When it comes to “getting stuff done” I consider myself an expert in the field 🙂
Yes, I do relax — and I’ve gotten much better at letting things go undone for a while. But for the most part, if there’s something that needs to be done, I’m going to do it NOW (especially if it’s a quick task).
For Example:
If I’m in the bathroom and notice that the trash is getting full, I’ll empty it and put a new bag in.
If I’m cleaning up the kitchen and notice a spill in a refrigerator drawer, I’ll quickly empty out the drawer and clean up the spill.
If I’m putting the laundry away and notice a messy drawer or shelf, I’ll take a few minutes to straighten things out right then and there.
If I’m bringing the groceries in from the van and notice some trash in the van, I’ll clean it out ASAP.
If I’m picking up books and notice a ripped page, I’ll quickly grab the tape and fix it before I put it back on the shelf.
I could give 200 more examples of things I do on a daily basis that don’t necessarily HAVE to be done at that exact moment but will eventually need to be done at some point.
In my mind, I’d rather do them right away than sit and think about how I SHOULD do them and then end up doing them at a later time.
And if you look back through the examples I listed above, you’ll notice that those quick little tasks only take a few minutes (sometimes even seconds) to complete.
So why not just do it now?
I realize there are A LOT of people who don’t share this mindset; however, for the most part, I believe my “do it now” philosophy has been one of the key factors in keeping my home and my life simplified and organized.
Yes, I realize a clean and organized home is not the most important thing in the world, but since Dave and I are truly happier and actually function better in an organized home, it’s something that is very important to both of us.
As I’ve mentioned before, we would rather stay up 15-20 minutes later to quickly wash dishes, pick up the living room, and fold a load of laundry than go to bed earlier only to wake up to a messy house and all those chores still waiting for us.
I’m often asked if having 3 young children has forced me to lighten up on my goal to do it now as much as possible… and I think it has a little.
But just a little! 🙂
There are definitely times when I’m super tired and don’t feel like doing anything productive; but after years of do-it-now experience, I know better than to put too many of my to-dos off for too long (it comes back to bite me when I do!)
.
I’ve always been a huge advocate for working ahead and doing it now versus procrastinating and waiting until later. And as I mentioned above, this mindset has been crucial to living a simpler more organized life… especially with quick tasks like:
- folding the laundry (and putting it away)
- making the beds
- wiping down the counters
- unloading the dishwasher
- loading the dishwasher
- washing a small batch of dishes (seriously, it’s amazing how quickly this really goes!)
- cleaning up a spill on the floor
- vacuuming up some crumbs
- responding to an email (or group of emails)
- making a meal plan
- making my grocery list (I’m still amazed at how many people shop without a list!)
- planning my day the night before
- picking up the books and toys at the end of the day
- straightening the couch cushions, pillows, and blankets
- restocking the diaper bag when we get home
- emptying backpacks and lunch boxes
- shredding or filing papers, mail, etc.
All of these little tasks are so easy to put off, but they’ll all eventually need to be completed, so why not take a minute or two and do them NOW.
And the next time you feel like procrastinating on something, try to reason with yourself and think about how long it would realistically take you to do that task right now. If it’s only a few minutes, just do it — I guarantee you’ll be glad you did when “later” comes around.
Yes, there are many times when I procrastinate more than I should — but for the most part, I’m a Do It Now kind of person. If you don’t believe me, just ask Dave 🙂
Heäther says
DEFINITELY a Do-it-now person! Saves so much time in the long term….. Just trying to educate my daughter who is more of a Never-do-it-at-all type :))
Love your posts Andrea -and love your little family!
Jennifer says
I’ve been so inspired by your “do it now” posts and tips in the past. One rule I have for myself is that if I have to move something to get to something else, the thing I had to move gets put away. So, if I am getting my son’s shoes on and picking up a sock that is on the floor under a pillow, the pillow gets put away, too, instead of just grabbing the sock. If I need my chef’s knife, and it’s under my cutting board on the drying mat, the cutting board gets put away instead of pushed aside. When it’s time to do a good house pick-up, it’s not a major ordeal after doing little pickups throughout the day. If I’m not in big hurries I’ll do lunges across the room to put that pillow away, or a few squats as I put the cutting board away. Those little bits of exercise add up, too!
