Category Archives: Organizing

Procrastinating? 4 Steps to Stop!

07 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Business, Office, Organizing, Personal, Planning, Residential, Stress, Time

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Procrastination - Thief of Time

We ALL procrastinate now and then, and it’s nothing more than the time gap between when we decide to do something and when we actually take action.  A big part of procrastination is not knowing where to start or how to organize what you need to do.

Here are some common procrastination problems and solutions:

  # 1 – You Just Don’t Want To  (Let’s face it, some things just aren’t fun.)

Solution:  Establish a reward for yourself.    Schedule a beginning and ending time for what needs to be done,  and then take yourself out for an ice cream or another other treat.    Call a friend and schedule to have coffee or do something fun with them.  Let them know that THEY are your motivation to make sure that YOU are successful!

# 2 – You Don’t Know Where to Start (Example:  Preparing to move a student or yourself home at the end of a year at college)

Solution:  Google It!   Almost any problem you meet, someone else has already faced!  Save time and Google your way to solutions.  There are pages of websites about students moving back home.

# 3 – You’re Overwhelmed (Example:  Moving, again)

Solution:  Break down the problem into “do-able” tasks and make a list:

1.   A date to pick up boxes and newspapers or other items needed for packing.
2.   A list of items that be packed away first (winter clothes, etc.)
3.   A list of items which should be packed last.
4.   Which utilities must be notified?

# 4 – Lack of Motivation (Example:  Cleaning Closets)

Solution:  Find a friend who is also struggling to get motivated.

If you have work to do at home, plan a time to phone and catch up while you’re both sorting drawers, closets and doing general cleaning.

If you live nearby, maybe you can share the burden by helping each other. Windows will go a lot faster if you have a friend with you!

Listen to music, podcasts or an audio books while you clean or sort belongings

If you’re interested in making more out of your time, check out this earlier post on “Time Robbers”.

Off the Office Hamster Wheel in 5 Easy Steps

29 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by in Business, Office, Organizing, Planning, Stress, Time, Work Space

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Hamster in Orange Wheel

The definition of a hamster wheel is when someone just keeps running in circles (and making the same mistakes) instead of progressing.

A bit of planning can get you off that wheel and help you to feel better about your mornings.  Review again at the end of the day and organizing is just as important.

Here are 5 easy steps to get control and off the wheel: . . .

Emails – Instead of phone calls (unless it’s an immediate need), send an email.  This will help you AND others to save time.  In addition, I color-code emails to clearly see the status.  After sending an email with a request, I move it back into my “Inbox” and tag it with GREEN.  When receiving an email with a request, I tag it in RED and it shows as an outstanding item.

Voicemail – Unless you’re in customer service, you probably don’t have to answer every call. If possible, block out time to let calls go to voicemail so that you can concentrate on specific projects or tasks.  Even better, close your office door and cut other distractions.

Reducing Paper – A multi-page scanner is a great investment.  Scan correspondence, invoices, receipts, contracts, etc.  You will save filing space and it’s a faster way of sharing information with others.   Make sure you have a logical filing system on your computer or server to find what you need later and don’t forget to back up the files!

Task Lists – These are necessities.  If you don’t have a structured system, develop it now.  If you have one, ask yourself “How effective is this?”   “Can I clearly see the priorities?” “Do I have due dates and times associated with each task?”

End of Day – set an alert to sound 1 hour before the end of your work day.  This will give you time for the following:

  1. Find a good “stopping place” for what you’re currently working on.
  2. Review unchecked voice mails and emails and add them to your task list by priority
  3. Tidy up your desk and physical surroundings for the next morning.

The hamster called, he wants his wheel back and you don’t need it anymore.

Hamster Wheel for Sale

The Instant Stress Reducer

09 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by in Business, Office, Organizing, Personal, Planning, Residential, Stress, Time

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ZZ - Blog - Stress & Lists - STRESS GAUGE

We’re all overwhelmed with this fast-paced “Do-It-All and Do-It-Now Lifestyle”.  Call it “stress”, “anxiety” or “pressure”, most of us are feeling it.  We struggle to fall asleep and then to wake up.  We wrestle and worry about what has to be done tomorrow and what we may have forgotten to do yesterday.  As a result, we suffer from tension headaches, high blood pressure and poor diets.

The real problem is that we haven’t identified the necessary from the optional. When when we pinpoint the critical needs and responsibilities, we’re able to focus on problem-solving.  Once the critical has been identified, it needs to be written down! Because when we identify and list our priorities we permit ourselves to push the “non-essentials” to another time.  In turn, we may find ourselves feeling less overwhelmed and more in control.

