Heheh, you appeared in my feed since I've been bingeing Dana's videos. 🤣 I think we can apply part of the step 4 decluttering questions, at least. Remember, some of us have things we need or want to do and haven't scheduled time or found a place it fits in our routine. But we do probably instinctually know the best days or times to do that thing. Like for me, some of my daily self care practices are far better done in the morning because 1) that's when I have more time in my personal schedule, 2) I get a boost prioritizing my own wellbeing instead of a drain knowing I still need to get to those things, and 3) the practices themselves make me feel better for the rest of the day. So for those of us who have todos that "have no home" it can make a lot of sense to ask this question.
Ah, you're right! We can definitely ask "where would I look for this first?" For you, you've "looked for" and found (!) those self care tasks daily, and in the mornings, for the three reasons you lists. Thanks for pointing that out - I'm sure that resonates with a lot of folks!
Oh wow loved stumbling onto this, I actually started to practice habits like this myself. I finally found an app that actually tracks habits like this as well - its called Flexi Habit. Are you still practicing this ? Would love to know how its going ?
Oh sorry! I just saw your comment. I’m actually not tracking habits right now, it doesn’t feel right. But, I’ve kept the concept of flexible definitions of success when working on my habits - it really helps to keep the momentum going.
@@youtodoyou that makes sense I sometimes go though the same thing. It feels like a lot of effort. That's why some apps help because it's not as much a hassle
@@Tenshi_ZA Yes, remembering to track can be its own habit to develop - ha! I took a quick glance at FlexiHabit - it looks pretty cool - thanks for sharing!
Great video! I really love that you gave other frameworks apart from the typical Eisenhower Matrix! Thank you. Mmmhh, I've also been thinking and assuming we want to be most of the time on quadrant I and II, I'd argue that the Good at / Enjoy Matrix axes should be interchanged, meaning the Skill should be the x-axis and Enjoyment y-axis. I think we should ideally spend our time doing something we enjoy even if we are not great at it because this will cause growth and knowledge which will most likely cause us to get some skills or get better at it, instead of doing what we default at: what we are good at but don't enjoy. Of course if it's a concern of job security you should probably do what you are most skilled at (and maybe look for another job), but if your job gives you some leeway and opportunity for growth I'd prioritize Enjoyment over Skill. And in personal life priorities I'd say, always choose Enjoyment over Skill!
Ah, interesting! For myself, I often enjoy things BECAUSE I am good at them, so there’s a big overlap there. It takes effort to not beat myself up when I’m not good at something - a double opportunity for growth there: get better at the thing and get better at not being a meanie to myself when I’m not good at it. Thanks for watching and joining the conversation!
For a female habit author, I recommend Gretchen Rubin's book Better then Before. When I read other books like Atomic Habits, I was impressed and then I didn't implement a single thing. When I read Better than Before, although I didn't like the style or parts of the book, I related so much to the idea of taking an approach to suit your personality, the book completely changed how I think about habits and I've made a lot of progress after putting parts of it into practice. In Rubin's terms, I'm a Rebel with a bit of Questioner, so the standard advice which centres on routines, goals and accountability is not much use to me. I felt totally validated by Rubin's approach and have taken the parts of the book I like and really used them. I'd never heard of Stephen Guise but am interested in the elastic habits idea and will check it out. Thank you for the review.
Oh yes, Gretchen Rubin, of course. Thank you. I’m building a video comparing the top habit methods - I will definitely include that one. It makes so much st se to include your personality and style into the mix - that’s really the only way anything can stick!
Great video -- such an important topic! I have struggled with busy-ness my entire adult life. When I moved from the Northeast US to Sweden 10 years ago, I really expected to be less busy, since busy-ness seemed to be an external pressure. Despite having 6 weeks of vacation, many more holidays, more sick and parental leave, etc, I realized that I still felt the same amount of busy inside. For me, being busy was a sub-conscious choice and overwhelm had become my default setting. It has taken me several years to change this, and I'm not sure I'll ever be completely free from it. Some things that have helped are minimalism, especially getting rid of unfinished projects and low-value/high maintenance things (aka "the silent to-do list"); experiencing spaciousness in my home helped me realize that I wanted it in my calender. Also, getting real with myself about how much I actually need to rest in order to function gave me some permission to spend more time doing less.
