5, 4, 3, 2, 1 & DONE!

If you’re anything like me it has probably driven you nuts to feel like you are grasping at strings to get everything in order and complete all the tasks outlined by your school or district. You’re probably thinking there has to be a better way. I know that’s what I’m thinking. 

REFLECT
Once the overwhelm truly started to set in, I had to sit down and really allow myself to let a few things fall by the wayside, so that I could strategize the best way to move forward. I figured out two important things when I reflected on how distance learning had been progressing. One thing that I figured out is that I feel all over the place because I haven’t taken a moment to really look at all the things I need to do each day in order to be successful for the next week or the next unit. Second, I realized that I was spreading myself then and wasn’t doing everything to my best ability because I was just simply trying to get some things off of my to do list. Absolutely tired of sitting in front of my laptop all day the last thing I wanted to do after teaching was more work.

It was this realization that led me to write out a list of all of my tasks down from Monday to Friday. The list included the deliverables necessary to be prepared for the next week and enjoy my weekend. From just this simple act of writing it all down, some pieces started to fall into place. I began to see commonalities and ways I could complete some tasks by compiling or completing them simultaneously. I organized my to do list by level of importance and most time consuming tasks. Color coding is a great way to visualize your action items! Here's how I planned my whole week, prepped for the following week, finished my work to dos just in time to sip cocktails with my girlfriends, work on my latest scrapbook, get a little me time, and a date night with my babe.

HOW DOES IT WORKS

Here is how I did it. I use a 54321 model. The idea of this model is to  front load the beginning of your week.  Ideally, on Monday you would complete your tedious tasks and Friday only have one task left to complete.  This way everything is done and you can enjoy my weekend. Does it sound like this is impossible? I promise you it isn’t! Take out a piece of paper, jot down all the things you need to do: attendance,  making slide templates, recording videos, writing plans for your upcoming test, all the things...whatever it is. Then determine the items you could accomplish after class or in between your live sessions.  In just 15 steps over the course of five days you should be able to knock out all of your to do list for the week and be able to reward yourself with a glass of wine. 

Now that you have everything written down, go ahead and take a look at the FREE Trello or Google Slide templates that have been created using the 54321 model. Both versions are completely editable to suit your needs. They are populated to give an idea of how best to use them for efficiency. Both versions outline Monday through Friday. Saturday is intentionally omitted to encourage spontaneity and enjoyment beyond your devices. Trello does have Sunday included,  add something fun to do on Sunday first, as an incentive to get all your deliverables done.

54321 & DONE  FOR TRELLO

In Trello, you will  need to make a copy for yourself by selecting show more, select the copy board button and change the title to whatever your heart desires or maintain the one provided (Oh! Create a free account, if you don't already have one!). Each day has already been outlined for you. You can leave them as they are or make any adjustments you see fit. Within each task there are three labels incomplete, in progress and complete to keep you on track. There's nothing like seeing all green across your board! Download the app onto your phone to have you tasks on hand even on the go!

54321 & DONE FOR GOOGLE SLIDES

The Google Slide version operates similarly to the Trello, but has less features. The  boxes can be checked to show completion by double clicking the corresponding box. 

This 5,4,3,2,1 & Done tool is able to assist not only with all your teacher to do's, but for your mommy list too!  I hope you are already floating on air at just the thought. Let's make someone feel a little less stress and strain during this unique learning, working and living experience. Share your comments below and pass this post along to your teacher friends, your mom club, your coworkers or whoever you know that needs just a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.