Five Minutes Today or Hours Tomorrow?
Posted 01-22-2009 at 12:45 PM by TimeForLife
I keep hearing people pronounce "5 minutes today, saves hours tomorrow". Being the skeptic I am, I decided to investigate the quote and put it to the test to find out how much truth there is to the proclamation. As a background, I am the type of person who gets very excited when introduced to new ideas or concepts then steps back and critiques all aspects of the situation. Good, bad, indifferent. Then I make an analysis and proceed to (what I believe to be) an educated decision. I do this because I am an idealist. That being said I have made a pledge to myself to fill each day with focus on my mind, body, soul and heart. So in the midst of my journey, here is what I learned:
Tasks I accomplished by committing 5 minutes or less today:
1. Transcribed a meeting I had with a client and made a file for future meetings
2. Read a section of a business book.
3. Read my mail (I usually browse and toss) a newsletter to be specific
4. Wiped off the outside of my CrockPot
5. Read reminder and filed my FAFSA
6. Prepared file folders for use
7. And my favorite, I started a morning routine, short, simple and effective. It entails tending to my dogs, coffee, make bed, shower, check email, schedule day and start one load of laundry.
Outcome of committing to task:
1. Started a Process and bettered the organization of my business
2. Defined my niche market for marketing
3. My questions were answered on what I need to discuss with my financial advisor. I also made a “To Do” to set up yearly investment review.
4. I cleaned the counter tops, sink, loaded dishwasher and washed my sink protector mats.
5. Money for 2009-2010 school year.
6. No frustration next time I need a file folder “right now” and the satisfaction of using my down time wisely.
7. I now look forward to starting my day because I know it will be productive.
Consequence of putting task off:
1. Never would have been started - Less organized management system
2. Frustration from marketing to too many groups
3. No tracking of my financial investments
4. Nasty bacteria build up that would eventually lead to a sickness of some sort
5. Have to risk financial aid and face the possibility of having to drop out of school.
6. A waist of my precious time and small tasks being forgotten.
7. More wasted time and who can afford that!
Thus, my conclusion is this, five minutes today, really will save you hours down the road. So the next time you are feeling a bit overwhelmed at home or work, take five minutes to do one task that you have been putting off because it is small and seemingly inconvenient. What one small task could you do that would save you time and possibly money tomorrow?
Tasks I accomplished by committing 5 minutes or less today:
1. Transcribed a meeting I had with a client and made a file for future meetings
2. Read a section of a business book.
3. Read my mail (I usually browse and toss) a newsletter to be specific
4. Wiped off the outside of my CrockPot
5. Read reminder and filed my FAFSA
6. Prepared file folders for use
7. And my favorite, I started a morning routine, short, simple and effective. It entails tending to my dogs, coffee, make bed, shower, check email, schedule day and start one load of laundry.
Outcome of committing to task:
1. Started a Process and bettered the organization of my business
2. Defined my niche market for marketing
3. My questions were answered on what I need to discuss with my financial advisor. I also made a “To Do” to set up yearly investment review.
4. I cleaned the counter tops, sink, loaded dishwasher and washed my sink protector mats.
5. Money for 2009-2010 school year.
6. No frustration next time I need a file folder “right now” and the satisfaction of using my down time wisely.
7. I now look forward to starting my day because I know it will be productive.
Consequence of putting task off:
1. Never would have been started - Less organized management system
2. Frustration from marketing to too many groups
3. No tracking of my financial investments
4. Nasty bacteria build up that would eventually lead to a sickness of some sort
5. Have to risk financial aid and face the possibility of having to drop out of school.
6. A waist of my precious time and small tasks being forgotten.
7. More wasted time and who can afford that!
Thus, my conclusion is this, five minutes today, really will save you hours down the road. So the next time you are feeling a bit overwhelmed at home or work, take five minutes to do one task that you have been putting off because it is small and seemingly inconvenient. What one small task could you do that would save you time and possibly money tomorrow?
Total Comments 4
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Wonderful Post, Rikki!
Thank you so much-Very interesting read! |
 
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I'm sure we have all put off something. It is nice to see both sides of the fence when doing the task versus not doing it. Thanks for the insight.
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Thanks ladies! It happened again. I committed 5 minutes to my new marketing plan and ended up completing it and writing my elevator speech. Saving my life 5 minutes at a time!
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Great thoughts Rikki! Procrastination is sometimes hard to overcome especially with tasks that are not fun or interesting.
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