Persistent + Positivity = Payoff

As stated in my first blog, completing a task or “closing a loop” can be a huge challenge for me. Especially if I am thinking of other things while doing them. Some tasks are extra difficult due to the fact that there is time sensitivity involved.  I shared in part one that opening and closing windows to help keep the house cool during the summer has two parts to it.  The second part (*closing*) is normally the tricky part.

Another task I briefly mentioned in blog #1 involves doing more than one thing at a time. Example: feeding the cats.  This may not seem like a multi-tasking sort of task but when you have three cats that don’t eat the same food or eat in the same location then you have got yourself a job!

For me something this “simple” will sometimes result in me leaving a can of food out by accident.  It’s often the middle cat whose can I leave out for anyone to snack on.  I get the first cat all set up downstairs but feeding two boys upstairs in separate rooms with separate foods is often when things go awry.  I forget to loop back around to pick up the can of food for cat #2 because I am now focused on cat #3. Plus, since cat #3 is located in the laundry room, I immediately start thinking about the laundry situation and getting a load going.  Once I do that, there is no memory of the can of food left out for #2 until it’s lunch time or my hubby finds it.

Persistent About Allowing Growth

Overall, multi-tasking is just not something that works for me.  And, even though I have been through this struggle a million times it doesn’t improve the situation.  It doesn’t matter if “on pain of death it must be done” because I can’t keep all those thoughts and feelings in some organized order in my head all at once.

I have to break this task down to feeding each animal individually.  I also need to ask myself, “Have you finished the task at hand?”  “Do you have any loops you need to close before moving on to the next task?”

This, of course, is easier said than done.  So, I often put sticky notes up to remind me of daily open loops like washing clothes so we don’t run out! (More on that topic next time.)

Another helpful trick I have learned is pairing up a task you often forget to do with something you always remember to do. That way it will become a new habit much faster than usual.

It takes (persistent) work and a positive attitude (positivity!).  If you get down on yourself, you just give yourself another thing to distract yourself with.  Experiment! Try different tactics and see what works for you.

Keep on keepin’ on!

Add to the conversation! We’ll be glad you did. Is there an area in your life you’re persistent at improving? Are you striving to bring positivity along for the ride? Invite someone you know into this conversation. Everyone is welcome. 

photo credit: readerwalker via photopin cc