Anchors away
How to do the stuff that needs to get done
I call it my Anchors List because much like anchors the items on this list are heavy, dragging things. And much like anchors, they serve a purpose.
We all have anchors: things we ought to do. In fact, we need to do them and yet…and yet…and yet…because our desire to not do them is greater than our desire to do them, they don’t get done.
Something that is working for me…
I have found the best way to do the stuff I don’t want to do is to do it within an hour after I wake up. I intentionally didn’t say “first thing in the morning” because some of us work afternoons and nights.
After you rise, you are your most perky, your most energetic. The day (or night) hasn’t fully formed into the ogre beast that it can be, sucking the life out of you.
Ideally, you want to completely knock off something from your Anchors List, but sometimes just making a dent is good and satisfying. Just make sure you return to it the next day. The goal is to get it gone, not to let it grow until it qualifies for the Acme Anvil List.
You’re also aiming to make some things on your Anchors List a habit (at least one piece of fruit or veggie a day, for example) while other items are one-time (decluttering and reorganizing your linens closet, for example).
Limit yourself to no more than two Anchors List items a day and limit yourself to devoting no more than one hour a day to your Anchors List. Any more and I find you’re back to and yet…and yet…and yet…
Currently, I’m working on getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise and drinking at least 24 ounces of water within an hour after getting up. I’d be lying if I said it was easy, especially the water part.
For caregivers, the act of actually accomplishing something in a world so out of control, can bring you to tears of joy no matter how small that something is. I clearly remember my caregiving days when I found time to brush my teeth in the morning and before bedtime to be my happiest, and if I could get in a brushing after meals, well, hot diggity!
When I've knocked off something from my Anchors List I feel so much better. I yell "Anchors Away!” in celebration. I invite you to join me.