Are you constantly rushing around? Do you have
a cluttered work or home environment? Are you typically late to
meetings or appointments? Are you over-scheduled? These are all signs
that you’re not running your life as efficiently or as effectively as
you can. “So what?” you’re thinking. These inefficiencies may be
costing you more than money. They could be costing you the life you
desire and deserve.
But, there is hope. Some very simple changes in your daily life can
get you back on track toward pursuing your desires. Here are a few
tips to bring your life back on the right track.
1. Make a
“to do” list everyday and follow it.
One of the biggest efficiency concerns for most people is the ability
to manage their time. Learning to prioritize may be the No. 1 way to
handle more in less time. Some people use the excuse that they don’t
have enough time to prioritize. The reality is they are afraid of how
large the list will be. Besides, it is easier to procrastinate about
things instead of doing them.
STOP and take two minutes right now to list everything you have to
accomplish today. Rank these items in the order of importance. Do the
most important first, and so on. Now you have a plan and a goal for
accomplishing what you have to do. Anything left at the end of the
day; you should place on a new list and reprioritize.
2. Create a
sense of self-determination.
You are in control of your
life; no one can make you do anything. Be determined to succeed in the
things that you are passionate about. We each have the ability to view
things as we choose; view them through positive eyes. Laugh at
yourself when you are under stress; you will feel better. Learn how to
live in the moment. There is not a thing you can do about yesterday or
tomorrow; you can only prepare yourself now for the blessings of the
future.
3. Control
your telephone calls.
During your day, take and
make calls at scheduled times. Allow yourself not to take calls during
times when you are working on a special project that requires your
undivided attention.
4. Schedule
desk time.
Desk time is time that you will not have any interruptions, save the
building burning down.
5. Delegate
tasks.
You are not the only one who can get things done. There are other very
competent individuals all around you just waiting to be asked to help
out. Just ask any very busy person about how they handle so much, and
the answer will likely be that they delegate.
6. Learn to
say NO.
We do not have to take on everything asked of us.
7. Don’t allow
random piles to build up.
Take the time to put things away. You will have more time in the long
run, because you won’t have to look for items; they are where they are
supposed to be.
When you come home from the grocery store, you take the time to put
your items away in specified locations throughout your home. You have
a mailing address for your U.S. mail and maybe an e-mail address. Why
not give ALL your things an appropriate address in your home or
office?
There
are two very simple, basic ways to gain at least two hours in your
day:
• Less sleep: The average person really only needs between six and
eight hours.
• Less television: The average American watches approximately three
hours per day.
Take the steps necessary today to stop procrastinating, daydreaming,
being inefficient and missing out on the life you desire. Contact
someone in the efficiency-improvement field, attend seminars or
workshops, consult with a professional organizer or hire a coach to
help you.
Valerie J. Simpson is one of our business consultants and professional
organizer at A to Z Organizing Pros®, a Phoenix-based firm that helps
organizations large and small find new ways to be more efficient and
productive.
This article is in dedication to my brother, Randall, who has overcome
many obstacles and taught me many lessons about celebrating success
and laughing in the face of adversity.
Submitted to The Arizona Republic
4/28/05
"Our
organizers lead
by example rather than instruction and our clients make progress by leaps and
bounds. Our imagination and creativity are the best tools we have when it comes
to sharing our knowledge."
professional organizing in Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona