Do you always pause when you are invited to an activity because you don’t remember/know if you already had something else scheduled for that day? Do you look at the clock that reads 6:00pm and wonder what you have done with your day – you have been busy but seem to have accomplished nothing? Do you tell your friend that you will do something with her and shelve that in your “trusty” memory bank, only to be frustrated that 2 hours later, you don’t remember when? Do you juggle work/social life/church commitments/family obligations/friends birthdays/ babies doctors’ appointments/play group dates/babysitters/receipts/coupons/pets/husband/emails/storage/goals???
If you answered yes to one of the above questions, please read on and answer this question:
If you were told tomorrow morning that each day now had 25 hours in it instead of 24 hours, what would you do?
In all my years of consulting and working with individuals and organizations, this is the one question that always elicits some interesting responses. Here are some of them:
1) I would take a nap
2) I would spend time with family
3) I would plan a vacation.
4) I would call my family and friends.
5) I would go for a walk and enjoy nature.
6) I would work on a new hobby.
7) I would volunteer at the library.
8) I would exercise more.
Notice how none of them say they wish they spent one more hour at the office? What if I told you that you could have 1 extra hour a day if you took 30 mins a week to plan? One hour all to yourself, to do whatever you want to do? Doesn’t that sound like a dream?
This month, I reunited with my trusty Franklin planner that has become such a part of me that I feel crippled without it, and I feel human again! I am sure there are others out there that get a deep sense of satisfaction when they plan, organize and accomplish their tasks for the day, month, year. This is something that I love to do and always try and find new and improved ways to make my life simple.
A couple of weeks ago, I was browsing the Franklin Covey website and was over-the-top overjoyed to find this:
http://getorganized.franklinplanner.com/national_organizing_month_calendar
A tip a day to get you organized in one month flat!!! And it is a fantastic interactive calendar that gives you ideas and tips and there is some product pushing, as well 🙂 It doesn’t matter how your organize yourself – paper planner, calendar, google calendar, iPhone, Palm, Blackberry, or a simple to-do list, getting started is the first step to a new, clutter-free you! ( I know it says January is the month of organizing, but it’s okay if you start in February, just start.)
I have participated, observed and trained several large and small businesses and individuals in time management, and I cannot tell you how liberated people feel when they realize that they can control their time not the other way around. It changes their whole perspective about themselves and their lives; it boosts their confidence and it allows them to do something that is more satisfying to them instead of feeling overwhelmed and burdened.
Give it a try! You don’t need to go out and spend any money to start getting organized. Just take 15 mins today and write down all the things that you would like to have accomplished for the day and put it in a prominent place where you can see it and be reminded of your task list. As you do this everyday, you will also realize that you can’t complete ALL the tasks on there but you can get the most important ones done and that will make you feel satisfied with your day.
I know there are several of you who are like me and love, love, love to plan and organize! Please share your thoughts, experiences and even some methods that have worked for you. I would love to hear from you!
Have fun getting organized!
