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Posts Tagged ‘productivity’
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.
The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Entrepreneurs!
If you’re a person who feels guilty taking a break away from the office in the summer, feel less guilty and check out William Vanderbloemen’s The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Entrepreneurs.
TACKLING SUMMER PROJECTS
SUMMER IS HERE!
Summer has arrived–with its high temperatures and humidity.
Whether you’re taking day trips or a lengthy vacation, going to the beach or just trying to stay cool, remember to have fun! And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
Let’s get started and turn over another leaf!
TACKLING SUMMER PROJECTS
Warm summer days make it easier to work on outdoor projects.
Planning
Be realistic about how many projects you can handle. If you’ve chosen a stay-at-home vacation this year, you don’t want to spend your whole time working!
Books
“I still think of summer as the best time to read for fun.” Margaret Haddix
Before pulling up a lawn chair and grabbing a book you haven’t read yet, sort through your bookcase. Donate your used books to friends, neighbours or your favourite charity.
Organize your books by category, alphabetically or by author. Leave some space on your shelves for new purchases. Or sign up for a library card and borrow books–saving yourself some money!
Magazines
Summer can be the perfect time to get caught up with your magazine reading. When you only have a few minutes to read, short magazine articles are often best.
When you pick up a magazine at the store or your new issue arrives in the mail, put it in your designated reading area. If you haven’t read an issue by the time the next one arrives, you probably won’t read it–give it to a friend or recycle it.
Photographs/Movies
When you get together with family and friends–especially if a reunion is on your schedule–spend a couple of hours reminiscing and sort through your old photos. There may be photos you don’t wish to keep, but someone else might appreciate them.
Photographs can be organized in a number of ways. Organize them by child, family, friends, decades, vacations, etc. Store photographs in mylar albums or acidfree photo boxes; plastic or painted metal boxes can cause photos to deteriorate.
Transfer old home movies onto DVDs. There are a number of businesses that provide this service if you don’t want to attempt it yourself. It’s also a great gift idea.
Gardening
Spending time in your garden is a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air. Take photos of your garden during the summer months. If you like to plan next year’s garden during the winter, photos will come in handy. Make some notes; they’ll help you decide what you liked or what you’d like to do differently next year.
Garage
Organizing the garage can be a very big undertaking. Click here for our tips.
Outdoor Projects
Make a list of all your outdoor projects–paint garage doors, stain deck or refinish a chair. Our warm weather never seems to last long enough to accomplish everything we want to do.
Reward Yourself
The best part about summer projects is that you get to spend some time outside. Plan a fun activity for the whole family–head to your favourite place for ice cream, a picnic in the park or an outing to the beach–after the hard work is finished.
Until next month,
P.S. Do YOU or someone you know need a professional organizer? TAKE OUR TEST and find out for yourself today!
How to Plan for a PRODUCTIVE DAY!
If you’re itching to get outside to enjoy a beautiful day, check out “How to plan for a productive day.”
The sooner you get your work done, the sooner you can head outside!
Get Motivated by Joshua Becker
Writer Joshua Becker, who is interviewed in Minimalism, shares 10 Images to Help Inspire Simplicity in Your Life.
Please share your favourite with us on our FACEBOOK PAGE.
Strawberries have arrived!
CAN YOU SAY STRAWBERRIES?
Strawberries are on store shelves now, and they never seem to be around very long. Support your neighbourhood market and purchase local fresh produce. In Southwestern Ontario, we are very fortunate that our farmers provide us with a tremendous variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the summer.
How are you celebrating Canada Day? Check out Kraft’s Canadian Flag Cake.
For more recipes, check out our GET HEALTHY archives.
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