I'd like to think that mine is, but...we've just returned from our annual trek to Illinois to visit family and I feel out of sorts. I'm having a hard time getting back into the swing of things and do all that I know I need to do! So, I've been referring back to different suggestions I originally found rather helpful. These have come from different sources like the wonderful http://zenhabits.net and http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com.
Tips for getting and staying organized (in no particular order):
Tips for getting and staying organized (in no particular order):
1. Three most important tasks for the day. Apparently if you tackle those, everything else will fall into place!
2. Some professional organizers suggest you make a "to-do" list every night before you go to bed. If you write it down, your mind will relax and you don't have to worry about forgetting important things.
3. If you don't like, or have the discipline for all those daily lists, another great option is to have a "weekly to-do" list. Here you will input items you need to address each day and you'll just check them off as you do them. Somewhere on your weekly list, you can write all the things you need to do that week. At the end of the week, you transfer any items that didn't get done, into the new weekly list. (I do this.)
4. Do it now. If you pick up something, do not put it down until you finish it. For people who forget everything, like me, this is invaluable.
5. Go through your emails in the morning. Delete the ones you do not need, and respond to the ones you do need.
6. Prioritize. Get the important things done first. This is just common sense!
If you have commissions or orders you need to complete, logic dictates that that should have priority. If you need quiet time for your calls, be sure to make them when you won't be disturbed. Save the laundry and other household duties for later in the afternoon.
If you have commissions or orders you need to complete, logic dictates that that should have priority. If you need quiet time for your calls, be sure to make them when you won't be disturbed. Save the laundry and other household duties for later in the afternoon.
7. Delegate. We all want to do everything ourselves. However, this is not productive, and it will wear you down. Focus on the big picture, and decide which items you can pass on to someone else.
And after all is done, I won't feel so guilty about relaxing here:
I'd love to hear your tips on staying organized!
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by!
7 comments:
Great post! A list can help you feel like you accomplished something, too! (Y'know...for those busy days when you can't really see what you've done!)
Great post Maria! The weekly to do list and prioritize are my favorites... The one "do it now" it's almost imposible with two little ones aroud me most of the time :) But I got it! Hope you hade a great time...
I agree that a list is so much more productive than flying by the seat of your pants!
Susy, I know that with 2 cute little ones, like you have, it's hard to do "anything" now!
Thanks for your comments.
My life was quiet and organized...a little humdrum until a few months ago. My priorities and responsibilities have changed so much and there are so many of them that I found myself chasing lists...several of them.
Perhaps my life is less organized now but I still take time to breathe, sit down with a puddle of Dachshunds in my lap, and tackle each day with the best intentions.
My grandmother taught me to be thankful for one small blessing as I wake each day - I figure if I can do that, the rest of the day will be a breeze.
I love your grandmother's suggestion. I always try to start my day with a thankful heart. Thanks for sharing!
Great blogpost and tips. Always great to be reminded about the smart way of doing things.
I'm a pretty organized person, but I know that I waste way to much energy on thinking about doing some things instead of just getting on with it. I'm getting better though.
Birgitte
I'm one of those people who have to do a daily to-do list. If I don't, nothing gets done.
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