Thanks for sharing your experience! So interesting to hear that your sense of busy didn’t diminish after your move - I have a stereotype assumption that life is more mellow in Sweden. Goes to show that it really is about your state of mind! Having a more minimal space seems like a really important part of letting some of your busy-ness go.
I wonder what to do about areas in which we really should take a break, i e work-related stuff. I think there's a benefit to letting ourself rest. Do you work on all of your goals every day.
Great question. This book really assumes you’ll do all of your habits every day, which isn’t realistic. In fact, most habit books don’t really address this need for rest. Elastic Habits does sort-of allow for rest, if you call the lowest ‘win condition’ rest, but that’s not really a break. I’m working on a video comparing the various habit methodologies and I’ll report back if any of them work more effectively at this idea of rest.
As a Dana K. White fan, and a person who constantly wrestles with my ToDo’s, I was going to suggest to Dana that she apply her method to managing time for those of us who have seen the power of her decluttering method… and now YOU figured this out for me! I am really grateful for your creativity and you have a new subscriber 😊
All good stuff. A tip from one of the other declutter-ers I watch: develop the habit of maintaining the new system. It's not just declutter once and you're done. For the household, an example is to wash and then put away clean dishes every day. For time and commitment purposes, that would be a regular habit of monitoring the schedule and being alert for the changing circumstances of life. Prune out or revise what no longer fits or is necessary.
I’m newly retired. I thought this would bring a more simple life filled with free time to hit the books and video blogs that I’ve been listening to at a faster speed just to fit most of them into my day. Nope. I was delusional. I’m making myself just as busy and creating a wee bit of anxiety in the mix. I love your system of thinking! I’m weaning myself off a Franklin Planner… it just seems silly to use it for retirement life… but it’s how I’ve thought for years. Thank you for video! I will need to re-watch as I slowly get over micromanaging my life. So glad you used reading a book as an example! It hit home for me! The commenter with the list helped by talking about her project lists being for each area - thank you! I’m learning to focus on just the home. The huge list I have (yes, in micromanaged style) is being divided up today! I’m feeling so much less stress already. Thank you!!
If Im not good at something and don’t enjoy it, I may have to just eat the frog and get it done. Then I go for ice cream to get rid of the taste of frog. 😝
I loved this. I think step 4 probably would be in a different order in schedules because it's where would you look for it, but in a schedule is more about when would I do this or something like that. It seems like it might be more of a first step or something. I love how you look at it. I actually really liked the final step and looking at the reality of do I have more of that category that fits in my week.
When I start to feel overwhelmed I make lists. Currently I have one for yardwork, another for cleaning inside and another for food for a family visit in a couple of weeks. Thank you for the video.
Wow! Thank you for this! I am easily overwhelmed by my calendar and everything I THINK I need to put in it. Not every minute of everyday needs to be filled.
Right right! Not every minute of every day needs to be filled - your calendar “clutter threshold” may require you to leave more open space. Hard to do when there are so many forces telling us otherwise!
Hi there! I came across your channel because of Dana's video and have since enjoy a lot of your videos, you have really great content! I'm not sure if I missed the video but I would love more info about how to sort and process your to do inbox. One of my main problems right now is that if I have different lists in my to do management app, I work mainly on one and forget about the rest; but when I try to put them all in one list, I see so many to dos that I get easily overwhelmed and cannot get started. One of my lists is organized by type(or maybe place?) of tasks: home, computer, outside, cellphone but when they start to accumulate and it starts to get crowded I often miss the priorities or get too overwhelmed which makes me freeze. Also when you categorize as I mentioned above, how does one goes about bigger projects? For example they might all belong under the "at home" or "computer" category, so wouldn't it get cluttered and overwhelming quickly when you have a lot of steps to finish under one category? And how does one keep track and order projects this way? I know this was alot, hope it made sense! 😅
Thanks for watching and thanks for asking this question! I will definitely put that on the list for future videos! I also am developing a 1-on-1 coaching offering to help people sort through sticky issues just like this. Meanwhile, I’ll give your question more thought and reply again in a few days. 😃
I use TickTick for all my to-do's. When I enter an item, I don't include much info. I just chose when it's due, and it's not even the real due date. I chose between today, tomorrow, and Monday. Then each day, Tick tick guides me through the list. I move everything except 3 tasks to tomorrow or Monday. It's fast and easy to just push those tomorrow or Monday buttons. My default is no reminders, no time set. I just decide each day what 3 things I'm hoping to do today.
