Planning note: I plan to put out a newsletter next week, but it will depend on how I’m doing with recovery from surgery. And, if you are into prayer, good vibes, and positive energy, I’ll take all you’ve got through surgery (Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 10 a.m.) and recovery.
Drop Zones and Launch Pads
TL;DR:
Keep clutter at bay by creating and containing drop zones
A reliable drop zone also helps avoid things like “where are my keys” or “where is that document”
Combine your drop zone with a launch pad or create a launch pad to help you get going on an activity
Consider digital and process ways to use the concepts as well
Moving over the summer meant creating new rhythms and resetting habits. One of those is around drop zones and launch pads. This is probably more than loosely related to my Facts of Life Book Course. After all, the first item on the course manifesto is the adage, “A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place.”
Before we dive into some of the things I’ve been reflecting on recently about these two concepts, let’s start with definitions. My definitions of these two concepts:
drop zone - a dedicated place that you put something or a specific method that you store something you are likely to lose or that is important to you in any way.
launch pad - a dedicated place and/or set of tools and processes that you use to help you begin a task or activity successfully.
When Gayle and I first bought the house, we realized we’d need a drop zone/launch pad in what we’ve named the alcove which is the main entryway from the garage. While the kitchen counter and bar stools served this purpose for the first couple of months, we’ve already graduated to version 2 of this concept which is an old night stand and a wooden box that was my Grandpa’s - now actually in the alcove. Yay for a sometimes clean kitchen counter!
Last night, I laid paperwork, a video to return to the library, and my bag (which always holds my keys and ID) there so that when I needed to leave to run errands this morning, everything was already together.
We both have broader visions for this space with some cabinets and baskets for shoes and such. But, start where you are!
Other types of Drop Zones and Launch Pads
I try to consider this same concept when I am doing digital work as well. How can I set myself up so that it’s easy to start a project or activity - especially if it’s one I don’t enjoy doing.
I often use the strategy of pairing - placing something I dislike doing or something I’m trying to start doing with something I already do habitually or something I love doing.
For example, most of my client work I love and have no problem motivating myself to start doing. Several months back I had a project I regretted agreeing to take on almost from the start. The client was great, but the work was not interesting to me. I decided that I’d go to Starbucks and work on this client project. I don’t often go to the store and sit and work. Typically I get my drinks on the way to and fro. In this way, going to Starbucks served as a launch pad, and paired something I love, for working on that client’s project. Once I sat down with my drink, I only let myself open up the things I needed for that client and then I used the “Pomodoro” technique to work through the project until I finally got it done.
And that’s my final tip on launch pads and drop zones - keep them clean! I’ll be fully honest that this is a “do as I say and not as I do tip”, but I know that when I really need to focus on something and get through it, that the fewer distractions I have (open browser tabs, open computer programs, phone notifications, etc.) the better off I am.
What’s you’re favorite launch pad or drop zone tip or hack? Have a beautiful and inspiring launch pad or drop zone? Have a question about anything in today’s article? Just hit reply or comment on the article.
Some Things You Might Find Interesting
What I published: Got some publishing done this week! I’m trying to keep balancing work that pays the bills easily with all the writing I want to do. While I’m taking two weeks “off” from work while I recuperate from surgery, I do plan to do some writing to get caught up on my overflowing inbox of ideas.
Pomodoro Timer: I may have shared this before, but it’s worth sharing again. This little cube timer lets you easily set timers for 10, 30, 50, and 60 minutes simply by picking up and turning the timer. While there is most definitely an app (or a hundred) for that, NOT picking up my phone is a big part of staying focused. If you want to stay true to “official” Pomodoro times of 25 and 5 minutes, Amazon has a ton of cute and affordable options for physical timers that offer a wide range of standard timings.
Folding Grabber: While I’ve long considered these a standard tool of aging, I hadn’t planned to need one quite this soon. However, Gayle got me/us this grabber tool to keep me from bending or stretching too much post surgery. And, we’ve both already used it a couple of times. If you don’t have one, it’s not just your grandmother or grandfather’s tool.
Barbie!: We finally joined the cultural phenomenon and watched the Barbie movie last night (after a lengthy search for the DVD player remote). So this final is a two-fer.
First, libraries are AMAZING. Use yours! I didn’t get a chance to see the film in the theatre and I didn’t want to spend money on it for streaming so I checked it out from my local library.
Second, we both gave the film a “wasn’t great, wasn’t bad” rating. However, if you’ve seen the film and know the very last line, it was PERFECT for us to watch the week of my surgery and we both had a most excellent laugh in that moment.
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