The best way to get stuff done

Housework not happening? Paperwork overwhelming you? Lots of those awkward jobs you’ve been putting off for ages?

Hi, I’m Barry Scott! No. That’s not it.

The solution is simple. Start a correspondence course. Since I’ve started my course my kitchen floor has been mopped, all of my washing up done, surfaces wiped, bath scrubbed, sink plughole unblocked, old receipts shredded, light bulb replaced, shoes tidied, all episodes of the Sopranos caught up with, tea drunk, mug washed, correspondence caught up with, bank account opened, cushions rearranged, course materials prepared, lamp put in just the right place, pens arranged, notepad opened, course book opened, hole punch emptied, floor swept because I missed the bin and the hole punch holes went everywhere, another cup of tea made, mug washed.

I’m starting to wander if doing this course will be like when Arthur Dent learnt to fly – the trick, he discovered, was to throw yourself at the ground… and miss. That may not make any sense, but I (think I) mean I’m wandering if the best way for me to get studying done is to take myself by surprise. Because as soon as I think about it, everything else I need to do pops in to my head.

Advice to self when studying, based on advice programmes and online discussion:

• Make a plan, set time slots to work in
• Have a space specifically designed for study – make sure it is well-lit and warm
• Talk to your tutor if in trouble or strife
• Break projects up into manageable pieces
• Read your assessment before starting, so you know what information you need to gather

Extra advice to self, based on sheer common sense

• Don’t have a drink and watch Monk first, ‘just to take a short break before I start’
• Remove all distractions (Internet, TV and most music, classical’s OK)
• Do the washing up, it will only sit there looking reproachfully at you
• If you catch yourself reading a cereal packet because you’re still trying to procrastinate, give yourself a slap.

Possibly related posts:

• Whoosh
• Pile stuff on the drunk bloke
• Too much stuff
• The Australian Citizenship test – difficult stuff.
• My desktop wallpaper is random stuff from National Geographic. Latest up – an interrupting goat.