Tackle Chores With Micro Progress

“Nothing is more exhausting than the task that’s never started.”  — Gretchen Rubin

Chores stink. The fact is simple but true. Yet, they are a necessary part of life to keep things clean and running. Since chores don’t do themselves, they need to be planned into the schedule. Some can be extremely time-consuming. Instead of losing an entire day to chores, attack them piece-by-piece during the week.

Although they are a pain, chores actually have benefits. The obvious benefit is keeping your living space tidy, having clean clothes/linens, and maintaining your appliances/vehicle(s). The positive side effects don’t stop there. Studies indicate engagement in self‐care and family‐care significantly predict working memory and inhibition¹. Benefits are particularly noticed in children. Children who do chores may exhibit higher self-esteem, be more responsible, and be better equipped to deal with frustration, adversity, and delayed gratification². Instilling great work ethic in children is critical because it is a leading factor in having a happy life as an adult³.

The fact that chores are good for us (and children) doesn’t change the fact they are often annoying, time-consuming, and frustratingly perpetual. It is too easy to lose an entire day during the weekend on chores alone. Instead of losing a whole day, plan your week to get things done in spurts. In the current era of remote work, it has never been more convenient to maximize your time. Throw in a load of laundry between meetings. Need a fifteen minute break from the screen? Attack those dishes in the sink. Or pick a room and quickly vacuum. Impart this approach upon children. Set a timer and have them spend fifteen minutes on a task, adjusting for age.

Obviously, don’t clean for half a day while telling your boss you are working. That is unethical. Instead, take advantage of downtime. Throw in your headphones and utilize an active break to get stuff done. As a reward, enjoy a chores-free weekend.

Action: Plan out your week to tackle your chores list each day.

Further Reading:

1. Executive functions and household chores: Does engagement in chores predict children’s cognition?
2. Chores and Children
3. What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness