This week, I made a goofy, Pulitzer-worthy post about how to focus (according to my cat, Kitty).
Focus has been on my mind a lot since, and I thought I’d share a bit more on the subject.
When it comes to productivity methods, I’m agnostic.
Because my brain refuses to let me know peace, I rarely find a system that works for me consistently. I’m consistently inconsistent.
This morning, I woke up to several procrastinated tasks and was on the verge of a menty b (mental breakdown).
As a visual learner and processor, I decided to build myself a little matrix. I call it the “Chill or No Chill Prioritization Matrix” (a working title).
Here’s what it looks like:
Basically, I organized all the tasks on my to-do list (and on my mind) based on how chill I feel about them.
I played around with these titles a bit, knowing a prioritization matrix typically has language like “urgency” and “importance.” But what do those things mean really?
Instead, I used “Chill” or “Not Chill” — a very scientific formula, to be fair.
Not Chill tasks are those that spike my heart rate when I think about them. The ones I’m most stressed out about. I need to get them out of my damn way if I’m going to make it through.
Chill tasks are those that seem like they’d be easy, quick, and/or insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
First priority were the tasks in the Due Today — Not Chill box. Second priority were the tasks in the Due Today — Chill box. (If you get through them quick and want to keep working, get a jump start on tomorrow’s Not Chill tasks. Otherwise, take a metaphorical chill pill and call it a day.)
Once you fill out your matrix, I can almost guarantee you’ll feel at least 5% less overwhelmed than when you started. Then you just have to…do the work.
I managed to get everything done today, even the least chill of the not chill tasks. I’m going to use it again tomorrow — unless, you know, I don’t.
Byeeeeee