Chores are a part of life, and, while never fun, there is great satisfaction in the end result. So, if we cannot escape chores, we can at least approach them as efficiently as possible, right?!

Several years ago, I inadvertently started a movement of mini tasks amongst my inner circle. You can read the original post here. In short, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, like my whole life was a series of to-dos. I was drowning yet unwilling to surrender to the idea that this was just #adulthood, as many suggested. After lots of trial and error, I found the sweet spot through mini-tasks.

Not only did I get my weekends back, but a bit of evening time to indulge in a show or read a few chapters of a book. 

What are mini tasks? Mini Tasks are tasks that can be completed in 5 minutes or less, in total or in stints. In total meaning, the task can be fully done, completed and checked off the list within 5 minutes time; for example, unloading the dishwasher. Completing a task in stints refers to completing one part of a bigger task; for example, laundry has many steps from start to finish so each step (sorting, washing, drying, folding and putting clothes away) is a stint.

You can knock out 8-10 mini-tasks in a 45 minute block, which converts to 47.5 tasks completed or approximately 4 hours of chores done by the time the weekend rolls around.

Each day, I committed 45 uninterrupted minutes to mini-tasks. Sometimes early in the morning but mostly as soon as I got home from work. I was amazed at how much I could get done. By Friday, the house was in good shape and nearly all the usual chores complete. Weekends became something to celebrate again and mornings a lot less hectic.

It took me a while to come up with a good list of mini tasks, so, once I got in a groove, I wanted share it with others. I recommend printing several copies and distributing to each family member. Teamwork makes the dreamwork, right?!

Download the Master Mini Task Checklist Here

A few call-outs: You can choose any amount of time. It doesn’t have to be 45 minutes. On most days, the amount of time will vary. Perhaps you have 45 minutes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday but only 30 on Wednesday and none on Friday. That’s okay. It’s not all or nothing. The ultimate goal is to knock out small tasks during the week so your weekend isn’t so burdened with chores but rather the things you like. For a day-to-day look at mini tasks, check out the Task List highlight on Instagram.

Stay tuned for more posts on realistic New Year resolutions and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more tips and product giveaways!