I’ve struggled with time management all my life. On good days, I make steady progress. On hard days, I feel overwhelmed, discouraged and worn down by the effort it takes just to begin a task. I often feel as if I’m failing at something that should be simple.

This reality humbles me more than I care to admit.

Do you struggle with procrastination? Do you sometimes need a little boost to start or finish a project?

How often do you look at a sink full of dirty dishes and feel instantly exhausted? Or you know you need to write that dissertation, but the sheer size of the project repels you. So instead, you watch another episode of your favorite show or check social media – again.

Would you accomplish more work if you committed to just five minutes on a project? I magically find the energy to start nearly any task when I set my iPhone (or the oven timer) for five minutes and see how much I can do before it goes off.

More often than not, this is all I need to get rolling.

When I have several tasks competing for my attention, I make a list such as: Create a call list for the next day, tidy up clutter around the house (not that I have much!) or pay bills. Then I rotate through them. Depending on how daunting each task feels, I set the timer for five, fifteen, thirty or sixty minutes. When the timer rings, I move on to the next task.

This also works for a job I dread, like filing income taxes. Rather than just staring at the piles of receipts and picturing myself working on them, I set the timer throughout the day and make another dent.

God addresses the value of good time management in Proverbs 10:4 (ESV):

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

The goal is to consistently make encouraging progress. Even if we don’t finish the task, we’ll go to bed feeling motivated, thanking God for what we did accomplish.

Could this work for you?

How much could you accomplish in five, fifteen, thirty or sixty minutes? Try it right after you finish reading this post. Set a timer and see how this simple practice can transform your day. Then leave a comment on this post to share your experience.

You just might inspire someone else.

What about you?

Please share your thoughts about this post. Your comment might also benefit others.

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