Question and Answer

[Louise Lotz]

MY 5M INUTES BETTER POWER UP QUESTIONS:
WHAT WORKED ? WHAT DIDN’T WORK?

Right - what worked was it was a small easy task and so I have been able to complete it. There is nothing really that did not work. The only thing I was disappointed about was that was my favourite set of bedding, so I was sorry to take that off the bed and put some less favourite bedding on the bed, but at least it is lovely and clean. I added some other things to the linen - as it was all blue I had a load of blue things waiting to go.

WHAT CAN I DO BETTER NEXT TIME?

The linen cupboard needs some re-organising, so that needs to go onto my time-table. I can set this all up so that next week - or in a couple of weeks, I can look forward to the most favourite linen going on the bed - and it can be all ready and waiting. I had to dig around a bit to find all the pillow cases I needed. I think the bed change can be slotted in as an every 2 weeks job and if it needs any freshening up inbetween I can do that in addition. The duvet can be turned over, but the sheets need actual frequent changing as they are all fitted sheets. There is also more I could do to make the bed look beautiful during the day - with some additional pretty day pillows or a counterpaine. But I am not quite in that league yet.

HOW CAN I SET MYSELF UP TO MAKE IT EVEN EASIER?

I need to set up a time-table, with actual times in it. This gives me a little more motivation. If I can follow what I did during the day and keep a log of this, then this will increase my productivity. It is not always possible to do things just when I planned, so the goals should not be too arduous. But I do think it is important for me to begin to work out where the time is going.

MY NOTES:

The kitchen is already looking very much better than it did in my before photo, but as I posted this today, I think I should wait a week or so before posting a progress photo. My next problem is filing - there are a lot of papers piled up on the worksurface - you can't see this surfact in the picture I posted.

[Louise Lotz]

That's a fantastic idea - yes it is a great job for TV time.

That's exactly what I do!!

But I am not a great TV watcher - prefer the computer.

L xxx

[Jan Ferrante]

Hi Louis, you are making a magnificent effort. Not only in doing but really in looking at the why's and how comes and how you are going to make it better - that's a big part of success.

I've found that keeping the structure as simple as possible is the best way to go for me, you are right to also allow for the fact that you won't always be able to keep on a strict time table. That not only allows for you to be flexible, but it also nips the tendency we all seem to have to be hard on ourselves if we can't always follow things to the letter - and once we get disappointed with ourselves, it never seems as easy to get back on track.

I don't set a time table for myself, I set some goals or milestones that I want to accomplish for the day and make them my focus. That way I can somewhat plan them into the day, or if I find myself with time, that's what I do first instead of flop in front of the tv or computer. (ok, sometimes I do them on commercials - they still get done and I get to flop out :0))

I think you are on the right track big time Louis!! As long as you can maintain what you have accomplished, and then set your self up for one big win per day (which can be even a small clear space that was cluttered before - a 5 minute job) - that will keep you going with a spring in your step :0) I can't wait to see your after picture!

btw, I have a lot of paperwork to get caught up on too. I am going to try to set aside some small time every day and some big time days to do it. It's another job that can be boxed and transferred to the tv - or I like to listen to audio books, they make a boring job interesting.