Add "Ten Minute Tasks" pattern

content/practices/ten_minute_tasks.md

@@ -0,0 +1,159 @@
++++
+title = "Ten Minute Tasks"
+author = "Stijn Dejongh"
+problem = "There are not enough hours in a day, you have many small tasks that you never get around to doing."
+description ="""
+Reclaim otherwise wasted moments by using them to complete small, useful tasks. By preparing for these lulls with a list of quick,
+actionable tasks, individuals can make better use of their time and avoid procrastination."
+"""
+summary="""
+Reclaim otherwise wasted moments by using them to complete small, useful tasks. By preparing for these lulls with a list of quick, actionable 
+tasks, individuals can make better use of their time and avoid procrastination. This pattern works well in environments where there are frequent short breaks or waiting periods, such as between meetings, commuting, or during short intervals at home. 
+"""
+categories = [
+    "productivity",
+]
+tags = [
+    "time management", "habbits"
+]
+uuid="d27c9889-dcb4-45f4-a36c-5af7f85b6a76"
+aliases=["d27c9889-dcb4-45f4-a36c-5af7f85b6a76"]
+ammerse = [
+    {name = "agile", delta = "0.75", rationale = "The practice fosters adaptability and flexibility by encouraging the use of short, otherwise wasted periods for productive tasks. "},
+    {name = "minimal", delta = "0.3", rationale = "While the practice itself is straight-forward, it requires some preparation and planning to be effective."},
+    {name = "maintainable", delta = "0.7", rationale = "Regularly addressing small tasks enhances maintainability by preventing the accumulation of minor issues."},
+    {name = "environmental", delta = "0.15", rationale = "Efficient use of time can indirectly support environmental sustainability by freeing up time and mental space."},
+    {name = "reachable", delta = "0.4", rationale = "While the practice makes smaller goals more attainable, it requires balance to ensure larger goals are not overlooked."},
+    {name = "solvable", delta = "0.95", rationale = "Addressing and completing small tasks can prevent minor issues from becoming larger problems, supporting proactive problem-solving."},
+    {name = "extensible", delta = "0", rationale = "The practice primarily focuses on immediate productivity rather than long-term extensibility."},
+]
+image="practices/ten_minute_tasks.webp"
+pubdate="2024-06-05"
++++
+
+## Problem Statement
+
+There are many lulls in a day when you have a few minutes to spare, these are often lost because you don't know what to do with them.
+
+## Intent
+
+Reclaim lost moments by doing something useful in the time you have available. Prepare for these waiting times by having a list of tasks that
+can be done in a very short amount of time. Avoid doing nothing, or worse, getting lost in things that add no value to your life.
+
+## Contextual forces
+These describe factors at play that influence the outcome of the practice. They are not necessarily good or bad, but they are important to be aware of.
+
+### Enablers
+The following factors support effective application of the practice:
+
+* **Preparation:** Having a list of tasks ready to go, and having tools nearby to enable you to start a task with low friction.
+* **Prioritization:** Knowing which tasks are most important, and which can be done in a short amount of time.
+* **Awareness:** Being aware of the time you have available. Knowing how long a task will take.
+* **Elephant Carpaccio:** Having tasks that can be broken down into smaller parts, so you can make some progress in the time you have available.
+
+### Deterrents
+The following factors prevent effective application of the practice:
+
+* **Distractions:** Being distracted by other things that are happening around you, or getting sucked into useless rabbit holes.
+* **Lack of preparation:** Not having a list of tasks ready to go, or not having the tools you need to start a task.
+* **Overwhelm:** Having too many tasks to choose from, or not knowing what to do next.
+* **Perfectionism:** Not starting a task because you don't have enough time to do it perfectly, or finish it completely.
+
+## Solution
+
+Be aware of the time you have available but generally don't use. When you think about it, you will find that there are many moment in a day
+where you are doing nothing at all, or are waiting for something to happen. Examples include:
+
+* waiting for a bus
+* waiting for a meeting to start
+* waiting for a friend to arrive
+* waiting for the microwave to finish
+* waiting for you family to get ready
+* loitering in a queue
+
+Prepare a list of things you can do in a short amount of time (10 minutes or less), and keep it handy. Usually, you can make some progress on a
