It took 38 years but I just figured something out!

**shortcake** · 01-14-2008, 04:43 PM

Ok let me start by the begining. I always start 50 things and hardly ever finish anything. So when I saw other members post their new weekly cleaning routines I knew I had to try it also. So I took two routines that were posted and ckecked out how I could make it work for myself. So this is what I am doing starting today.
Monday is wash beds, wash clothes, was bathrooms and tackle clutter.
Tuesday pay bills, clean kitchen, groceries and clean cake room.
Wednesday Dust, wash clothes, wash mirrors/doors and tackle clutter.
Thursday wash floors, sweep porches (or shovel in winter), clean sunroom and tackle clutter.
Friday clean cake room, write up invoices, update client files and paperwork and school work.
Saturday and Sunday are family time and just keeping things under control no specific tasks.

So today was my first day in my new routine and I figured out something about myself. I can't believe it took me 38 years to realize this but it did! I was working on my specific tasks but I kept wondering off and doing something else. I continually had to remind myself what task I was suppose to be doing and stick to it. I have to admit I found it very difficult!!! For example I was washing the bathtub and then looked up and saw that the mirror and wall needed to be washed also. If I wouldn't of fought the urge I would of spent all day in the bathroom scrubbing and would of not finished todays tasks. No wonder I don't finish stuff. I keep seeing other stuff that needs to be done and the next thing you know I have wondered off and working on another task.
So I am happy that I wrote down this new routine so I can remind myself of my daily tasks.

**Frugal Girl** · 01-14-2008, 04:48 PM

I'm The SAME WAY! I have to write down everything I need to do or else it doesn't get done. I'm sooo easily distracted.

Congratulations! The first step in battling ADD is realization. LOL!!! I'm only kidding!

**Squirt** · 01-14-2008, 04:56 PM

Sounds like me...

I think I need to make a cleaning list.

**monkeywrangler71** · 01-14-2008, 04:57 PM

I keep a pen & notebook in my pocket. I start each day on a new page, write the date and then what's for supper. Then I list that day's chores (from my schedule) and any other tasks that need to be done that day (phone calls, appts. etc). Throughout the day, if I see or think of something that needs to be done, I write it down instead of dropping everything to do it. I also keep a grocery list at the back of the notebook, so I can add to it whenever I think of anything, and page where I list things I want to investigate, blog about, etc. in an effort to consolidate my computer time instead of just wandering to the computer every time I want to know something (although I'm not very good at this part).

I used to carry a palm pilot until it broke

**sdrjeolsen** · 01-14-2008, 05:07 PM

I'm the same way, going from task to task to task as I see things that need to be done, not always finishing what I started out doing. Glad you found a way to tackle it for yourself. Monkeywrangler, I like your way of writing it down rather than dropping everything and doing it at the moment.

**shortcake** · 01-14-2008, 05:17 PM

Thanks for the great ideas everyone. Happy to see I'm not alone

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-14-2008, 07:00 PM

I'm the same way! I just started a cleaning "plan" two weeks ago, and I LOVE it...but I am already thinking of changing it.

Someone suggested that I clean a room a day. Then, when you are scrubbing the bathtub and you notice the wall is dirty...you can clean it! All is fair game as long as you don't wander out of the room you are supposed to be cleaning!

**Jskell911** · 01-14-2008, 07:07 PM

Sound great! Even better to split between me and DH since we have different days off

**Daisygirl** · 01-14-2008, 07:10 PM

I'm a listmaker too. It seems to be the only way for me to get things done!

**Michelle68** · 01-14-2008, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

I keep a pen & notebook in my pocket. I start each day on a new page, write the date and then what's for supper. Then I list that day's chores (from my schedule) and any other tasks that need to be done that day (phone calls, appts. etc). Throughout the day, if I see or think of something that needs to be done, I write it down instead of dropping everything to do it. I also keep a grocery list at the back of the notebook, so I can add to it whenever I think of anything, and page where I list things I want to investigate, blog about, etc. in an effort to consolidate my computer time instead of just wandering to the computer every time I want to know something (although I'm not very good at this part).

I used to carry a palm pilot until it broke

That's a great idea. I'm going to try it.

--Michelle

**KJayEsq** · 01-14-2008, 07:37 PM

I'm easily distracted too. I have to make lists.

**shoiji** · 01-14-2008, 07:56 PM

I have been able to get into a weekly schedule as far as cleaning goes. It is working which is good since cleaning is my least favorite thing to do so distraction is always welcome.

Does enyone else feel like all you do is clean? Sometimes I feel this way. Wish the cleaning fairy would show up.

**bumplett** · 01-14-2008, 08:00 PM

<~~ yep, listmaker here too.

**monkeywrangler71** · 01-14-2008, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by shoiji

Does enyone else feel like all you do is clean?

It's not just a feeling, it's a fact. Clean, cook and change diapers. Every month or so I get a week like this past one where I'm tired and bored and I just let everything slide. Then I'll be all charged up for the next week and start over.

**ballylarkin** · 01-14-2008, 08:39 PM

I do the same thing....I was just telling Scott about this the other day. Distracted much? lol

I agree that I have to consciously tell myself to finish something sometimes...