To be (chill), or not to be (chill)

Introducing the "Chill or No Chill Prioritization Matrix"

This week, I made a goofy, Pulitzer-worthy post about how to focus (according to my cat, Kitty).

Focus has been on my mind a lot since, and I thought I’d share a bit more on the subject.

When it comes to productivity methods, I’m agnostic.

Because my brain refuses to let me know peace, I rarely find a system that works for me consistently. I’m consistently inconsistent.

This morning, I woke up to several procrastinated tasks and was on the verge of a menty b (mental breakdown).

As a visual learner and processor, I decided to build myself a little matrix. I call it the “Chill or No Chill Prioritization Matrix” (a working title).

Here’s what it looks like:

Basically, I organized all the tasks on my to-do list (and on my mind) based on how chill I feel about them.

I played around with these titles a bit, knowing a prioritization matrix typically has language like “urgency” and “importance.” But what do those things mean really?

Instead, I used “Chill” or “Not Chill” — a very scientific formula, to be fair.

Not Chill tasks are those that spike my heart rate when I think about them. The ones I’m most stressed out about. I need to get them out of my damn way if I’m going to make it through.

Chill tasks are those that seem like they’d be easy, quick, and/or insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

First priority were the tasks in the Due Today — Not Chill box. Second priority were the tasks in the Due Today — Chill box. (If you get through them quick and want to keep working, get a jump start on tomorrow’s Not Chill tasks. Otherwise, take a metaphorical chill pill and call it a day.)

Once you fill out your matrix, I can almost guarantee you’ll feel at least 5% less overwhelmed than when you started. Then you just have to…do the work.

I managed to get everything done today, even the least chill of the not chill tasks. I’m going to use it again tomorrow — unless, you know, I don’t.

Chill the f*ck out and join my next virtual co-working session

For $5/mo, you can join my monthly co-working session. Basically, we’ll come together as a group of unmotivated, but capable beings to get some shit done. You can bring your work-work or your house work or your I-need-to-go-to-the-post-office work — whatever work needs to be worked — and get it done in community.

All ya gotta do is upgrade your Substack subscription ⬇️ The poll to schedule May’s session will go out to paid subscribers on Monday!

Byeeeeee