“Where are my keys? I’m late again! Why do I
keep forgetting to do that? I don’t have time! I feel so disorganized!” BINGO! If this sounds like you, you are
disorganized. But fear not my flummoxed friend, hope is in sight! You
are about to reap the rewards of my simplicity secrets, and yes, anyone
can perform them.
Simplifying
your life doesn’t need to be intimidating, just keep in mind that a
little organization will make your life better. It’s an easy process of
raising your awareness, altering a few habits, and discovering what
works for you. Still hesitant? Then there’s a question you need to
answer: Are your current habits making your life better or worse?
There’s nothing more counterproductive than an icon of the
indiscriminate, so admit that you have a problem, take responsibility
for it and move on to resolving it.
Awareness:
Be aware of what you’re doing. You must remain vigilant and conscious
of your old habits in order to change them. When you catch yourself
slipping into old habits, leap into action and perform your new habit
three times. That’ll show a bad habit who’s boss!
Losing
things:
Losing things is a distracting, frustrating and time-consuming habit
that often causes chronic tardiness. Find a place for things and
immediately return them to that place each and every time after using
them. You will know where they are the next time you need them. If you
routinely lose your keys, choose a drawer, hook, jewelry box, or nail
to secure them.
Notoriously late:
As a person who values his time, I treat other people’s time with equal
respect by arriving 10 minutes early. Opportunities are lost by being
late, but being punctual is an easy way to stand out as a reliable and
responsible person. Plan ahead! Choose your outfit in advance, prepare
your materials and have your bag packed with everything you need the
night before. Fill your gas tank and know where you’re going
beforehand. Look up and print directions from Mapquest.com if they are
needed. Allow time for a few delays. Traffic may be heavier than you
anticipated, road construction, overcrowded SkyTrain, Gordon Campbell
holding up the Checkstop line – expect these things to happen.
Forgetful Follies:
If you write things down you don’t have to remember. Make a list of
your tasks in the order they need to be completed in. Carry the list
with you in your wallet or pocket and cross off tasks as they are
completed. You can also add to the list as other tasks come to mind.
This will not only keep you on track and give you something to refer
to, it will chart your progress and highlight your accomplishments.
Timely Ideas:
Claiming you don’t have time is a copout. Perhaps you don’t have time
today, but over the course of a week, month or year, you definitely
have the time. Get a daytimer, create a daily or weekly schedule for
yourself, and use it! Post it somewhere you’ll constantly see it – I
have goals taped to my bedroom ceiling where I can read them every
morning and night. This is not intended to strictly regiment your life,
it’s an organizational tool to display your occupied and free time, a
tangible guide which you control. You are likely to discover that most
weeks will allow time for everything – family, friends, work, play,
exercise, hobbies, and the rest. Write them all in!
Sounds
pretty painless, doesn’t it? These minor changes in your routine will
immediately show you that life can run like a Ferrari instead of
Archie’s jalopy. Your efficiency will increase, your stress will be
reduced, and a little preparation will provide you with more free time.
Congratulations on making your life better!
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