Wednesday, April 28, 2010

My plan to become more productive

Awhile back I started leaving the TV off for a majority of everyday, with only catching up on my favorite shows via Hulu. For a few days I got a lot of stuff done, then it started to taper off and I just ended up spending so much more time on my computer!

Half the time I'm not even actively doing anything, just switching back and forth between pages, trying to figure out what to do. I don't know why, but the internet just sucks me in! Even when I'm not doing anything interesting!

So I have decided that I am going to start limiting my time on the computer. If McKaleigh is awake, I set the timer for 15-20 minutes and that is all the time I allow myself. When she is sleeping, that is when I can feel free to just waste my time doing nothing on the internet. I just put her down for a nap, so that is why I am writing this now. Another exception will be when my husband is online, but he can send a message to my phone to prompt me to go to my computer.

Today I have had two timed periods of time on the computer, plus some random time during lunch. That's really good for me! Normally I would just be on the computer all morning long, and the time I spent on the computer today would probably equal the time I normally spend not on the computer. When the timer goes off, I actually turn my computer off and shut the lid, instead of just setting it down, because I always seem to drift back to check stuff.

I have gotten so much done today compared to normal! We've lived here since November, and I finally just hung up a few pictures in the living room. I tidied up, since my daughter loves to tear up junk mail and spread it out all over, that alone took quite awhile. I also dusted in my living room! It needed it so badly, and that was quite a task. I still have quite a lot to do to get this house looking the way I want it to, but I think I'm off to a good start. I need to make more lists, that's for sure!

5 comments:

Renita said...

I'm the same way with my computer. It does help if you make SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and a time component :) That should definitely help you get things done!

Tara @ --Insert Clever Title Here-- said...

Ooh good tip. I might have to make a little sign with that written on it and post that somewhere;).

Unknown said...

I had the same problem with tv so we canceled our cable while my husband is deployed.. Then I drifted to the internet... I had to literally move the computer in another room so that I will stay off it while my little one is awake.. Maybe if limiting your time starts to drift off you can move it into another room instead. Hope it works well for you!

Tara @ --Insert Clever Title Here-- said...

Yeah, we haven't had cable for almost 2 years. And no matter where I put the laptop it always ends up on the coffee table, because I prefer using it on the couch, lol.

Yoga Britta said...

I do the same dang thing and it irritates me so much! We got rid of our tv 5 years ago and now the internet is the problem. I will be taking your advice and getting off more!