Planning is essential. Implement these six steps and control the free-for-all once and for all. Like Charles Buxton mentions in the quote below. If you want time, you must make it!
“You will never have time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” – Charles Bixton
Step 1: Spend time planning and organizing
- If you fail to plan, you will indeed fail
- Planning allows you to eliminate the urgent
- We all have 24 hours in a day, 7 days a week, yielding 168 hours per week. Minus 56 hours for sleeping (8 x 7) = 112 hours to achieve all the results you desire
- We have the same amount of time as Albert Einstein, Picasso, and Walt Disney
- Make sure everything is organized, contained, and LABELED
- Find a way that works for YOU. No wrong or right way – As long as it supports the team or family
Step 2: Set Goals
- Goals give your life, and the way you spend time, direction
- Set goals which are specific, measurable, realistic, and achievable
- Goals should stretch but not break as you strive for achievement
Step 3: Create a Meaningful To-Do List
- Braindump everything from your brain to paper
- Evaluate what you need to “delete” from your to-do list
- Think about what you need to “delegate” on your to-do list
- Determine what you need to do on your list…And schedule in your calendar even if you need to break the project into manageable sections – or create a master list and schedule in blocks of “to-do” time
- Make sure you are accomplishing parts of a REALLY big goal each day or week (and not spending all your time on the menial tasks that can take up your day)
- Daily planning will sharpen daily focus as priorities shift with each day
- www.asana.com is a great way to schedule projects and lists in an organized fashion. This ensures nothing falls through the cracks. There is even a free version – bonus!
Step 4: Prioritize the “to-do” List
- Ask yourself, “If I could only do one item today, which should it be? Select the 2nd most important, etc.
- Prioritize by color, number, or letter – what makes sense to you?
- Stay on top of your calendar
- Making a list is an important step, but prioritizing ensures the right focus
Step 5: Be Flexible
- Allow time for interruptions and distractions – we will cover how to minimize those in a future blog
- You should plan for 50% or less of one’s time
Step 6: Consider Your Biological Prime Time
- What time of day are you at your best?
- Are you a morning person, night owl, or late afternoon whiz?
- You more effective when you plan to use that time for your priorities
Looking for more of these ideas on how to balance work, home, and you? Check out The Complete Guide for Balance & Harmony OWL (Organize With a focus to Liberate) Kit.
Author, Trainer, Life Organizer®
Melinda Smith, CPO® organizes and executes action plans, training, and consulting. Great referrals are business owners, executives, and companies looking for sustainable change. Above all, she can help create a more productive work, a happy home, and a prosperous you.
Especially relevant is the fact that Melinda has worked with companies and individuals for over 20 years. Conducting workshops across the East Coast, they include over 60 cities in 19 states. Equally important focus topics include Strategic Thinking, Teambuilding, and Organization. As well as Balance Strategies, Stress Management, and Embracing Change.
After all, Melinda was one of the first 200 in the nation to achieve a Certified Professional Organizer status. In addition, she is also a graduate of the Western School of Feng Shui (pronounced feng shway).
Melinda has owned Balance & Harmony 360², Inc., since 2003. She is also the author of The Complete Guide for Balance & Harmony OWL Kit. In addition, this kit consists of a book, workbook, and F.O.C.U.S. Journal as well as five products to help organize Work, Home, and You.
Finally, if you are not convinced we can help you, please check more about our company with the links below.
Melinda’s training, books, consulting, advising, and speaking options, as well as where to purchase, visit:
https://twitter.com/balancehrmy360
https://www.facebook.com/BalanceAndHarmonyInc
https://plus.google.com/117432847278066142434
https://www.linkedin.com/in/balanceharmony360
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