I know.  You read that blog title and thought..how in the world is this going to encourage me today?  I know. I get it..and it was a strange direction for me to take, but the more I thought about it the more I realized that it seemed to actually make sense.  Bear with me for a minute, because I do believe I can pull this into an encouraging post!

I have worked for years to develop a practical workable schedule that makes sense and helps me to get the most out of day.  On any given day, I am combining multiple work loads.  For instance, I homeschool a 7th and 10th grader, I currently write for 3 blogs, am editing my first novel, am finalizing proposals for 2 nonfiction books, writing devotionals for a work for hire project, growing my social media platforms with intentional posts, teaching piano lessons, shipping coffee orders, and writing book reviews.  I'm busy.

Sometimes the actual typing out of that list, makes me itchy and feeling stressed.  I juggle many hats and I do enjoy it, but I needed a systematic process to be sure I'm getting things done.

I enjoyed the following read today - take a moment to read it if you will!  Just click here

I also checked this article out - you can read it here

So what do you think?

I've always been a Stephen Covey - 15 minute segments for the day girl.  But I have found that my creative pursuits - Music, Writing, blogging etc. require a broader brush and limited distractions, i.e. Facebook, email, etc.

Perhaps there's a hybrid?  I believe this is what works best for me - housework, email, bills, homeschool, business needs all work within a 15 minute framework.  I accomplish a whole lot more around the house, if I'll schedule it in 15 minute blocks.  I can grade homeschool papers, tests and projects more quickly if I know it doesn't have to drag out all day - 15 minutes is an easy mental task.  But the creative work - writing, editing, all of these need a chunk of time.  I need to think and not shift my mind off course checking emails, twitter and Facebook updates.  Also texting and phone calls can veer my brain out of "creative" mode.

So how in the world does this fall under an "encouragement" umbrella?  Here's how..when we fail to plan, we plan to fail.  No not my original words, but such truth friends.  We all have good intentions, and have dreams inside.  Can I encourage you to plan it into your schedule?  What are your dreams, desires and goals?  what could you do with 2 hours at night after work, or when the kids are in bed to accomplish your dreams?

What could you do if you organized housework into a few 15 minute blocks per day? would that not reduce your stress?  Personally, any amount of stress reduction I can add into my day, adds quality to my life and encouragement that I need.

What works for you?  I'd love to have some feedback and I do hope that this does encourage you.

Here's my favorite verse that encourages my productivity

Ecc 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

https://medium.com/the-mission/why-deep-work-helps-you-get-more-done-in-less-time-39de3f5e9ae6#.31y9x51b6