When we make a list, we are able to comprehend the priorities, everything becomes more manageable. 

People who want to appear clever rely on memory.  People who want to get things done make lists.

 

7 REASONS WHY LISTS WORK & HOW THEY BENEFIT YOU:      

  1.  Stress – Lists reduce stress levels as they help us to feel in control.  We organize what is otherwise overwhelming and bring order to chaos.

2)  Our Brains – They’re good for the brain as it gives us clarity.  We’re now able to focus our minds and process the information we are receiving.

3)  Accomplishment – We get a feeling of accomplishment and this positive feeling of completion encourages us to start another task.

4)  Reminders – Lists tell us what we have done and what we have left to do.

5)  Options – They give us opportunities to ask ourselves: “Are there things on my list I can “outsource” to others?”  “Do I have to do all of this myself?”

6)  Moods – If we write down what needs to be done we’re able to tackle different tasks at different times based upon how tired we are physically, mentally and/or emotionally.

7)  Problem Solving – When we create lists, we automatically consider how we can tackle big tasks by breaking them down into manageable parts.

ZZ - Blog - Stress & Lists - Keep Calm & Make a List

For Busy Business People – Google

20 Sunday Apr 2014

Posted by in Business, Organizing, Personal, Planning, Time, Work Space

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Google - all appsDo you use Google?  Do you use it to its maximum potential to save you TIME and increase Communication AND save Money?

Google - contacts to cell

 

Contacts – Add co-workers, clients, or vendors for immediate auto-dialing and texting.

Email Groups – create “Groups when adding contacts and send one email to multiple people for faster, clearer communication.Google Mail

Multiple Emails – set up multiple email accounts to respond by business entities/divisions (or even personal).  Switch back and forth between email addresses and they stay separate.

Google Calendar Image

Multiple, Integrated Calendars – these are automatically color-coded and can be viewed separately or integrated.  Have office meetings, projects and deadlines in one location with pop-up reminders sent via email to all those involved. Reduce the confusion and increase the accountability!

Google Drive 2

Cloud – upload files to Google Drive and create access for everyone to review and types of documents whether agendas, meeting notes, spreadsheets or PDFs.  (No reason to open a laptop or even a tablet!)

What does this mean to you? 

Integration = Efficiency = Time Savings = Focus – All the information you need is at your fingertips to make decisions on the spot

Here’s Google’s mission, shouldn’t it be yours?Google - Mission 2

If you need help or training with any of these features, feel free to phone or email!

 

The Power of “No”

17 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by in Business, Organizing, Planning, Time

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Success will be defined more by what you choose NOT to do, rather than what you choose TO DO.

Saying “no” can be almost impossible.  Have you found yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed because of having too much going on?  Did you think back and wonder if maybe you should have said “no”?  Have you said “yes” and then felt resentful towards the person? 

saying no - 2

It’s time to recognize that we need to build healthy boundaries.

Why do we say ‘yes’ to letting others use our time or belongings before we know what we’re agreeing to?  Below are some reasons why we say yes before we think.   

1)  As youngsters we’re often taught that we’re not supposed to say “no” to our parents, supervisors, teachers or people in areas of authority. As we get older we sometimes extend this to a feeling of over-obligating ourselves to others. 

Remember:  When we say “yes” when we want to say “no”, we are creating the bedlam in our lives.

2)  We’re taught that it’s polite to say yes, and rude or selfish to say no.

Remember:  A “no” is often necessary to protect ourselves and our families from unhealthy expectations and into a healthier home life together.

3)  We’re just trying to be accommodating, we may not mean our “yes”  or ever expect to be contacted about it.   

Remember:  When it’s time for the “chips to be cashed in” we may not really be available.  We need to create the boundaries before we commit.

4)  It’s easier to say “yes”  because sometimes we don’t feel we have time to explain our “no”.  Or we don’t think we have a good enough reason to say “no” and feel guilty.

Remember:  We may say “yes” to avoid the conflict, but if we’re not careful this could damage a relationship more than a simple “no” could have ever done. 

5)  We prefer to be non-committal or vague thinking it will get us “off the hook”.    

Remember:  When we avoid answering with “no” by saying nothing, it leaves the door open to being re-asked.  Next thing you know you’re playing hide and seek in Wal-Mart because you’re trying to avoid the “Asker” – repeatedly.

Diplomatic ways of saying “No”  for requests of personal items or time  

  1. “I prefer to be the only one driving my car.”
  2. “I prefer not to lend out my car.”
  3. “It’s important to me that I keep my car for my own use.” 

