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. Let’s get started!
“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