+task, even within the timespan of a couple of minutes. This can be as simple as tidying your desk, cleaning a cup, or writing a few lines on a 
+notepad. 
+{{< tip text=`It helps to have a set of things you can do when you are at home, at the office, or out and about.` >}}
+
+The key is to make sure that you are doing something useful with the time you would otherwise waste. All these small tasks add up over time, and
+allow you to make progress on things that you would otherwise never get around to. Think of it this way: if you spend a few minutes a day on
+tidying your closet, you will have a clean closet in a few weeks. If you try and do it all at once, you will likely need to dedicate a whole day
+to it.
+
+## Rationale
+
+* **Avoiding procrastination:** By doing something useful in the time you have available, you avoid procrastinating on tasks that you know you
+  should be doing. This can help you avoid feeling guilty about not doing something, and can help you feel more in control of your life. 
+  Nowadays, every moment of the day is filled with distractions. Most lulls are filled with checking your phone, or scrolling through social 
+  media. This usually doesn't add any value to your life, and can often make you feel more stressed out.
+* **Making progress:** By doing small tasks in the time you have available, you make progress on things that you would otherwise never get around
+  to.
+* **Avoiding overwhelm:** By breaking tasks down into smaller parts, you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the size of the task. This makes it easier
+  to get started, or in some cases: to find to courage to do something about a long-lingering frustration.
+* **Building habits:** By making a habit of doing small tasks in the time you have available, you build a habit of being productive. This can help
+  you be more productive in general.
+
+## Considerations
+
+* **Perfectionism:** People can avoid starting a task because they don't have enough time to do it perfectly, or finish it completely.
+* **Self-induced stress:** People applying this technique can feel driven to always be productive, and can feel guilty when they are not.
+* **Real Work Avoidance:** People can use this technique to avoid doing more important tasks, or to avoid dealing with difficult emotions.
+
+### Mitigation strategies
+
+* **Don't overdo it:** It's important to strike a balance between being productive and taking care of yourself. Don't feel like you have to be
+  productive all the time. It's okay to take a break and do nothing for a while, as long as you are intentional about it.
+* **Be kind to yourself:** It's important to be kind to yourself when you are doing small tasks in the time you have available. Don't beat yourself
+  up if you don't get everything done. It's okay to not be perfect, and it's okay to take a break if you need one.
+* **Retain focus:** It's important to stay focused on the task at hand when you are doing small tasks in the time you have available. Try to avoid
+  getting distracted by other things that are happening around you, and try to avoid getting sucked into useless rabbit holes.
+* **Training:** Gain knowledge on time management and task prioritization to maximize the benefits of this practice.
+
+## Examples
+
+### List of 10-minute tasks
+
+To help you get started on your own list, here are some tasks that can generally be done in 10 minutes or less:
+
+* paying a bill
+* cleaning your desk
+* deleting old emails
+* taking out the trash
+* washing a few dishes
+* sending out an invoice
+* reading a page of a book
+* going through your calendar
+* responding to a single email
+* discarding a bunch of old papers
+* writing a few lines on a notepad
+* moving stuff up or down the stairs
+* filling out a time-registration form
+* folding a couple of pieces of laundry
+* throwing away old food from the fridge
+* putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket
+
+## References
+
+* {{<reference author="Covey, S. R.; Collins, J."
+  year="2004"
+  title="The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change"
+  publisher="Free Press"
+  isbn="0743269519"
+  link="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36072.The_7_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_People" >}}
+* {{<reference author="Clear, J."
+  year="2018"
+  title="Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones"
+  publisher="Avery"
+  isbn="0735211299"
+  link="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40244063-atomic-habits" >}}
+* {{<reference author="Dicks, M."
+  year="2022"
+  title="Someday Is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life"
+  publisher="New World Library ]"
+  isbn="1608687503"
+  link="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60965575-someday-is-today" >}}
+
+---
+
+

