It's getting colder! We've even had snow. Are you ready?
There are a number of things that you need to do to get organized and ready for winter. Starting with your car.
Do you have your snow brush in your car? How about a snow scrapper? Are they inside your car? Not in your trunk.
A shovel for digging yourself out when you get stuck?
How about a blanket - just in case.
Extra gloves? A hat?
A flashlight for flagging down help?
Flairs?
What about a bag of sand (or whatever your city allows) for putting under your tires for extra traction when you are stuck.
And don't forget some snacks for the kids if you have to wait for a tow truck for hours.
It might sound silly or depending on where you live it could be just common sense. But people tend to forget that they need to be organized for emergencies.
Unfortunately emergencies aren't usually written on your calendar....they just happen.
So be prepared - have extra supplies in your car..... just in case!
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, October 29, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Time and Priorities
Time is something that we can't control. I know. I've tried. I keep saying "if only I had a few more hours in the day....".
But, then what? You could cram more things into your life? Step back and take a look at what's important. Do you really have to do all of the things that you try to do? Really? Are you being honest with yourself? Or are you just trying to impress all of the people around you with how much you can cram into your day and your life?
I remember when the kids were little and one of my neighbors had her kids in gymnastics, ballet, basketball, piano lessons.....and on and on. I was exhausted just listening to her. I know that they didn't really have the money for all of the activities but it seemed like it was "expected" of the parents. Give the kids everything. But at what price?
Doing too much costs you time, money and your sanity. Let's be honest!
Kids get tired just like adults. They need "down time". They should be allowed to run outside and play, without being dragged from one "activity" to the next.
And adults...... same thing goes for you. Are you involved in too many activities that you don't have enough time for yourself? Or your family?
Are you on too many committees and trying to impress too many people with how busy and exhausted you are?
Step back and re-think your priorities. Family should come first. That doesn't mean that you drag them to every possible event. It means that you give them your time. Your undivided attention. That is more precious than everything else in their life.
Time..... It goes by too quickly!
Re-examine your priorities. Yes, you can have activities.....but don't go overboard. Do what feels right for you.... not everyone else. You don't need to impress your neighbors with how busy you are.
Have a great week and remember..... Less Clutter in your Life makes for a happier you !
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
But, then what? You could cram more things into your life? Step back and take a look at what's important. Do you really have to do all of the things that you try to do? Really? Are you being honest with yourself? Or are you just trying to impress all of the people around you with how much you can cram into your day and your life?
I remember when the kids were little and one of my neighbors had her kids in gymnastics, ballet, basketball, piano lessons.....and on and on. I was exhausted just listening to her. I know that they didn't really have the money for all of the activities but it seemed like it was "expected" of the parents. Give the kids everything. But at what price?
Doing too much costs you time, money and your sanity. Let's be honest!
Kids get tired just like adults. They need "down time". They should be allowed to run outside and play, without being dragged from one "activity" to the next.
And adults...... same thing goes for you. Are you involved in too many activities that you don't have enough time for yourself? Or your family?
Are you on too many committees and trying to impress too many people with how busy and exhausted you are?
Step back and re-think your priorities. Family should come first. That doesn't mean that you drag them to every possible event. It means that you give them your time. Your undivided attention. That is more precious than everything else in their life.
Time..... It goes by too quickly!
Re-examine your priorities. Yes, you can have activities.....but don't go overboard. Do what feels right for you.... not everyone else. You don't need to impress your neighbors with how busy you are.
Have a great week and remember..... Less Clutter in your Life makes for a happier you !
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, October 15, 2012
Too Much Technology and Disorganization
Everyone thinks that all of the Technology that is
available today is great. We are connected 24/7. We are never out of
touch. We don’t miss a thing!
That’s great…. Isn’t it ?
The answer is …. “No, it’s not great”.
Being connected and in touch 24/7 might be required
if you are an executive or in the medical field. But for most people it
is not a requirement. So why does everyone feel that they can’t be out
of touch for even an hour? Because we are
being told we can’t be.
Being in touch, strapped to your phone or computer
24/7 does not mean that you get more work done. Multi-tasking is a myth.
