Do you find yourself taking too long to finish tasks? I’ve been there too! Let me share a couple of stories that taught me how to speed up and why it’s worth it.
Recently, I helped my sister prepare food for a party. My task? Assemble 50 fruit kebab sticks. Simple, right? Wrong! I meticulously washed, cut, scooped, and assembled melon balls, blueberries, and strawberries. By the time I finished, four hours had flown by. Sure, the kebabs looked fancy, but in a professional kitchen, that prep time would have been laughable.
The kicker? Food gets devoured so much faster than it’s prepared. While I love seeing people enjoy what I make, I realized I needed to work smarter, not harder.
Fast forward to another event: I was singing at a concert and was asked to help make over 100 sandwiches for the orchestra and choir. With just 15 minutes on the clock, a team effort turned what seemed impossible into a success. When I told my sister, she was shocked. Why? Because I’m not naturally the fastest person. But under pressure, I learned a few tricks to get things done quickly—here’s my tips:
1. Master the Art of Prioritization
Keep the main thing the main thing (as my sister likes to say). Focus on the most important tasks first to avoid being overwhelmed. It’s like eating an ice cream cone—you start with the ice cream before it melts. Don’t nibble on the cone while the good stuff drips away.
2. Batch Similar Tasks Together
Treat tasks like a game of Connect Four—group similar activities to minimize switching between them. For instance, answer all your emails, then make your phone calls, instead of bouncing back and forth. It’s like sorting laundry—keep your whites and colors separate!
3. Use the Two-Minute Rule
If something takes less than two minutes, do it right away. Clearing these small tasks creates mental space and lets you focus on bigger challenges.
4. Leverage Tools and Technology
Use apps, timers, or shortcuts to streamline repetitive processes. For example, set a timer to give yourself a deadline or use a checklist app for satisfaction when you tick items off. Small wins build momentum for bigger successes.
5. Practice Makes Speedy
The more you repeat a task, the quicker you’ll become. It’s like building IKEA furniture—by the 10th shelf, you’ll feel like a pro.
Why It Matters
Getting quicker at tasks means you’ll have more time for what you truly love and feel called to do, or as I like to say, your ‘God-purpose’. Many people tick boxes all day but don’t make time for what’s in their hearts. Speeding up the mundane tasks frees you to focus on your passions.
But here’s the catch: don’t just fill that extra time with more tasks. Reward yourself by doing what makes you happy. Whether it’s finally booking that long-overdue hair appointment, seeing a concert, calling a friend, or finishing a book, make space for the things that bring you joy.
Productivity and efficiency aren’t just about getting more done; they’re about creating room for your passions. And if you haven’t discovered your passion yet, speeding up your routine might just give you the time to find it.
Try It Out
Challenge yourself to complete a regular task faster and see how accomplished you feel. You might even feel reinvigorated to take better care of yourself.
Let me know how it goes!
— Anns
Christian Upgrade 