The FlyLady Method: Daily Focus

A well-run home has a rhythm. Creating a pattern for our homemaking tasks ensures that everything is done in a timely manner. We’ve talked a bit about daily routines (there will be more to come!) so now let’s discuss creating a daily focus for each day of the week. 

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Daily Focus

In addition to our usual daily homemaking tasks it’s helpful to assign specific tasks or themes to each day.   The FlyLady calls these the “Daily Focus”. For instance, you choose a particular day of the week to run errands. By following a consistent routine over the course of each week, you can be assured that you are covering all the bases. Here is the official FlyLady Daily Focus plan. This is a great place to start. 

Monday: Weekly Home Blessing

The “Weekly Home Blessing” consists of approximately one hour spent on the following tasks:

• vacuum
• dust
• quick mop
• polish mirrors and doors
• purge catalogs and magazines
• change sheets
• empty wastebaskets 

You may be asking how in the world you can do all of that in an hour. The key is that you aren’t doing super thorough, detailed cleaning during this hour. You are simply “blessing” your home by zipping through these tasks, assigning each about 10 minutes. No, most of us can’t vacuum our whole house in 10 minutes but we can do the main traffic areas. A quick trip through the house with a good quality feather duster (don’t move anything!) will keep things under control until your scheduled time for more detailed cleaning. 

Here is more information about how this all works:

The FlyLady Method: Weekly Home Blessing Hour

Tuesday: Plan and Play

This is my personal favorite as I love planning. I’m not always as happy about the execution phase but planning is fun. This is the day to plan your menu and make a grocery list. Check your prescriptions, supplements, toiletries and all other household supplies to see if you need anything before errand day. Take a look at your family’s calendar and see if there are any upcoming activities to plan for. You can also use this day to plan your wardrobe, date night, family fun plans, etc. 

And then there’s the second part – PLAY! That’s right, we all deserve some fun time. Do your daily tasks and planning in the morning and then take the afternoon off. Read a book, take a nap, watch Netflix…whatever sounds fun and restorative for you that day. 

Wednesday: Anti-Procrastination Day

Personally I think this day’s focus is genius. Don’t we all have things we’ve been putting off? Make a doctor or dental appointment, finish that project you’ve been putting off, file a stack of papers, or anything else that’s been hanging over your head. I like to keep a procrastination list and then choose something from it on this day. 

Thursday: Errand Day

Consolidating your errands saves time and gas. Use this day to grocery shop, pick up dry cleaning, drop off donations, mail a package, etc. Keep a running list of errands as well as have a designated spot for items you’ll need to take somewhere. If possible, try to schedule routine doctor and dental appointments on your errand day, as well. It’s nice to get everything done on one day a week, leaving the rest of the week free of the interruption of leaving home. Of course, if you work outside the home you’ll need to adjust this plan. Make a list of your errands and try to tackle one or two each day on your lunch break or on your way home. Try not to have to spend half the day on Saturday running errands all over town.  

Friday: Clean out your purse and car day/date night

Cars and purses can collect a lot of “stuff” over the course of a week, especially if you have children. I recall the days of crayons and baggies full of Cheerios in my purse. I remember how much little kids can leave behind in the car and how quickly it can get crazy if you don’t take care of it regularly. And honestly, some adults aren’t much better. Try to get in the habit of taking everything in from the car when you arrive home but at the very least, a weekly clean-out will keep things under control. 

Take a few minutes to clean out your purse and wallet, as well. Throw away or file receipts, toss the gum wrappers and tissues. It’s also a good idea to give your purse and wallet a good wipe down (make sure you check the cleaning recommendations for your purse). This is also an excellent time to safely disinfect your phone and computer keyboard.

Saturday: Family Fun Day

This is the day to plan something fun for the whole family. Our options are more limited right now but there are still plenty of fun things to do with a bit of creativity. 

• Family movie night – Pop some popcorn and indulge in a fun drink like Shirley Temples. 
• Picnic or barbecue in the backyard 
• Family board game night – We have been playing games via Zoom or Facebook Chat with our daughter and son-in-law. 

Here are more ideas: Family Fun Time Ideas

Sunday: Renew Your Spirit Day

We all need time to focus on our inner well-being. This might involve a spiritual practice or meditation. Or it might be a some dedicated self-care time. Take a walk, read a book, indulge in a long bubble bath or my personal favorite – spend an hour or so stargazing. 

 

Make It Yours

Every home is unique so you’ll need to adjust to fit your own circumstances. Look at your existing schedule first. Be creative and try different options until you find what works best for YOU!

 

More FlyLady Posts:

The FlyLady Method: Crisis Cleaning

The FlyLady Method: Weekly Home Blessing Hour

The FlyLady Method: Morning Routine

The FlyLady Method: 5 Minute Room Rescue

The FlyLady Method: Shine Your Sink

The FlyLady Method: Getting Dressed (Including Shoes!)

The Best (and worst) of The FlyLady