~ Keep it simple!! Simplify as much as possible.

~ Know your top 3-5 priorities and schedule time accordingly
~ Run errands at times when you won't encounter lines and crowds
~ Put your grocery list on the computer, print a copy each week, then check off the items you need as you run out
~ Manage your energy instead of your time for peak performance. Learn more in the book The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz found in the Book Store on this site.
~ Everything has a home... your keys, hardware, office supplies, etc. so you always know where to put it and where to find it.
~ Until your home and office are decluttered spend a certain amount of time daily decluttering. Start off with 15 minutes per day to develop a pattern of success. The important part is to build momentum and create the habit.

~ Set up systems to maintain so you won't have to do it again. For instance,
~ When you buy something, get rid of something old so your closets and cabinets don't get stuffed full.
~ Stop multi-tasking and focus on completing one project at a time with your full attention.
~ Get your kids involved helping around the house by making it fun... turn on invigorating music and dance while cleaning, set the clock and make it a race, etc.
~ Taking time to plan saves time backtracking and trying to figure out what to do next.
~ Put the important stuff that will make a difference first. Commit to it!
~ Set deadlines and time limits on projects that you can get lost in to protect your time.
~ Set a time limit for phone calls.
~ Notice where time is being wasted, then create a system that will support you in being efficient.

10 Tips to Simplify & Be Organized...Starting Now!

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler.” Albert Einstein

When your life is full you miss out on the precious details that make life enjoyable. Delicious tastes, enticing smells, loving hugs, a good laugh, a great thrill, the beauty around you, and sometimes what you want the most. Consider when you dine out. When you’re in a hurry you miss out on intriguing conversation, ambiance, savory smells, yummy tastes, etc. So why do we resist slowing down? We were raised to believe that hard work leads to success. We strive to keep up in a fast paced world. Yet growth occurs more easily when there is space to grow. So let’s begin creating space by simplifying and organizing. Think simple and let’s get started.

1- What are your top priority zones? Keep it from 3 to 5. Your top priority zones are the areas of your life that are most important to you. Think of the different hats you wear throughout the day. What is most important to you? Some examples are faith, self-care, family, business, career, home, education, etc.

2- Under each top priority zone list your top priorities in that area. For instance, under self-care an example would be exercise daily, take vitamins, eat healthy, look good, drink half my body weight in water daily. Through this exercise you will probably beginning to understand why you are overwhelmed. Keep thinking simple.

3- Create a Time Map of how your week will look using a weekly calendar displaying hours. Consider how much time you need and how much you can commit to each priority. When is the best time of day to schedule it so that you follow through? Schedule large blocks of time for your various roles so you have plenty of time to focus on the priorities in each area. Customize the Time Map to fit your personality so you are more likely to take action.

4- What are you willing to eliminate, delegate, or set aside? Are there responsibilities, tasks, goals, etc. that you are discovering you need to eliminate, delegate, or set aside until a later date? They don’t fall into a priority. Give yourself permission to let go, so you are more able to focus on what is most important to you now.

5- Say “NO”! Once you know your priorities you will quickly be challenged by another opportunity. How does the opportunity fit into your priorities? If it does not honor your top priorities then the answer is “No” for now.

6- Notice where you are wasting time or procrastinating. Be aware of how often you run back to the same place or area of town. Can you consolidate errands? How much time is spent watching TV? How much time is spent thinking rather than doing?

7- Develop systems and/or a task list- Expert Professional Organizer Julie Morgenstern says that “organizing is not about changing who you are or throwing things out, it’s about designing a system based on your unique personality, natural habits and goals.” Is there an area that is not working for you? Chances are it is in need of a simple system. Another option is to create a task list. List all tasks that need to be completed in a particular area and take action. As a single mom who is growing a business, going to school, and running a household you can imagine my task list. I use a task list with 3 columns titled Personal, Business, and Home. I list everything that needs to be taken care of. Each week I decide what to work on that week. When I have free time I simply take a look and see what’s next. There is no way I could manage it in my head. Yes...the original set up took time and now it is easily managed. Of course the goal is to get so far ahead to be able to eliminate the task list completely.

8- Focus on completion of one task at a time. When you get into handling each task take one step at a time. Focus on completion before moving on. Start in one small place, stay focused, and allow that feeling of accomplishment to build the momentum to continue.

9- Get the rest and nutrition you need. Take regular breaks to rejuvenate and get plenty of sleep. Choose healthy energy sources vs. adrenaline for endurance. By the way...I hope you chose you as one of your top priorities.

10- Reward yourself for the progress. Notice I said progress. Stop occasionally to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. Don’t beat yourself up. I doubt there is an Olympic athlete out there who never missed a day of training. They get back and persist. Notice how good you feel with each step. Treat yourself!

If you feel overwhelmed to the point of paralysis then another option is to hire a Professional Organizer. Pat Rabon of A to Y Organizing in Missouri City, TX says that many clients mention feeling as if a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. They seem to feel proud and accomplished. A Professional Organizer can provide you the support you need to reach your goals. Check out the resources below to find the Professional Organizer for you.

Cheryl Richardson, author of Life Makeover, Take Time for Your Life, and Stand Up for Your Life, says “inaction=anxiety”. So get out of anxiety by taking action to create a change. In closing, I challenge you to the Dare to Take Action Challenges below to help you begin living an organized lifestyle.

Today’s Dare to Take Action Challenge:
Clean out one cluttered space (a small drawer, counter top, desk top, file, table top, etc.) that has been draining your energy every time you look at it before bedtime tonight...Starting Now! When you wake up notice how great you feel when you look at that space.

Tomorrow’s Dare to Take Action Challenge:
From part one of Fly Lady’s 27 Fling Boogie at www.flylady.com. Do this as fast a you can. Get a trash bag, walk around the house and throw 27 items away as quickly as possible. Close the bag and pitch it! Don’t look inside!!!

Resources:

www.atoyorganizing.com- A special thank you to Professional Organizer Pat Rabon for her assistance.
www.juliemorgenstern.com- Learn more from organizing expert Julie Morgenstern at her site or read her books: “Organizing from the Inside Out” and “Time Management for the Inside Out”
http://www.flylady.com - I love her suggestion for “Decluttering 15 Minutes Per Day”.
http://www.organizingconceptsplus.com - Check out Organizing Strategist Lanita Filer’s program “Organize Your Life Richly” which focuses on total balanced living.
http://www.napo.net - National Association of Professional Organizers- Click on Referral Request to find a Professional Organizer in your area.
http://www.cherylrichardson.com - To organize your life in a different sense consider Cheryl’s book “Life Makeovers”.

Copyright 2003, Beth A. Tabak, All rights reserved.
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