Liane says
Glad you reposted this. My biggest DIN problem is getting stuck in a series of on offs. So I go in the bathroom and see the trash and go empty it and while I’m at it I will seek out and empty the rest of the waste baskets at the same time and then totally forget why I went in the bathroom in the first place (Mother Nature callin) so by then I really really need to return…and then notice that I need to clean up the DH spots on the rim so off I go to get a cleaning wipe since I ran out in the other bathroom…and stole the main bathroom cleaning wipes to use in the other bathroom..so I got to fetch them and decide to put it on my shopping list on my iPhone app, and then the day falls apart because I see a text from a friend asking me to coffee…
So do it now is not always my friend. I’ve taken to muttering to myself things like after I take care of the call of nature I will return to ______ (task). So I’ve made it a habit to try to not let an overflowing waste basket steal my focus since like cobwebs that refuse to succumb to gravity, the trash will sit there mutely reminding me until I give in.
So I take a short tour of the house, room by room, in order tidying and making mental notes as I go, focusing on things that need to put away in another room. Just like when you stick dirty dishes out for room service, I toss dirty clothes, dishes (gently), books papers, magazines, shoes, hats, sweaters and the like in a laundry basket and then I take it to the next room. I unload anything that belongs and pick up what doesn’t. This seems to get all those done without going down a rabbit hole of chained distractions.
I guess what I’m saying is I let my routine drive my tidying. I stay on track and I carry a note pad and pencil to jot down things I see that are not on the routine like a giant cobweb or burned out bulb. A bazillion years ago in college I worked in the cafeteria and we had these adorable smocks with side ties and pockets. I have replaced them over the years many times and wear one every day when I do my daily pick up or my weekly cleaning.
I think they are easy to make if you don’t have fits doing bias tape on edges. Look for cobbler aprons. Being an RN meant carrying a good part of my job around with me so I used a tool belt pouch for my scissors and pen etc. Never having to go find a pen is an amazing time saver plus not opening a drawer and becoming dismayed by the vast number of pens within and then stopping to scribble with each one to find one that actually works keeps you sane and on track.
Now, here is my question. Why do people, on choosing a writing implement and finding it dull, out of ink or sticky and gross just toss it back in the drawer or container????? Here is a perfect action for a DO IT NOW!
Nayu says
I’m a do it now person because I never know how long of feeling good I have with my normallh running on empty body. Even if I don’t want to do something I make myself do it as I’m ill so often. I never regret it!
Alicia says
I am, by nature, a “do it now” person, but I’ve actually had to let that go after having 3 kids. I found that I would expect too much of myself beyond what was actually realistic for me to accomplish and I would end up feeling like a failure if I couldn’t get everything done. SO, I’ve actually had to train myself to be okay with leaving things “undone”. I realize not everyone is this way, but I’ve just found (at least for now) this is my reality!
Avia says
I would say I’m more of a “do it now” person but I have actually had to learn to NOT “do everything now”. Since I only have small pockets of time to get things done, if I get distracted by all the little things I see that need to be done, I never get the current project done and that is very frustrating to me. So I’ve had to learn that if I’m cleaning the kitchen, that is what I’m doing. I can’t get distracted by putting something away in the laundry room and then realizing I need to throw in another load of laundry only to notice I need wipe down the cupboards in my bathroom when I go to get laundry on to be distracted by a kids needing my attention. So I’m better off focusing on the task at hand. Then I’ll at least have one thing done before getting interrupted.
Erica says
Depends on what it is that needs to be done – if I have the time to do it, I’ll do it now. If it’s something like a phone call that has to wait until later, I’ll put it on my to-do list to be done later.
Barb says
A phrase I read somewhere recently helps me to do it now: “your ‘tomorrow self’ will thank you.
Barb says
It’s similar to the “two minute rule” that I try to follow……if it takes two minutes or less, DO IT NOW. Amazing what a difference it can make.
Sandra says
Gals, it looks like you all commented on what I was asking ~
I admire that Beth!
Go, Julia! Great attitude!
I think sometimes women aren’t as ‘active’ as they could be – they leave all the screwdriver
or tape measure activities to the husbands! Andrea is an inspiration in that!
Jennifer, you sound so inspiring!
Sandra 🙂
Andrea says
Hi Andrea!
Great your post on April 11!
Hilarious I’m laughing!!
Appreciatively,
Sandra
Sandra says
Hi Andrea,
Re. my post I resonate a bit here with Christina on 04/10.
🙂 Sandra
Sandra says
Andrea,
Can you share some comments about structuring a day, when unplanned tasks pop up (spill in fridge, unexpected visitor) during the day? Could you comment on how you approach goal setting/list making (and adapting!?) in these types of situations? Specifically, how do you accomplish scheduled goals if you are (seemingly) constantly getting interrupted by these ‘do it now’ tasks? Like, do you shuffle your schedule around these do it now tasks? Do you allow yourself to do a little of the do it nows and then postpone your tasks? For set goals – do you prioritize according to times, day parts or priority?!
