in her hand and the phrase, “the hurrier I go, the behinder I get.”
Since I was only a child, I asked my grandma what that meant. Of course, it didn’t make any since to me. Logically, I thought if you are hurrying you should be getting ahead, not behind.
She, however, explained that sometimes when we hurry through a task in such a way that produces a sloppy result, we must then redo it in order to do it right.
Simply put, if you don’t have time to do a job right the first time, when will you find time to do it over?
This statement has been ingrained in my mind since that time, and I try to apply it to my life as a wife, mom and homemaker. Nevertheless, at times, it is very easy to fall victim to this counter productive behavior.
Basically, you must learn to be your own productivity manager. Here is how:
Have a plan for the day
If you know that you are going to be on a busy schedule tomorrow, sit down tonight and make a list of everything you need and want to get done tomorrow. Prioritize. Put things that absolutely must be done at the top of the list.
Two things are accomplished by making your priority list.
- Your list helps you stay focused. Instead of running around trying to remember what you need to be doing, you are actually busy doing what needs to be done.
- Since you have prioritized your tasks, you’ll not only help ensure completion of your necessary tasks, but also ensure that you have time to do a good job of the most important ones.
Delegate chores or tasks
Husbands can be wonderful help. However, keep in mind that you do usually have to come right out and ask though. Forget hinting around, waiting for them to ask if you need help. Most men don’t do hints very well.
Even children, especially older kids, can help with some projects as well. My five year old does a great job helping put away laundry when I ask him to.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
By the end of the day you will hopefully have the necessary items checked off your list. You now must let the rest go for the day. Add them to tomorrow’s list if they will be a new priority, or commit yourself to working on them another day when you can devote your attention to completing the tasks well.
The goal of a productivity manager is to determine what tasks need to be done now, to decide how best to accomplish the tasks, and to know what can wait.
By incorporating these guidelines into your routine, you will be a step closer to becoming the best productivity manager possible for your home and family.
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What a great reminder that the same principles that can keep you from falling behind at work also work in the home!
I would even add to make sure you plan into your list things like ‘eat lunch,’ ‘take meds,’ and ‘go for a walk.’ It’s easy to forget to do even such small things.
Great advice. I always do better when I have a small plan for the day. I say “small” because when I put too many things on my list less gets done because I’m overwhelmed! A great reminder not to sweat the small stuff. Love you site!
Andrea @ The Train To Crazy’s last blog post..What’s the deal with mac ‘n cheese?
@Amanda - Very true. Thanks for the tips.
@Andrea - You’re right, it is easy to get overwhelmed if you plan way too much for the day. Thanks for the comment.
Great post! My list saves me from chaos (most of the time!).
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Amy @ AmyLovesIt!’s last blog post..Curve Control Straightener for $15.95, shipping and all!
I also like the quote “Anything worth doing well is worth doing poorly, at first.” Because sometimes I think the fear of perfection keeps us from even starting anything.
Jamie
steadymom’s last blog post..What Do You Think?
I agree that sometimes fear can keep us from starting things. However, there is a difference between doing something poorly because you are inexperienced, which is what I feel this quote is talking about, and doing a task poorly because you “hurried” through the process. Thanks for the comment. It is a good thing to think about.
I love your ideas! Thanks:-)
Amy @ Living Locurto’s last blog post..Family Fun!
That’s such a cute saying! What a wonderful way to teach my children the concept of doing it right the first time, though it may not make sense to them either.
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You never know what kids are going to understand. I was just a kid when my grandma explained it to me, and look, now I’m righting about it all these years later.