I hate schedules. In fact, despite the fact that I know that routines are really helpful for getting things done, I feel completely rebellious towards setting one and sticking to it. I guess that’s pretty immature for a 30-something year old, but hey, it’s where I’m at.
I recently came up with something that has really helped. Instead of creating a full-on schedule, I have assigned a day to catch up on things that I want to do regularly, on a weekly basis.
I call it “Maintenance Mondays.”
It initially started as a way to make sure I would do certain maintenance tasks with the children on a regular basis, such as cutting their nails or applying lotion. From there I modified it to also capture tasks that are not necessarily daily, like taking apart the kids’ boosters seats and washing them thoroughly. I also tend to do my weekly meal planning and grocery shopping on Mondays since it is the beginning of the week.
And for some reason, it stuck. When Monday arrives, I remind myself it’s “Maintenance Monday” and consider which recurring tasks I can do to get myself set up for the week. What do I need to catch up on that has been on my mind but I haven’t made time for?
This is how I feel on Mondays
It also relates well to work. On Mondays, after the weekend of being off from work, it helps to come in and get set up. I like to review what needs to be done. I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s really hard for me to get back into work on Monday. This is a great time to complete a couple of small maintenance type tasks, such as follow ups or the technical stuff like website enhancements or updates.
These tasks don’t take as much brain power and concentration for me as working on an in-depth project or writing. And getting started with smaller tasks is often enough to get my creative juices flowing and I can move easily from there into more critical work.
So, if you are anything like me when it comes to schedule rebellion, try picking just one day where you will devote a day to prep work, setting up, catching up, and miscellaneous tasks. I particularly like Mondays because it sets the stage for the week, helps me organize my thoughts, and gives me simple tasks to complete to get started if I am feeling lethargic or slow to start.
But it doesn’t have to be Mondays, and it doesn’t have to be related to maintenance.
How about “Free-for-all Fridays” where you run around the house doing whatever comes to mind?
Or “Take Time Tuesdays” – maybe this is a “you day” where you spend a little extra time in the shower, shave your legs, schedule an exercise class, or hit a bookstore or a coffee shop for some “me” time.
The possibilities are endless. For me, this gets around the rigidity of a typical schedule, and yet it still provides for a regular space in my life to catch up on things that I might not otherwise make time for.
Here are more ideas of things you can do on Maintenance Mondays:
- Kid’s hygiene
- Cleaning
- Deep clean
Phone calls- Bill pay
- Schedule appointments
- Meal Planning
- Grocery Shopping
- Organize a space
- Digital organization
Are you good about using a schedule? I see this concept as fitting nicely into a schedule that you have already created.
Do you have certain tasks that you like to complete on particular days? I’d love to hear your tricks to getting some of the simple things done that are easy to overlook.
I used to be so much better about having a schedule and a routine… but reading this makes me want to get back to it!
Start small, that’s what I’m doing 🙂
I love this idea! Mondays tend to become my most motivated days for things like this!
That’s funny, I’m the opposite. I feel a bit unmotivated on Mondays, so this gets me started.
I really enjoyed reading this post. Mondays can be so hard for some people. I enjoy menu planning over the weekend on Saturdays.
Glad to hear you have a system that works for your schedule!
This is a great idea. I have a case of the Mondays every Monday.
Just a couple small tasks to get the engine started… and coffee, of course!
I like this! Monday’s are awful as it is… might as well throw in bills on that day too! LOL in all seriousness though, great post!
Xo,
Alexandra Christine Blog
http://www.alexandrachristineblog.com
Right? Bills and phone call I’ve been putting off are right up there.
This is a good idea! It’s easy to let the week get ahead of you so to have a day dedicated to getting stuff done is a good way to catch up!
Exactly, otherwise those little things fall by the wayside until they are so piled up that my systems start breaking down.
I love this idea! Now I just need to being a catchy name for Sunday or Saturday, since Monday’s I work. But I think the concept is brilliant!
I really tried for Saturday/Sunday names, but the only thing I could come up with was “Sleep In Sunday.” I guess that tells you where I’m at, lol.
Oh, I really like that idea! I think I will incorporate Maintenance Mondays to our life. Thanks for sharing!
Short and sweet, right?
This is such a helpful list! I try and do this on Sundays. And, when I actually am able to do it, it starts my week off in a great way!
Let me know if you come up with a name for it – I was stumped for Sundays.
I also don’t like schedules, but I like have a routine or rhythm to my day!
So far, this is the only one I’ve been able to keep.
I need to start doing this. I just kind of willy nilly get everything done throughout the week, hoping that it all gets done.
I’m a schedule rebellion as well. I do sit down every night, when it’s finally quite and do a “review of to-do’s” for the next day. I love your Maintenance Monday idea. It sticks!
Mondays are my meal plan day, but I love the idea of making it my week plan day. Great ideas.
I’m in for Take Time Tuesdays and Free for All Fridays. I’m feeling pretty zapped these days, and I think that might just help.
I like scheduling but I think having a Maintenance Monday will make life easier 🙂 thanks for this idea!
Thanks for linking up! Have shared 🙂