If you’ve been in a professional setting in the last 5-10 years then you’ve definitely heard of the Eisenhower matrix, which is essentially a framework for categorizing tasks by urgency and importance. And I’m here to say… no thanks. I guess I won’t throw it out completely, everything’s got a time and place. But I’ve found I work better with a system built on momentum.
Instead of diving straight into the most important task of the day, I need a runway. I want to start with smaller tasks and build up to that deeper, focused work. This probably also relates to the fact that I’m not a morning person. Tackling high-stakes projects when my brain is still groggy feels like setting myself up for mistakes.
So I intentionally begin my day with repetitive, less urgent tasks. They help me warm up and ease into the work that really requires my focus and attention. And I tend to close my day the same way, winding down with email catch-up and administrative tasks, saving those bigger projects for my best focus windows.
I’ve learned my productivity isn’t built on priority, it’s built on pace.
Project Vend: Phase 2. Gosh I love this series. Highlight from this version: Eventually, we were able to solve some of the CEO’s issues (like its unfortunate proclivity to ramble on about spiritual matters all night long) with more aggressive prompting. 🎰
See here where I discussed Phase 1.
What Happens to Your Brain on No Sleep. See the scientific description of “Basically… mush.” 🧠
Most and Least Expensive Supermarkets. I do really miss Aldi, but felt like my cooking was being held back by limited ingredients. 🍱
How Crocheting is Brining Me Back to Myself. “Stitch by stitch, I’m working up a new beginning for this old blanket, and a new beginning for myself.” 🧶
Harry Potter HBP (movie)
In this sixth installment, Harry uncovers Voldemort’s dark past with Dumbledore while Hogwarts is shadowed by growing danger.
All these movies are comfort watches, but I’m continually drawn back to the sixth one. It balances some of the most serious and moving scenes (I will always cry at the lighted wands dispelling the Dark Mark) with genuinely funny moments (“Not to mention the pincers… tsk tsk tsk”).
FosterTheFamily (Instagram)
A longtime foster mom sharing honest life with her family while leading a nonprofit that supports foster families nationwide.
Whether you’re directly involved in foster care or hoping to support biological families, children, and foster families, this account offers honest, faith-centered encouragement that’s well worth your time.
What sort of priority system do you work from?
Greek Family Tree. Our third grader has learned all about Greek gods this year. I very much appreciate the visual to keep all the players straight. 🇬🇷
Fabric Headbands. Not that cute, but thank goodness for something that keeps all the frizz out of my face. 🎀
Slippers. I keep trying other pairs and ultimately always come back to these. 🥿
Daily Dress Me. A weather app and closet in one! Buy their recommendations or use it to inspire your own closet. 👔
