Like Toothpaste and Toilet Paper

Ever notice this about toothpaste?

When the tube is full, you take a good squeeze, loading your brush up plentifully. Not much thought goes into it.

But what about when the tube is pretty much empty? At that point, you'll exercise all your creative genius to pry the final dollops out.

You may start with your hands, inching out the final bits of toothpaste. But then you may try using the toothbrush to "steamroll" it out. Heck, you might even try stepping on it.

You get the idea.

Same thing with toilet paper. When you break out a fresh new roll, you probably use more than you really need to get the job done.

But what about when you're down to four squares?

This is when you'll summon all your creative powers to use these resources as efficiently as possible. All in the name of avoiding the walk of shame or needing to call for help.

There's a term for this concept of resources and time. It's called Parkinson's Law (not related to Parkinson's Disease). Parkinson's Law states that we are primed to use up all of a given source.

Whether it's toothpaste, toilet paper, money,  or time.

This is why we put off projects until the due date is closing in. And why we'll put more work into a project that's due in four hours than we will if it's due in four months.

Most of us have some kind of holiday break coming up. We all have things we want to do. Spend more time with family, catch up with that project we've been putting off, spend some time on our wellness, you name it.

But if you're like most people, "I've got plenty of time" has already crossed your mind once or twice.

You blink, and break is over.

Here's the antidote. Each morning, think about what you want to do. Do that thing first. Then proceed with the rest of your day.

Easy and simple.

Otherwise, before you know it, break will be over and the proverbial toilet paper roll will be empty.

Happy holidays!