7 Ways to Organize Life to Survive the Holidays
By Sandy Schroeder
Sometimes, as the season builds, it’s easy to lump things like mail, bills and lists together just to make a little headway, but that may be a mistake.
Taking just a few minutes every day to stay organized could be your secret holiday weapon. Imagine, you might actually have that special shopping list with all of the sizes on it when you are shopping. And you might have all of the ingredients when you start the holiday baking and cooking. Getting organized really can make life easier.
Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-founder of TalentSmart, a service agency used by 75 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, is on target as usual as he explains how organization can be the missing link.
Bradberry says the typical worker spends over an hour daily looking for things, and over 20 percent of the population pays bills late because they were lost.
Look around. When you see someone who’s calm and smiling, you can be pretty sure they have already discovered how to be organized. Here's how to make it work.
Avoid holding patterns – Instead of creating stacks of bills or mail to do later, deal with things as they come up. Act on phone calls, emails and bills, delegate it or delete it. Never touch things twice.
Clear your desk – As clutter accumulates it becomes a distraction. As you sort, sift and clear the clutter, you will be mentally organizing your projects, too.
Know who you are – If you know your weaknesses and strengths you can build in ways to compensate. If you always run a little late, set your meeting times 15 minutes ahead. If your meetings become muddled, set up a simple agenda.
Do emails in batches – Choose the best time to answer all of your email. If you need to, set alerts for special clients or co-workers, but let the rest accumulate to be handled all at once.
Hold the line on lists – None of us could live without our lists, but creating multiples can be disastrous. Important things are sure to be dropped. Set up a master list and stick to it.
Eat lunch out – You may want to bring a fresh lunch and head outside, or go out with co-workers. Staying put and munching chips and cookies can weaken your energy and your focus. Keep healthy nuts, fruits, juices and salads on hand.
Do a 10-minute sweep – At the end of the day clear out the clutter on your desk and mentally set up your plans for the next day. When you arrive the next morning a clean desk and clear objectives will help you move ahead.
Think about the things you need to be truly organized, and then make it happen as you sail on through to the New Year.
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