We all have funk at least occasionally, eh? It sure helped me when I cut myself some slack and stopped resisting the ebb and flow of things... Thanks for watching!!
The first time I heard Dana's 'container method' it completely blew my mind. No more guilt. As for 'Take it there now', I think you covered that one when you talked about passing off a job to someone else. This is a great way to look at life.
Right? The container concept is so obvious when you hear it, but until you do, you keep thinking‘oh oh I can fit more - i just need to get my act together. ha! nope, it’s the container!
I'm a Dana fan, which is why I clicked on this. Interesting idea to apply her process to calendars, time management and productivity. Will definitely give it a go! Thanks!!
Step 4 - Take it there now - for scheduling and/or tasks - quit kicking the can down the road - do it now especially if it will take moments and the angst of not doing it hangs over your head. Reminds me that I need to pay some bills online so I am off to do that now
I found your video interesting and thought-provoking. I'm a big fan of Dana K. White's methods (except for "Laundry Day" LOL). The ideas that drew me to use her methods are "No mess" & "Progress and only progress". As you can imagine.....if, at any point in decluttering our schedules we were interrupted, we have already deleted "trash" things that were scheduled and maybe some easy stuff was delegated to others. Even at this point, the container of our schedule is more comfortable and usable.
Thanks for watching! Yes, progress and only progress is great - pretty unique among decluttering techniques- it seems way more realistic than other methods.
I have binged some of Dana's decluttering system videos. Here's an idea to use step 4: Dana's step 4 questions are: • Where would I look for this first? Take it there now. • If I needed this thing, would I remember that I already have it/them (or would I forgetfully go buy it/them again)? How you can apply step 4 for tasks or appointments that need to be planned and scheduled in is: "When might I best be able to do this task or appointment in my day/week (energy, focus, busyness)?" Schedule it in there now.
This was a perfect breakdown of her method. I have been using Dana’s methods in my house for about 2 years now and it has made a huge difference. Now I’m trying to learn to apply it to my scheduling, just like you’ve described.
Thanks Valerie!! This was VERY valuable information. I like pre exit rituals because not only are they helpful to not leave that space in a big mess but they ritually signify to me that I'm leaving THERE and going somewhere else. My mind starts to transition. Examples: tidy my desk... put pens away... close the blinds...turn off the computer. Take some deep breaths.
Ah, yes! My launch sequence only contains the stuff I MUST do but I love the idea that you can tack on a shutdown sequence of tidying your desk, pens, a blinds, all the stuff you mentioned! What a great way to transition! I do find it abrupt to only give myself 90 seconds to wrap up - maybe I’ll try another 3 or 5 minutes to have a more pleasant transition!