If someone asks to use your time: 

  1. “As much as I would like to help, I’m not able to due to other commitments.”
  2. “I’m sorry, I don’t have time and I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to commit and then be unable to fulfill my obligation”.
  3. Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m already so busy with family and work that I can’t possibly fit one more thing in.

“Everything requires time. It is the only truly universal condition. All work takes place in time and uses up time. Yet most people take for granted this unique, irreplaceable, and necessary resource” – Peter Drucker

If an individual continues to ask, just use the same “no phrase” with a smile each time and eventually they will “hear” you and get the message. 

It’s important to hold your ground for your own health and the health of those who live with you.

Priorities - saying no

3 Techniques to Work Less & Accomplish MORE

15 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by in Business, Office, Organizing, Planning, Time

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resting

Establish Goals – to manage anyone or anything (paper, projects, tasks or information) priorities must be established.  (Remember, the key to victory is to share information with all who will be contributing to the success!)

  1. Priorities – list in order the key factors to your success
  2. Planning – attach goals to each dynamic and assess how much time you will need to achieve them.
  3. Preparation – schedule appropriate time and include potential costs incurred to realize the goal.

Benefits

  1. Management skills – A well-organized manager will exude confidence and control in an organization.
  2. Managing well establishes a sense of trust and professionalism to both employees and customers.
  3. An organized office creates a more relaxed environment where employees are aware and ready for the work ahead.

Systems & Procedures – review your current administrative process for redundancies or bottlenecks.  Define the process and put it in writing so there is clear direction for recurring tasks & responsibilities.

Benefits:

  1. Time Savings – less time correcting mistakes, searching for information or and answering duplicate questions.
  2. Money savings – you no longer purchase duplicate inventory or supplies for what you can’t find when you need it.
  3. More time for REAL productivity

Benchmarks & Tracking – by setting standards and regular goals you can track of your progress.  Whether you choose to review quarterly, monthly, weekly (or all), do it as often as it takes to stay focused on the priorities

Benefits:

  1. Greater success in reaching goals due to greater focus on key areas.
  2. Better communications and information sharing results in a stronger team.

3 Strategies for a Successful Non-New Year’s Resolution

09 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by in Office, Organizing, Personal, Planning, Residential, Time, Work Space

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NY Resolution

Have you made a New Year’s Resolution yet?  Well, if you haven’t, I recommend you don’t!   Instead, consider beginning with a few goals that are realistic and attainable.

Aim for success in the “first quarter” and you’ll feel better moving on through the year and setting more goals. Wondering what the difference between a goal and a resolution is?  

Resolutions – are often abstract, they may have a vision but rarely include the details.

 Goals are specific, measurable and have a timeline associated with them.

Don’t Make a Resolution, Create a Goal!

3 Strategies to Help You Succeed 

1) BE kind to yourself – Don’t try taking on too much at once – set yourself up for success!

2) DEfine your goals – write them out  in detail and what “success” will look like to you! 

3) REmind yourself – put them on the bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink or in your smartphone (they can pop up during the day as encouragement)

“Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, and a lot more rewarding.”       – Harvey Mackay

Choosing Your Goals

Business – Is it completing a business plan, installing a new filing system, or going paperless? 

Home – Is it painting a room, getting the garage organized or cleaning out specific closets?

Good Habits – If it’s a habit, commit to the practice, not perfection. Start with small changes and permit yourself time to build the habit slowly.  You can always increase your goal as continue. 

Need some encouragement or ideas? I’m just an email away and would love to help you define and execute your goals!

signature - jpeg

The Home Command Center

17 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by in Organizing, Planning, Residential

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Home Command Ctr - Mid-Level

What is a Home Command Center?  This is the hub of a home, the place where adults and kids can find the answer to the everyday questions.  “What time is practice?  What’s for dinner?  What time are we leaving on Friday? Where’s your homework? Did you do your chores?”)

How do you start one for your family? 

First, choose the right space – look carefully at the most-used family entrance or possibly an area in the kitchen (since it’s usually the busiest room in the house). Your Home Command Center should be the first place everyone sees when they leave in the morning and the first place they see when they walk back in the door.

Second – Start simple with an open wall area and hang a corkboard, chalkboard and or a whiteboard.  Include the family calendar, school lunch menu, emergency numbers and important contacts for quick reference.  This is also a great place to have a household chores checklist and leave space for family members to leave notes and reminders.

Start small and let this area grow with your family, you may expand it later to include folders, key hooks, an area for book bags, backpacks or eventually a home computer and have your house go digital.

If you can, include the whole family.

