5 Ways To Get Nothing Done

Today's post hits a little too close to home (actually most of my posts do). I used to be a chronic do-it-all kind of person. I never sat still and got little sleep. I got a lot of 'things' done but I ran myself into the ground in the process.

Now, at 23, I am a chronic tired person. I am possibly more productive but only because I have to pick and chose the most important things to get done. I don't have energy to do it all anymore (although I never really did). So needless to say, I've learned a few tricks to help myself be more productive and discipline. But if you have days you want to get nothing done (I've had a few recently) then here is what you should do....

Leave the bed a mess - Getting up and not making the bed is a great way to start the day of unproductively. It leave you feeling like, at any moment, you'd like to crawl back under the covers for a good nap. So, if you want to get less done in your day, don't make the bed! (I know. I can't believe I said that either)

Stay in your jammies - I think some days are perfectly fine to stay in sweats and a t-shirt. I do that most days! Especially if it's cleaning day. But on days I need to get some serious work done (errands, perhaps?) nothing thwarts my plans like not getting dressed. Suddenly it feels like Saturday and I'd rather watch movies with the kids than go to the grocery!

Leave the t.v on...all day. - I'll admit there was a time I would leave the television on as "background noise". And that may have been partly true. However, I know I didn't get much done because I'd stop periodically to see what Rachael Ray was cooking or how awesome that new bedroom looked on HGTV. Now, I don't have television channels but I can get distracted by the kids movies and before I know it...I'm back in bed watching Toy Story for the millionth time. If I want to be the most productive, I have to turn it off (or maybe unplug it!).

Spend the day on Facebook - Most of you probably know I spend quite a bit of time on my laptop, especially Facebook. Ever notice how you can sit down for "5 minutes" and that turns into an hour? Or maybe you sit down to check Facebook but soon you've been to Twitter and the daily news (don't forget the celebrity gossip). Then you decided to change your hairstyle and buy some books on Amazon. As amazing as the Internet can be, it can also be a HUGE time-waster! Sometimes, after all my work is done, I purposely sit down for some computer time. But a great way to get nothing done is to spend countless hours on the computer, first thing in the morning, with no plan to get off.

Start the day without a plan - Some thing I am learning, but have not perfected, is planning for the day ahead. I've started sitting down the night before to make out my to-do list, plan for dinner, write down any errands or goals, etc. This has been so effective in getting things done. But I can take it to the bank...if I want to be less productive (or not at all) I'll make no plan and let the day be my guide. Sometimes that is appropriate (say when your kids are sick) but it's not for everyday.

I hope you took this list as sarcastically as I meant it. We all have days we need to rest and perhaps stay in bed! Other days, when it just seems like we can't get anything done, we may need to look at our habits and see if they prevent us from being productive. Sometimes all it takes are a few simple steps and we're on our way to getting that to-do list done! But don't forget to look at this list again, when you need some down time. And maybe you could add "Read Organic Homemaking" somewhere in there too. :-)

What about you? What things keeps you from being productive? Do you have designated days to relax and have fun?