I’m the sort of person who likes to make lists. I keep a small notebook on my work desk so I can put together a to-do list for my work day. I regularly remind myself that five minutes of planning outweighs ten minutes of running around like a recently decapitated chicken. I like to stay organized, but it does take an effort, and sometimes I need to do a little extra to make that effort happen.
This is not a sponsored post. I’m not being paid to write about cool stuff that makes my life easier.
At work, I have access to project management tools that support my organizational habits. I love having my tasks listed for me so I can track what I need to do and when it needs to be done. But what about my personal life? How do I keep on top of things so that they don’t fall on top of me?
Enter Habitica, originally HabitRPG.
Habitca is a management tool styled to make you feel like you’re leveling up in an RPG. You pick a character class (mine is Mage). There are rewards and penalties attached to tasks, and you can join a guild to get some support. But how does it work?
Pretty much however you want it to. At work, my project tasks are assigned to me. At home, I have customized my tasks according to the three basic categories: Habits, Dailies, and To-Do items. Habits are the things I want to do on a semi-regular basis, sometimes to be done several times a day. Dailies are the tasks I want to do on a regular basis, either every day or every third day or every Sunday, whatever schedule I deem necessary. To-Do items are usually one-offs, reminders of things I need to do but only need to do once in a while, with a particular deadline in mind.
My Habits include things like crafting (knitting, spinning, weaving), dusting, cat grooming, and so forth. My Dailies cover tasks I need to perform on a more consistent basis, such as cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry, and exercising. My To-Do items are a varied lot. Sometimes I’m building a list of writing projects I want to tackle. Sometimes I’m getting organized for dinner: Do I need to clean the rice cooker? Do I need to thaw out something? Do I have to get anything marinated?
Sure, it’s silly. Sure, there is pixelated art. Sure, casting a burst of flames spell or an ethereal surge doesn’t mean I don’t have to do the work.
But you know what? It makes me feel that I can get the job done, and that’s the best mental habit of all.
Rachel
I'm a writer, a knitter/spinner/weaver, a young stroke survivor, and a type 2 diabetic.
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