Make a game of taking young children to the calendar and talking about what’s coming up.  Put stickers, play dates and fun events on the calendar so they get in the habit of wanting to look at it.  As they get bigger you can include chores and make a checklist with stickers so that they can mark them off and feel a sense of accomplishment when they’re all done! 

Make a habit of talking about these things each night and what you need to add or take away from the board or calendar.  (This should reduce the times you at 9 pm that Johnny needs 3 dozen cookies for home room in the morning.)

Home Command Ctr - Simple

Older Children

This is the family center, not just a one-way communique from parent to child.  Encourage kids to leave messages for you and have them write on the calendar if there are changes in practice times, school events, or parties.

This is a place for communication to begin and expectations (chores, homework) to be defined.  Make it a positive and surprise them with a “get out of chores free” card or a treat; they’ll look forward to checking the board even when you aren’t there. 

A simple calendar and a single place for communication can save time, energy and avoid a lot of frustration.

The Home Command Center is where information is kept in one location for the benefit of ALL.

 Need help building your own Home Command Center?  Feel free to email or phone me.

P.S. – Later I’ll share tips and templates for gathering and keeping critical information you may want to include in your Home Command Center.

Time Robbers

09 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by in Organizing, Personal, Time

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Melting Clock

Time management is like money management.  If you continually come up short at the end of the day or month, eventually you’re going to have to try to figure out where you’re spending your money or, in this case, spending your time.

You see, time can be managed the same way as money. But, first we need to do an honest evaluation of where we are spending (or losing) our time now. This Time Map in 30-Minute Increments is a great tool to help you evaluate objectively where your hours are going.  For a clear illustration of where you spend your time, this should be completed for two weeks. (I know this sounds difficult, but some time management specialists suggest 15 minute segments!)

Your time is as valuable as your bank account, it’s important that you honestly record your time for the full two weeks. The average person is unable to account for about 3 hours each day, which makes us wonder “Where do they go?”.

We’re quick to name when others rob of us of our time; but, we also need to be honest with ourselves and take responsibility for the hours we fritter away. We may complain about not having enough time or money, but we need to see factually where these resources are going.

Self-imposed Time-Robbers: 
      • Facebook (social or games)
      • Pinterest
      • YouTube
      • Email
      • TV shows
      • Movie Watching
      • Social Texting
 Self-imposed but LESS RECOGNIZED Time-Robbers –
      • Inability to say no
      • Fuzzy priorities
      • Perfectionism
      • Lack of planning
      • Disorganization
      • Poor delegation
      • Lack of discipline
      • Poor planning

By the way, there are many times when we are waiting for other people (and perceive them to be wasting our time) when we could actually be using that time productively for ourselves or family.  (More about that in another post!)

“It’s not so much what you do each day – it’s what you get done that counts.” – Will Rogers

Anybody brave enough to time map with me for the next two weeks?  I’m willing to share mine!  

A partner makes it all the more fun – email me and let me know when we start together!

First Impressions

05 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Business, Clutter, Organizing, Work Space

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First Impressions come in many forms – how we dress and speak, our body language, and even how we present our living and working spaces.

Perception isn’t necessarily reality; but conclusions are often made on (first) visual impressions.  Our bosses, coworkers or potential clients may judge our competency or professionalism on what our physical working environment looks like.

Cluttered Desk

What does your office, cubicle or desk say about you? 

Can you see the top of the desk or is there a sea of white strewn all over?  Are the shelves so full that they haven’t been dusted since Y2K?  Or is your desk brimming with so many boxes of Wheat Thins, Twinkies, Mountain Dew and personal products that it looks more like your kitchen or bathroom?

A desk covered in papers while you’re working is understandable.  But shuffling through small mounds (that have been there since Easter) when asked for something can make you appear unfocused or scattered.

Now is the time to get organized and give your work space a face-lift    

Here are a few tips:

  1. Remove all the “clutter items” from the top of your desk or workspace and put them on the floor.  Now only put back the items you use on a daily basis.
  2. Determine which items are bringing value and whether they can be better kept in a separate location (the break room, a locker or even a box under the desk).
  3. If your bulletin board is looking like your refrigerator at home, it’s time to consider rotating photos, pictures so you can enjoy them more.  And check for “expired” events and reminders which can be thrown away!
  4. Perhaps reference materials and papers can be scanned or put in a Word document.  One simple file on your desktop can keep all the information in a quickly accessible location!

When your work space is clean, you’re more creative and focused and better yet, less stressed! 

If you need more tips on giving your area a facelift (and projecting a new image), drop me an email and I’ll be happy to help.