data/bibliography.toml

@@ -32,10 +32,10 @@ location = ""
 image = "apprent_patterns.jpeg"
 link = "https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/apprenticeship-patterns/9780596806842/"
 description = """
-For individuals transitioning to new teams or roles, 'Apprenticeship Patterns' offers invaluable advice.
-In this book, the authors provide practical guidance on seamlessly and efficiently integrating into a new work environment.
-The book's unique structure presents these insights in the form of a pattern list, each offering actionable advice.
-One particularly memorable pattern, 'Sweep the Floor,' underscores the importance of performing the 'grunt work' in order to be of immediate value to a team.
+For individuals transitioning to new teams or roles, Apprenticeship Patterns offers invaluable advice. In this book, the authors provide practical
+guidance on seamlessly and efficiently integrating into a new work environment. The book's unique structure presents these insights in the form of a
+pattern list, each offering actionable advice. One particularly memorable pattern, 'Sweep the Floor,' underscores the importance of performing the '
+grunt work' to be of immediate value to a team.
 """
 levels = ["novice", "reference"]
 tags = ["software development", "team dynamics", "directed learning"]
@@ -70,11 +70,11 @@ year = "2004"
 link = "https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36072.The_7_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_People"
 image = "covey_habbits.jpg"
 description = """
-A revered classic in the realms of both software development and management, Stephen R. Covey's book delves into the transformative power of effective habits.
-Covey introduces readers to a set of values and practices that promote mindful time management. He explores the art of personal management systems,
-the significance of mastering the skill of saying "no," and the profound notion that "saying yes to something means saying no to something else."
-Covey's book is an invitation for introspection, encouraging readers to reflect on their desired self and guiding them toward tangible steps to achieve
-personal growth and effectiveness.
+A revered classic in the realms of both software development and management, Stephen R. Covey's book delves into the transformative power of
+effective habits. Covey introduces readers to a set of values and practices that promote mindful time management. He explores the art of personal
+management systems, the significance of mastering the skill of saying "no," and the profound notion that "saying yes to something means saying no to
+something else." Covey's book invites the reader to introspection, encouraging them to reflect on their desired self and guiding them toward
+tangible steps to achieve personal growth and effectiveness.
 """
 levels = ["mixed", "novice", "intermediate"]
 tags = ["productivity", "goals", "prioritization", "time management", "organizing"]
@@ -111,13 +111,14 @@ year = "2016"
 link = "https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27036528-ego-is-the-enemy"
 image = "ego_enemy.jpg"
 description = """
-In "Ego Is the Enemy", Holiday presents a contemporary exploration of Stoic principles,
-emphasizing the importance of authenticity and resilience when faced with adversity.
-Holiday weaves a compelling narrative by drawing on the stories of historical figures to illustrate how unchecked success can corrupt one's character.
+In _"Ego Is the Enemy"_, Holiday presents a contemporary exploration of Stoic principles, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and resilience
+when faced with adversity. He weaves a compelling narrative by drawing on the stories of historical figures to illustrate how unchecked success
+can corrupt one's character.
 <br /><br />
-The book is a mix of inspirational success stories and cautionary tales, offering readers a fresh perspective on their own decisions.
-After reading "Ego Is the Enemy," individuals are encouraged to reflect on a fundamental question: "Do I aspire to do something meaningful, or do I seek to be important?".
-This thought-provoking book challenges readers to examine their ambitions and the role of ego in their pursuit of success and fulfillment.
+The book is a mix of inspirational success stories and cautionary tales, offering readers a fresh perspective on their own decisions. After reading
+Ego Is the Enemy, individuals are encouraged to reflect on a fundamental question: "Do I aspire to do something meaningful, or do I seek to be
+important?" This thought-provoking book challenges readers to examine their ambitions and the role of ego in their pursuit of success and
+fulfilment.
 """
 levels = ["novice"]
 tags = ["mindset", "philosophy", "reflection"]
@@ -150,9 +151,10 @@ year = "2008"
 link = "https://pragprog.com/titles/ahptl/pragmatic-thinking-and-learning/"
 image = "prag_thinking.jpg"
 description = """
-Dive into your own brain, and learn about efficient learning. Hunt discusses various techniques that have helped him stay on top of his game over a career spanning decades.
-As a professional, your main weapon is your ability to learn. Unfortunately, many of us are left to our own devices in figuring out which approaches work well for us.
-This book helps you, by giving you a plethora of time-proven learning techniques, and some tools to discover your own preferences.
+Dive into your own brain and learn about efficient learning. Hunt discusses various techniques that have helped him stay
+on top of his game over a career spanning decades. As a professional, your main weapon is your ability to learn.
+Unfortunately, many of us are left to our own devices in figuring out which approaches work well for us.
+This book helps by providing a plethora of time-proven learning techniques and tools to discover your own preferences.
 """
 levels = ["novice"]
 tags = ["mindset", "directed learning", "reflection", "efficiency", "prioritization"]

static/css/patterns.css

@@ -344,7 +344,7 @@
 
 .ammerse-values .ammerse-value {
     display: block;
-    font-size: 0.85rem;
+    font-size: 0.75rem;
     padding: 0.25rem;
     border-radius: 0.25rem;
     text-align: center;