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Thread : Backwards Scheduling  
16 Jul 2009 @ 8:58 AM
notcrazylazyorstupid Join Date: Sat 11th Jul 2009
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Backwards Scheduling

Here's something that helps me. I have a difficult time with a larger block of time and often find myself saying, "oh, I have plenty of time to chill" and later find myself flying out the door almost late to work or an appointment.

To combat that, lately I've been working backwards. For instance, I just now got back from dropping my son off at daycare. I have an appointment at 9 am. It will take 10 minutes to get there. With a five-minute cushion, that's 15 min. 8:45. It will take me five minutes to grab my purse and check that I have everything. 8:40. Half-hour to shower, dress, and do my hair. 8:10. Ten minutes to walk and feed the dogs. 8:00. So now I know I have exactly three minutes from now to stay on the computer before I have to get going.

When I do this I always do a double take--how could I possibly need that much time? Turns out I do!

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16 Jul 2009 @ 9:54 AM Reply # 1
Kim Join Date: Thu 16th Jul 2009
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Backwards Scheduling---Brilliant!!!

I've used backwards scheduling before too. It helped but not enough, so I "fell off the bandwagon" using it. However, after reading how you're implementing this strategy, I now realize it didn't work for me because I was only accounting for the time it would take me to get to my destination plus fifteen extra minutes. I knew I'd need to shower, grab my purse, make sure I had everything, etc but never actually made myself add up how much time I would need--BEFORE---I left! Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting!!.

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16 Jul 2009 @ 11:02 AM Reply # 2
notcrazylazyorstupid Join Date: Sat 11th Jul 2009
Threads: 2 Posts: 7
Added bonus

Kim, I'm so glad what helped me might help you. That's why I decided to post :)

As an added plus, I ended up being ahead of schedule in terms of showering, so I was able to add in a bowl of cereal (I had forgotten to schedule breakfast! doh!) and I rode my bike instead of driving. The appointment was to take an orientation quiz for work, so the exercise really helped with my mental acuity.

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