Sorry for the slow response!I swear I wasn’t procrastinating 😆 - I didn’t get notified! For studying, I think a few things can help. One is to be well rested - I find studying while tired is pretty hard. Then, borrowing from the video, it might be helpful to notice if you have any negative self talk that is making studying unpleasant for you, and if so, see if you can let some of that go. Also, consider your style- are you actually someone who focuses better with some time pressure? If so, waiting until closer to the deadline may not be a bad thing. Or, if you do better with more relaxed vibe, then carving out dedicated time well in advance might be more of what you need. And last, you might want to find ways to reward yourself for studying- if reading a chapter or turning in homework doesn’t give you a boost in itself, you might want to give yourself one - a gold star, a call with a friend, a celebratory drink, a dance in your dorm room, whatever you need to give yourself the pat on the back for your accomplishments. Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for that, it was very informative. seen another video on elastic habits, and have thought about buying the book...? Your vid was very helpful as you also talked about possible down side or limitions. I can see a way it wouldn't work...e.g...if I want to practice piano everyday, which I do, just started again on Jan 1st/23 . I can't say, alternative is play the ukulele, because then I 'm not practicing piano. So with a habit like that you can't really have an alternative activity. But what I do like is the idea of doing amounts of time, so mini, longer , a full hour, as long as you do the habit. I've picked this up from youtube, the 2 minute rule, and James clear, I've not read his book, but I get his email newsletter once a week, plus just started his free email course, he sends you an email every 3 days, plus extra stuff. It's all about pushing his book of course, but you don't have to buy it. I agree with people who say read The power of Habits, and other books, as James clear has just taken ideas from them . I've just ordered the p. Of habits, to help me stick with my new year habits, play piano, do some mediation, don't have a 3rd one yet. Plenty of things I need to do more of, exercise, cleaning, art work. Is 3 habits too much at one go..I wonder?? Thanks again, and happy new year, happy habits!
Hey Sandra! Thanks for watching - I'm so glad you got something out of the vid! I agree that playing the ukulele isn't the best alternative for the piano, but yes, you could definitely do three time options. Maybe alternatives could be listening to piano music or reading about piano topics or music topics? You could stay connected with your love of the piano even if you can't get yourself to play or if you have to be quiet one day or something like that. I love reading all of the habit books! I think the Power of Habit by Duhigg is a good one, though part of it is about habits that companies have which isn't so applicable to individual humans. Atomic Habits is, of course, the one everyone talks about because it is so inspiring. BJ Fogg has a book called Tiny Habits that I've also enjoyed, too.
@@youtodoyou hi! Thanks for your reply and ideas. Yes I do watch youtube piano videos , often, but it's not a substitute for playing the piano you have to do the practice. You can do things like use a paper or card keyboard and practice your fingerings with no sound of course, but I'd say that is piano practice. Some people say you can practice in your head, maybe true to a point, but still not really piano practice. Yes I bought Tiny Habits some years ago and only read 72 pages, as I look at it now, did alot of skim reading ahead...I see it was published in 2019 so long after power of Habits and other books. I'm sure p.o.h. is not as easy a read as atomic Habits which I've not read, and only just bought p.o.h...if you like James clear, have you sub for his weekly emails? He sends out ideas and quotes every Thurs, they are worth getting, totally free.. it was good to see an older woman doing a review of a personal growth/ lifestyle book, rather then some young guy or middle aged guy, which is more the norm. Also good to get critical view. Hope you plan to make more videos for this new year 2023. All the best from London Town!
Yes, I totally get it - I played the piano for years, and there really is no substitute for actually playing! I haven't subscribed to Clear's newsletter - I try to keep my inbox pretty um, clear (sorry for the pun) but I just might check it out! I actually listened to Tiny Habits and then use the paper book as a reference - just an idea of how you might interact with it..... Yes, lots of younger dudes in the space - thanks for the vote of confidence! I had a little set-back in December, but I hope new videos will be coming out in the next few weeks! Thank you so much for watching and sharing your comments!!
@@youtodoyou hi Thanks for your reply. That's a good idea about listening to Tiny habits. I often find it easier listening to abridged books on the radio and really enjoy them . As I'm dyslexic, sometimes reading is like hard work, I read okay, but slowly . Look forward to seeing some more of your videos. All the best!
I LOVE that your video gave us time to brainstorm!!! Without it, it's so easy to watch and be like: yeah, I'll totally do that later when I have time, lol. :D
Thank you!!! So many ways of calendar use I hadn't even thought of! ...And you know what is AMAZING!?! The reason I watched this video is because I made a calendar reminder (email notification) to check your youtube channel yesterday knowing there would be a new video out! :D