Sandra 🙂
Patty@homemakersdaily.com says
I’m both! Sometimes I do it now and sometimes I put it off until later. It just depends on my mood, how much time I have and what the task is.
Andrea says
Okay, this is my first comment on this blog : )
But reading this post, I definitely noticed something I didn’t here before:
1. You ARE Superwoman! No really, you are, you can’t deny that.
2. You seem very close to the Proverbs 31 woman!
3. Your husband has found himself an excellent wife.
You’re totally right about this post in all aspects. I tell my kids and family all the time the only way to do something, is to, well, Do It!
In order to read the Bible, you have to READ the bible.
In order to keep your kitchen clean & counters free, you have CLEAN it, etc.
Teresa says
Oh yes I’m a do it now gal! I always feel good when I just do it and get it over with! Now the hubby is totally opposite. He would win the procrastinator of the year award!! Thanks for sharing how easy it is to just do it!!
Jennifer says
It usually takes something really bugging me for me to get motivated to take care of it. When I just can’t take it anymore, I get down and dirty and get it done, plus a few more things along the way, like a chain reaction. I need to be better about staying on top of tasks. My mom is like you, and I wish I could be that way naturally. I can get motivated and dream of being super-housekeeper, but I fizzle out. I clean and pick up messes, but not as diligently as I would like. We have no family here, hardly any friends come over, and my husband doesn’t care what the house is like, so there is a lack of accountability. I love when someone is coming to visit because that really gets us both in gear to deep clean.
Julia K says
I would love to say I’m a “do it now” girl, but if the truth be told – I am a chronic procrastinator 🙁
I read this post first thing this morning and it has been at the back of my mind all day. I was doing some cleaning in the family bathroom today and when I went to put a few items away in the vanity unit I groaned as the child proof catch on the cabinet clicked and I had to use two hands to open the cabinet (such is the design). I groaned because I have been meaning to ask my husband (who works away and is only home one week a month), to remove the child proof catches as our youngest is now almost 6 years old and they are no longer needed. At that point the “do it now” mantra kicked in. I grabbed a screw driver and it took me all of 10 minutes to remove the catches on the three cabinet doors – plus two in the adjacent laundry room. I dumped the obsolete hardware in the bin (straight away) and put the screw driver away (straight away) and then GRINNED. I don’t know WHY is was waiting for my hubby to do the job, I don’t know why I was waiting AT ALL !!
I reckon if I tackle at least one of these little obscure “no brainer” tasks each day – I just HAVE to come out ahead.
Thanks for the inspiration !
Andrea says
Yay — glad my post helped to “light a fire under your butt” today!! It really is crazy how quickly some of those little tasks are accomplished (and how great it feels to cross them of).
So glad you got your child-proof catches off your cabinets — one less thing to do later!
beth says
Unless something else needs my urgent attention, or I am on my way out the door, if something takes 5 minutes or less, I do it right away.
Debbie says
I’m a DO IT NOW person too because once I see it something in me is not going to be at peace until I deal with it. For the most part I’m glad I’m this way and it really helps keep things in order at home and at work. What I don’t like about it is I end up being late for work or church because once I get going in the morning and see stuff I’ll end up doing it instead of just get ready…..Frustrating! I also tend to get distracted while I’m in the middle of a task and see something else off, then end up multi-tasking.
Andrea says
Oh can I relate. I’m actually working on a post right now about how I’m often late BECAUSE I’m so adamant about “doing it now”. It’s the one downside I can see to my “do it now” mentality — so yes, I totally know how you feel.
In general, I’m usually on time — but there have been many occasions when I’m just a little late because I tried to do too many things before leaving the house. I’m getting better at this with kids (I know I need extra time to get everywhere). And honestly, I really would rather be a little late than be early and come home to a pile of stuff to do 🙂
Debbie says
Oh…..so glad I’m not alone.
Christina says
I’ve become more of a do it now person. However, one problem I’m dealing with is that I set out to do one thing (like unload the dishwasher), and as I’m putting things away I notice that a shelf needs to be wiped down and a cabinet organized and the floor vacuumed and a window that I notice is dirty and a plant that needs to be watered and 3 children that need various things. All that to say, my “do it now” mindset has caused me to take three hours to finish my original task and now my day is half gone and my “to-do” list is untouched. Do you ever have this problem? Any advice?
