Chances are, most of you have a lot you need to get done.
Oftentimes, there are projects on your to-do list that require SEVERAL steps in order to complete the task at hand.
I've come to realize that it is important to not only WRITE DOWN my chores but to break them up into bite-size pieces, brainstorming ALL of the possible parts that may be involved in completing each chore.
So, on my to-do list, "buying a minivan" looks like a simple task to complete, taking up just one line on my trusty notepad! What about all of the research, test driving, model and price comparisons, dealer negotiations, and financial planning that is involved?
I break down each task into as many pieces as I can. I like using an outline. For instance:
I. BUY A MINIVAN
a. research the internet
b. discuss all options (leasing/buying/new/used) with financial planner
c. locate dealerships nearby
1. go on mapquest and get directions to the dealerships
2. test drive
d. compare favorite models, repeat step C #1 and #2
e. Make appointment with sales office, discuss buying options, rebates, financing, etc.
f. BUY!
As you can see, buying a minivan is more involved than it seems. (This is only an example with sample to-do steps.)
Most of the time, tasks require more time, energy, and input than we may have thought to allocate.
Break down each task into as many steps as you need. Assign deadlines to every step. It can be as simple as entering them into your calendar.
Two tools that I absolutely LOVE for breaking down larger projects and freeing myself from mental clutter are the Tickler system and the Mind Map.
Actually, my husband really uses the mind map because he is very visual and more of a right brain thinker. (To learn more about right brain/left brain differences check out our newest page at www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com/procrastination.html)
In fact the other day he said to me, "Rebekah. Next time I have a large project to complete, REMIND ME to use the mindmap. I was feeling so scattered and stressed out about all of the details involved in completing the project, and I feel so much better now that I did my mindmap."
It really works. You can find the tickler and Mind Map Software at http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com/Onlineorganizing.
Rebekah Slatkin is a professional organizer dedicated to getting people organized through hands-on decluttering sessions, teleconferencing, coaching, and her website http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com
Visit http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com and subscribe to Organewz, her ezine dedicated to organized living and get organizing tips and downloads- free.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareColor-There Is No SubstituteIn anatomical illustrations you see the brain's... Read More
1. THE LOVE IT OR LOSE IT PRINCIPLE: Every item... Read More
In your quest to get 'up and running' so to... Read More
(This is the second in a series of three articles... Read More
Use these 35 sanity savers this year to help you... Read More
Have you ever wondered how some people seem to have... Read More
Much of my time as a Professional Organizer is spent... Read More
At this point, you have probably run across some belongings... Read More
? Are you embarrassed when you walk into your home... Read More
What's in a Name?Everything.What do you do with all the... Read More
Each area of your home has a symbolic meaning with... Read More
Many people have a huge challenge coping with the incoming... Read More
In most homes, paper causes clutter. And it seems to... Read More
We hear it every day."Buy this product, and simplify your... Read More
Have nothing in your houses that you do not know... Read More
To make room for new things to come into you... Read More
Getting and staying organized is critical to achieving your goals.... Read More
It may seem far-fetched, but by organizing your desk, your... Read More
Staying organized can be a constant battle. The following organizing... Read More
3-Step Clean Sweep Program 1 -... Read More
Remember when you charged into the office that first day,... Read More
Whatever your clutter problem the answer is the same: make... Read More
Sometimes the task of keeping a clean, tidy house just... Read More
I've noticed that in the two years since the major... Read More
1. A calendar is an essential organizing tool ? start... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..The true definition of an organization is one that is... Read More
"Junkyard Wars," a TV series showed two teams of experts... Read More
Clutter is postponed decisions?. Here are some suggestions to simplify... Read More
One of my mother-in-law's many oft-quoted and wise declarations was... Read More
One of the most basic ways to find papers when... Read More
Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to... Read More
1. Teach your children to use an alarm clock or... Read More
I recently read an article that had some interesting but... Read More
Every day I find junk mail waiting for me, whether... Read More
For some reason, Americans think they have something to prove... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have a to-do list a mile... Read More
If you have piles of paper all over your desk,... Read More
Q. I have several projects going at once -- but... Read More
Keeping on task and getting organized starts with a basic... Read More
"Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this... Read More
Life with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) can be a constant... Read More
1. THE LOVE IT OR LOSE IT PRINCIPLE: Every item... Read More
What do you gain if you SIMPLIFY?Dictionary* says:to reduce to... Read More
We are bombarded with so many factors that perpetuate disorganization.... Read More
In your quest to get 'up and running' so to... Read More
Clutter costs you time, money, space, and peace of mind.... Read More
The store reminded me of a well-worn slipper ? tattered... Read More
Often we are in overwhelm because we are holding too... Read More
In most homes, paper causes clutter. And it seems to... Read More
Color-There Is No SubstituteIn anatomical illustrations you see the brain's... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |