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Posts Tagged ‘organizing’
Daily Routine
Having a daily routine usually results in greater productivity. How many of Neil Patel’s 15 Daily Routines That Will Boost Your Productivity do you incorporate into your day? Can you add one or two more?
Ask yourself, “How can I be more productive this fall?”
Decluttering Your Desktop
It really is October!
As I am writing this month’s newsletter, it is 21C outside–unbelievable weather for mid-October! We know it isn’t going to last much longer, so make sure you enjoy these last warm fall days.
DECLUTTERING YOUR DESKTOP
Did you know that October 17 was “Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day?” I’m not sure who designates these particular days, but it started the wheels turning. I recently participated in a webinar–a portion of which covered this topic.
When people talk about decluttering, most often they mention the physical items that are staring them in the face. Many people don’t do something about it until push comes to shove.
Have you ever received a message that you need to remove emails from your mailbox so that you don’t lose any of them? Often panic sets in as your frustration level starts to rise, and you think “Oh no! Now I have something else to worry about in addition to everything else that’s on my plate.”
Before this happens, set aside some time on a regular basis to clean up your email or desktop–before you feel the universe is conspiring against you to make your life more difficult. Linda Chu, an organizing colleague, shared the timely article De-clutter your desktop. In a related article, Matt Madeiro also shares some great tips in Downsize Your Digital Life.
So get started and turn over another leaf!
Until next month,
Expert Advice from an Event Specialist!
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What is Your Time Worth?
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a cat lover, musician and entrepreneur. I am the owner of Event Depot and Living Life SocialEvents in Cambridge, Ontario. For over a decade, I have been a professional event planner. I am delighted to be a part of Cathy’s newsletter. In many aspects, our businesses complement one another. Cathy helps you organize your space, and in return, this creates calm surroundings. I help you organize your special day, and in turn, this creates a pleasant and problem-free day.
Through my experience, I can tell you the more prepared you are for your special day, the less likely something will go wrong. I realize it may go without saying, but you’d be surprised at how many people are not prepared when their big day finally arrives.
One of my many tasks as an Event Specialist is to keep you organized and use your time wisely!
- Make sure to have your checklist: Our team can create one for you and work through the tasks and timelines together.
- Budget: Having a budget spreadsheet will not only help you stay within your financial means, it also helps provide an estimate as to how much things cost. At Event Depot, we have built close relationships with our vendors to make sure you are receiving what you desire for the cost you have set aside.
- Categorize and File: There are numerous aspects to planning an event: i.e., caterers, DJ, décor, venue, food, photographer, and the list goes on. Therefore, it’s helpful to have categorized files either as hard copies or file folders on your computer. Trust me; it will cut down on your time immensely and will allow you to place your focus on the fun stuff!
- Itinerary: It’s crucial that your event planner and vendors have a schedule of the day’s events. Your event planner will make sure everyone is on time and set up accordingly. After all, this is YOUR special day, and it should be problem-free for you and your guests.
These few simple ideas will help you to save time and allow you to have an enjoyable day with your family and friends!
Karima Kassam is an Event Specialist. Event Depot is located at 3 Grand Avenue South in Cambridge, ON. Karima and her team can work with you to keep you organized while staying within your budget. Contact us or call us at (519) 267-7033 for your free consultation. We are happy to provide advice with no obligation.
Organizing in the Fall
Professional organizer Ellen Rubin Delap says that “More of us get organized in the Fall than the New Year.” Her Fall Fresh Start blog post provides some ideas to help you get started.
Ask yourself, “How can I be more productive this fall?”
Time Management
It’s September!
I hope you had some time to relax during the summer. Cooler weather has arrived, and the leaves are starting to change colour.
For many people, fall means getting back into a busy routine. Time management often becomes a juggling exercise!
MANAGING YOUR TIME
What’s Most Important?
One of the critical steps in managing your time is establishing priorities. Set aside some time to think about what’s most important in your life.
Everyone has the same amount of time each day:
- 24 hours
- 1,440 minutes or
- 86,400 seconds
Time is one of your most valuable resources. You can’t store it or get it back once it’s gone. So why is it that some people are able to accomplish so much? The answer is simple. They have a plan.
Plan
In order to come up with a plan, you may need to start with your desired outcome and work backwards. If you take the time to create a plan first, it will pay off in the long run.
Prioritize
Set aside some time first thing in the morning to prioritize what needs to be done. It’s even better if you can do this at the end of the day. You’ll be more focused when you can jump right into the first task on your list.
Schedule
Take control. Set limits. If possible, schedule your most important or difficult tasks at the time of day when your energy levels are at their highest. Be realistic about how much will fit into your schedule. Just because there are 24 hours in a day, doesn’t mean that you have to schedule 18 of those hours. Schedule blocks of time in your planner or calendar for focused work time.
Remember–it’s OK to say NO. If you find yourself always saying YES, ask if you can get back to the person asking for your time. Once you’re away from that moment, you’ll be able to review your schedule and determine if you really do have the time to say yes.
Perfectionism
“Perfectionism is not attempting to be perfect when performing a task; it is the act of spending more time on a task, activity or decision than theresults justify.” Harold Taylor, Canadian Time Management Expert
Procrastination
Emmett’s Law states that “The dread of doing a task uses up more time and energy than doing the task itself.”
Brian Tracy uses ‘“eat that frog” as a metaphor for tackling the most challenging task of your day.
Multitasking
How many of you think you’re more productive when you multitask? Numerous studies have proven this to be untrue. It’s next to impossible to completely eliminate multitasking from our busy lives, but being aware that multitasking reduces your productivity is a step in the right direction.
Lateness/Missed Events
Are you on time? Not arriving on time shows that you are not respectful of other person’s time. When scheduling your day, remember to allow sufficient time to get to your destination. Set a timer or the alarm on your phone to remind you.
Do you miss events because you didn’t put them into your calendar? Make an effort to enter them into your calendar as soon as you make the commitment.
To-Do Lists/Planners
“To Do lists are intentions, but scheduled blocks of time in your planner are commitments.” Harold Taylor, Canadian time management expert
Delegate
Can you delegate an item on your to-do list? Ask yourself if YOU must complete the task. Remember—you are only one person, and there are only 24 hours in each day.
“You have the power and responsibility to decide what you do with the time you have, so choose wisely.” Matthew Jones, Contributor, Inc.com
So get started and turn over another leaf!
Until next month,
Plan to Attend…
What’s Happening? Click Here
Plan to attend Cathy’s Time Management presentation at the Kitchener Public Library on September 14. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For more details and to register, click here.
If you have business appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories you’re no longer using, consider donating them to the Dress for Success Clothing Drive which helps empower local women entering the workforce.
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