Lauren says
This happens to me too! I get distracted trying to “do it now” with too many things and after several minutes of working on various things I think to myself, “Now why did I come in this room?” because I’ve forgotten my original task completely! 🙂
marni says
I am going to try this theory with 4 kids things get out of hand real fast. Great post loved reading it 🙂
shalomew says
I am a by nature person a do it later person. I am trying to convert because I see the value in it, but it is a struggle because it is NOT my natural thought process.
I do also believe there is a component of how you were raised. My mother was a “do it now” person AT THE EXPENSE of everything else including relationships at times. Maybe seeing and feeling that as a child pushed me away from that mindset. I can clearly remember thinking sometimes, “seriously, I am telling you how upset I am about something and all you can see is the dust on the shelf behind me?” It was maddening and hurtful as a child.
In the same vain, delayed decision making is a huge contributor to disorganization and clutter. Thoughts like “I don’t know what to do with this at this very second so I will just put it here until I decide”
Brenda says
I am a do-it-now person untill I sit down after work, then my body just stops! Some days i don’t sit untill after dinner, then I get alot done. Some days I sit “for just a second” right after I get home…then we end up having grilled cheese for dinner and I could be a do-it-never person! I feel much better about myself and my home when I get more done though.
Rebecca G says
I’m a “do it now” person, but unfortunately my husband is a “do it if heck freezes over” kind of person. He can not see mess, disorder and clutter – but that is all I see and I can’t seem to conquer it so i go-go-go from one thing to the next and never, ever stop moving until i sleep.
(Then I get angry inside when i see my husband sitting on the computer, relaxing and watching television while he lets the kids tear up the house right behind me!) I wish there was a better balance between do-it-now, do-it-later and just-let-it-go – oh how I would love to have his “can’t see the mess” goggles for just a little while.
Edie S. says
I am a Wait Until Later person, unfortunately. It negatively impacts most every aspect of my daily life. I’m trying to make the switch, and although I was raised by a Do It Now mom, it’s hard to change! Getting things done immediately feels amazing and makes everything much less of an overwhelming task.
Ashley says
I used to be a ‘do it later’ type, but have forced myself to become more of a ‘do it now!’ person. I’m pretty sure that was inspired by a post I read here about a year ago 🙂
Andrea says
Aww thanks Ashley — I’m so glad one of my previous posts inspired you. And I’m also glad you noted that you actually “learned” to be a do-it-now person. So many people say “but I just wasn’t born that way”… I agree that people are born with different mentalities, but I also think we can learn to be different if it’s important enough for us!
Janice says
My daughter-in-law and I have said to one another, “How can she (Andrea Dekker) be so young and have it all together?” The answer to our question is your post today. Did you grow up in a “no procrastination” household? Is your “do it now” attitude genetic? 🙂
Kristin says
I’m wondering too how her and Dave grew up. They seem like the must of had great examples growing up. Might be an interesting blog post.
Andrea says
Well thanks Janice — I definitely don’t have it ALL together, but I do try very hard to be organized and on-top of most things.
I will say that I am most definitely genetically wired to be organized, timely, systematic, etc. I also have a lot of energy and enjoy being busy — so that obviously helps too! However, I was raised in a very “busy” family so although we had plenty of time to relax and have fun, we also had a lot of structure to our days. I think this did play a role in helping me become even more organized.
Katherine says
I am a Do It Now person, married to a Do it Later person. We’ve been good for each other:)
Micah Joy says
Me too! We are good for each other except when we are degrading in the home area. I think I just need to focus on what I can control – me.
Andrea says
haha! Glad you’re finding balance with eachother. Dave is probably more of a do-it-now person, but he knows how to relax too — so he’s good for me 🙂
Jessica says
I’m the type of person that if I don’t “Do It Now” it will most likely not get done until weeks have passed. I’m the type that has to keep moving to get things done because once I sit down for the rest of the day, there is no motivating me to get back up and do chores of finish things up!
LoriB says
As I grow older I see the value in “do it now”. Some of us have to learn it, for some of us it comes natural. Wish I was one of the naturals. So glad you’ve been able to take things slow since Simon’s arrival. Often we’re in such a hurry to get back to normal that we miss out on the joys of today. I cen never go back and relive those sweet baby days….they are distant memories.
Andrea says
I agree Lori. For me, the “do it now” does come naturally — so I’m thankful for that. But I also feel very strongly that we can learn and teach ourselves to do things that don’t come naturally. I’ve “learned” how to be more productive at night versus in the morning now that I have kids — and if you knew me 4 or 5 years ago, you would have never thought that would be possible!