I recently taught a class at Brenau University. It was a summer adult-learning course on time management called “Simplify Your Life” that lasted 3 weeks. Most of the presentations I give to groups are an hour or less so I cram as much information into those 60 minutes as possible. This time, we got to do a deep dive starting with our goals & what each student wanted to get from the class.
The first day, we went through the basic principles of time management:
Set A Goal – make it achievable, have a deadline, your steps to achieve it plus the obstacles that may get in your way.
Use A Calendar – I don’t care if it’s on your phone, computer, or a paper style, just use it. Write where you have to be every day, week, month. Color code it by family member or type of appointment. Most importantly, set alarms & block off the entire time it will take you to get there and get to your next appointment, so you don’t over book.
To-Do Lists – use them but limit them to the 3 most important tasks you have to get dome that day. Most people put so much on their to-do list it becomes another way to feel terrible about not getting the 62 items done & avoiding the list.
Routines – I discuss Drop Zones & Paper Filing as part of my course on routines. Routines are just things we do on a regular basis to make our lives simpler. Every home should have a place near the entrance for your: keys, purse, wallet, backpacks, etc. You should place your most needed items here along with a family calendar & charging station. Kid’s completed homework should be put in their backpacks the night before. While you are at it, start a routine of getting meals prepped once a week, clothes out the night before & anything that will make mornings easier. *see blog posts on drop zones & vertical filing*
Just Say NO – when someone ask you to give your time to anything, do not answer immediately. Ask to get back to them soon and go check your calendar and do a reality check. Can you give 100%?, Do you want to?, Do you have time for this? If the answer is Yes, wonderful but if it is a NO to any of those, say No. Saying YES to one thing is a NO to something else so be cautious with overextending yourself.
Maintain – the most difficult part in time management or organizing (or any goal) is maintaining. Put 15 minutes on your calendar each day to keep up with your calendar and lists. What part of your processes needs to be tweaked to maximize your time and energy? If you stay on top of your home and time daily and weekly, you will avoid the overwhelming piles or tasks.
Most importantly, we are all human. You should give yourself a break if your life does not look like the social media posts or HGTV shows you like to watch. That is not real, and we are not perfect. Try your best every day & sleep peacefully even if it did not ALL get done.
I will share some of our deep dives like meal prep and more goal setting soon.
Would you like some help? Call Heather at 404-825-2105 or send an e-mail heather@simplyorganizedyou.com