The top time management experts know all about getting the most out of the time available. However, if you had just five minutes, what would you do with it?

Many people feel that five minutes is not enough time to do anything worthwhile and they never get around to actioning the jobs or chores that accumulate over time. More often than not, this is because you feel the task will take so long that there is no real point in getting started.

In fact, this self development article shows that you do not need that much time to get a significant amount done. Taking little steps (e.g., doing something in those odd five-minute periods) can take you closer to your bigger goals in life, especially if they are focussed. Also, breaking down what seem to be enormous tasks into smaller pieces can profoundly affect your attitude towards those large jobs.

What To Do In Five Minutes – At Home

To get you thinking about what can be accomplished in just five minutes, have a look at this list related to a home environment:

* Pay a bill
* Make a drink
* Do a pet chore
* Water your plants
* Make a sandwich
* Take out the rubbish
* Change that blown bulb
* Do a short sharp workout
* Sort out what needs washing
* Put all spare coins together
* Fix that little rip in your shirt
* Make that screen sparkle again
* Do an exercise that energises you
* Write someone a ‘thank you’ note
* Empty your car of unwanted items
* Clean out your handbag or manbag
* Put those dying batteries in the charger
* Write something in your diary or journal
* Go through a pending pile of paperwork
* Go for a brisk walk down the road and back
* Reply to someone you have been putting off
* Tighten the screws of a loose door, pan lid, etc
* Practice a particularly difficult phrase of music
* Check what is in your diary for the following week
* Take some photos of interesting things around you
* Scan a paper or magazine for ideas for work or home
* Clean up one small area of your desk, bedroom, or kitchen
* Take a break by completely relaxing every muscle in your body
* Practice breathing deeply to get more oxygen into your system
* Let your creative side loose and sketch whatever comes to mind
* Make your mind blank and write down the ideas that pop into it
* Do your nails, moustache, or whatever ‘beauty regime’ you fancy
* If you like making lists, compile one for the next most important things to do

The list above relates to a home environment and might sound rather corny. The aim is to show you that you can be effective in just a few minutes. When applied to your work or business life, if you spend small segments of time on very focussed activities, you will accomplish much more.

What To Do In Five Minutes - Self Development Summary

Throughout your life, things accumulate around you and just sit there waiting to get done. Once you start breaking tasks into discrete minutes, you find you can begin to tackle the bigger jobs or chores. Getting something done, no matter how small, you will be surprised to see the effect on the rest of your time.

This self development article lists only a few of the many things you can do in only five minutes. Transferring this to your work or business life, if you break down major tasks into tiny segments of time, it is possible to accomplish a lot in just five minutes here and there.

To receive further articles do visit the 'FREE Self Development Newsletter' link below. For my background, passions, and why I write articles like these, see: Dr JOY Madden