Why sprint in spurtz?

because it doesn't have to be a marathon

Traditionally, we have been taught to work hard and long to get somewhere. This is so daunting for people like me who don't want to be locked in or tied down and can't commit to a long haul. It feels overwhelming with no end in sight; it is difficult to even start, let alone finish this mammoth task.

Stuck before we start. But it is OK. It is better than OK. There is another way to work – in spurts of activity, in ebbs and flows, moving forward, enjoying the process and getting things done.

What is sprinting in spurtz?

It is (...drumroll) sprinting in spurts... doing things for short periods, often with more vigour or energy than you could do for longer periods, which means it can be uber-productive. But even if you do it in a measured manner, you will always be productive. By pushing procrastination and not-doing out the window, you are always winning.

Putting it into practice

There are many ways to sprint in spurtz, but here is what are you are not doing.

You are not:

  • practising for 10,000 hours to gain the expertise to do something
  • knuckling down miserably, putting in the work for some far off goal
  • maintaining your focus on the end game, or
  • sticking to S.M.A.R.T. goals, which can be as difficult to create as to achieve!

This is about doing what makes you successful today, not tomorrow.

The 3-day sprint

One of my favourites is the 3-day sprint! I love it because:

  • Day 1 – you give it a go
  • Day 2 – you're over half way
  • Day 3 – you did it!

It's great for:

  • moving something forward (e.g. writing for 20 mins for my website every day, cleaning the kitchen for 15 mins each day)
  • gaining some momentum (e.g. walking 30 mins before work every morning #deserveamedal)
  • trying something new (e.g. 16:8 fasting #hangry; going to bed early #awake)

Once you've done your 3 days, you can do another, have time out, or set another 3-day sprint.

The hour of power

This is to attack the tedious tasks. Lots of small different tasks = tedium removed by constantly changing tack. Create your list, set your timer, put on your headphones and go! 

My two most tedious tasks are housework and tax.

So  I might write a list of housework tasks and see how many I get through e.g.:

  • Clean one kitchen drawer
  • Skirting board swipe
  • Vac under the bed
  • Kitchen bench clean
  • Dining table tidy
  • Lounge dust
  • Front door de-spider
  • Desktop sort.

Or a step-by-step tax 'to do' like:

  • Download all transaction files
  • Review entries for taxability
  • Sort into categories
  • Review dockets for large amounts and cash purchases
  • Add expenses/earnings in each category
  • Fill out online form
  • Check and lodge.

It doesn't matter whether you finish. Success is getting something done!

Be flexible - if you want to go over or under the time limit, then do. Do more when you can, do less when it's difficult. Make your time work for you, so that you are mostly spending it doing what you want to do.

The 10-minute blitz

I like to keep a list handy of 10 minute tasks, in case I ever feel at a loose end,  like:

  • Clean a kitchen drawer (#kitchendrawertheme)
  • Walk around the block
  • Pat bunnies
  • Brush cat
  • Research how to write good headlines (don't read just collect some good articles)
  • Read an article on facebook marketing
  • Call Mum (#hopeyouarereadingthis).

But you can also come up with a 10-minute blitz plan when you feel you have a gap in your day.

#qualifier - not all gaps need to be filled. Sometimes they fill with an ongoing actvity; sometimes you need a break... etc

Other ways to sprint in spurtz

There are other ways to sprint in spurtz. A famous, more formal method is the Pomodoro technique in which you work in short (e.g 25 min) sprints followed by defined breaks. 

For me, if I'm on a roll I'll go longer and if I'm not I'll go shorter. I don't like to be predefined ;)

Start here: What is a successful day? >

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