Need Help Getting Organized? Me too!
I love gaining knowledge, especially when it helps me be more efficient! Organization isn’t my strong suite but I’m always eager to learn some new ways to get things done.
I like what Scripture says:
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out” Proverbs 18:15.
With Fall schedules about to begin, I know I need to get with it! I am more random than detailed, more spontaneous than organized, a messy rather than a tidy perfectionist. I try--but…
If you share some of my less-than-perfect traits, here’s HELP!
I like what Scripture says:
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out” Proverbs 18:15.
With Fall schedules about to begin, I know I need to get with it! I am more random than detailed, more spontaneous than organized, a messy rather than a tidy perfectionist. I try--but…
If you share some of my less-than-perfect traits, here’s HELP!
Some of you might already follow Organizing Guru, Marcia Ramsland, but if not, you can click on her website at this link to learn more.
In the meantime, as part of my passion to help you (and me!) thrive in every way, here are 10 tips from Marcia Ramsland to help us stop feeling overwhelmed.
Who knows, maybe we can both become more efficient?
10 Tips to Write a Successful To-Do List
1) Limit it. Be realistic! How many items can you handle in a day? Marcia says that when her kids were in school, she did nine items; but when they were home, she could only do three. Find the number that works for you.
2) Write it. Each day, write down what you need to accomplish. Clear out mental clutter by putting it on paper. Leave a space between each item to sandwich in higher priorities.
3) Verb-alize it. Begin each to-do item with an action verb (e.g., pay bills, call Mary, send a birthday card, put away laundry, outline proposal, etc.). Your mind visualizes you in action as you “verb-alize” it and then write it down
4) Post it. Keep your to-do list in the same place each day. Whether it’s in your planner, on your kitchen counter or on a sticky note on your computer monitor, keep it anchored in one spot.
5) Refer to it. Refer to your list throughout the day until you are finished. Consider it your personal compass pointing you in the right direction.
6) Adjust it. Plan your morning to-dos the night before. Before lunch each day, plan your afternoon list.
7) Check it off. As you complete each item, check it off with a red pen, cross it off or delete it from your computer list.
8) Practice it. It takes practice to create a list that works one day at a time. Avoid making this a long-term project list. Keep it short and use it to focus on daily tasks only.
9) Evaluate it. At the end of every day, see what worked and what didn’t. This will help you avoid making the same mistake twice.
10) Toss it! When the list is complete, toss it! Enjoy two great results: emotional relief and a clear mind.
*Excerpted and condensed from Marcia Ramsland’s book, Simplify Your Time: Stop Running & Start Living!
Hope this helps you and me to stop losing things, forgetting dates, wasting time searching for something you are sure you put in a safe place--and all the other frustrations that us wannabe super-organized females live with.
I’m so glad that our acceptance by God is not based on being “perfect”! Aren’t you?
Blessings on all He is leading you to do this Fall,
Poppy
Who knows, maybe we can both become more efficient?
10 Tips to Write a Successful To-Do List
1) Limit it. Be realistic! How many items can you handle in a day? Marcia says that when her kids were in school, she did nine items; but when they were home, she could only do three. Find the number that works for you.
2) Write it. Each day, write down what you need to accomplish. Clear out mental clutter by putting it on paper. Leave a space between each item to sandwich in higher priorities.
3) Verb-alize it. Begin each to-do item with an action verb (e.g., pay bills, call Mary, send a birthday card, put away laundry, outline proposal, etc.). Your mind visualizes you in action as you “verb-alize” it and then write it down
4) Post it. Keep your to-do list in the same place each day. Whether it’s in your planner, on your kitchen counter or on a sticky note on your computer monitor, keep it anchored in one spot.
5) Refer to it. Refer to your list throughout the day until you are finished. Consider it your personal compass pointing you in the right direction.
6) Adjust it. Plan your morning to-dos the night before. Before lunch each day, plan your afternoon list.
7) Check it off. As you complete each item, check it off with a red pen, cross it off or delete it from your computer list.
8) Practice it. It takes practice to create a list that works one day at a time. Avoid making this a long-term project list. Keep it short and use it to focus on daily tasks only.
9) Evaluate it. At the end of every day, see what worked and what didn’t. This will help you avoid making the same mistake twice.
10) Toss it! When the list is complete, toss it! Enjoy two great results: emotional relief and a clear mind.
*Excerpted and condensed from Marcia Ramsland’s book, Simplify Your Time: Stop Running & Start Living!
Hope this helps you and me to stop losing things, forgetting dates, wasting time searching for something you are sure you put in a safe place--and all the other frustrations that us wannabe super-organized females live with.
I’m so glad that our acceptance by God is not based on being “perfect”! Aren’t you?
Blessings on all He is leading you to do this Fall,
Poppy