Most people really can’t multi-task. At least not with any accuracy. When you are going from one task to the next there is “lag time” in your brain when you are finishing one task and going back to your other task. Therefore, you are not really saving any time by doing two or three or four things at once because your brain has to "stop" and "re-focus" on the task that you are picking up and continuing with.
It might seem that you are getting more things done, but you really aren't. And if you do manage to do multiple thing at once.....are they really being done "well" ?
In order to do your best work you really have to concentrate / focus on one thing at a time. That might not be what everyone wants to hear because people want to believe they are being more productive doing multiple things....but they really aren't.
It's like trying to have a conversation on the phone and having your kids talk to you at the same time. You really can't have two conversations at once, even if you are answering your children's questions, because you are missing what the person on the phone is saying.
You might be able to fold your clothes and watch T.V. at the same time....but double check that you put the right socks together. You never know!
Doing too many things at once, being connected 24/7.....gives your brain and your body no time to rejuvenated itself. You, your brain and your body need rest. Peace and quiet. Otherwise you can make mistakes that are costly.
With no "down time" you can feel stressed and disorganized. Disorganization causes stress. Stress causes a multitude of emotional, psychological and physical symptoms.
Turn off your phone and your computer. Unplug. Take a walk. Breathe some fresh air. Get rejuvenated.
Life is more than technology. Turn off your phone for an hour and you will realize that the world won't stop.
Now go talk a walk!
Doing too many things at once, being connected 24/7.....gives your brain and your body no time to rejuvenated itself. You, your brain and your body need rest. Peace and quiet. Otherwise you can make mistakes that are costly.
With no "down time" you can feel stressed and disorganized. Disorganization causes stress. Stress causes a multitude of emotional, psychological and physical symptoms.
Turn off your phone and your computer. Unplug. Take a walk. Breathe some fresh air. Get rejuvenated.
Life is more than technology. Turn off your phone for an hour and you will realize that the world won't stop.
Now go talk a walk!
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The Holidays Are Coming
They come at the same time every year...but the holidays always seem to be a surprise for many people.
They get overwhelmed with all of the advertising and commercialism and total chaos at the stores.
The sad part is that even though we have a number of holidays before Christmas the pressure is already on to start buying all of the Christmas decorations and presents and those other holidays just fall by the wayside.
Take a deep breath, step back and concentrate on one holiday at a time. Enjoy each one. Don't let the commercialism spoil those other holidays.
Yes, the holidays are a stressful time....because of every one's expectation of television holiday perfection.
But you should make the holidays be what you want .... simple and real always wins over the commercial stress that we have come to expect.
Plan for one holiday at a time. I know it's not easy when you are trying to find Halloween costumes and Christmas ornaments are in your way.
Know that your stress will probably start to rise in the next few weeks. Start planning some "quiet" time to decompress in between the craziness. Even if you just take an hour to sit down at the mall, have some coffee and watch all of the people scurrying about....by slowing down and forcing yourself to take some time to decompress....you will become calmer and less stressed.
It know that it's not easy to take that time... most people don't think they have it... but if you let the stress build you will eventually stop functioning at all.
Now....take a deep breath and try to enjoy the start of the holiday season. One holiday at a time.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, October 1, 2012
Raising Organized Kids
School is now well underway. Everyone is getting settled into their daily routine.
The question now is "Do you have a calm and stress free routine ?". If not, why not? The answer is probably because things are not as organized as they could be.
Kids are never too young to start learning how to be organized. Kids as young as three can be taught how to put their toys away.
School age children should have a daily routine. Everything from getting up in the morning, getting dressed themselves, making their beds and getting their backpacks all ready for school. This includes making sure they have their lunches!
By making kids responsible for themselves they can start learning organizational skills. It also helps takes the pressure off of the parents.
Even though as a parent you might want to do everything for your child....you would be doing them a disservice if you did. Don't you want your child to marry someone that can take care of themselves? Someone that helps around the house?
By teaching your kids some basic skills when they are young you are setting them up for success!
Kids love to learn new things. They love to think that they are in charge. Let them be....in charge of themselves!
As a parent your job is to give the kids tools they can use in everyday life. Being organized is a crucial tool.
Parents, especially single parents, need all of the help they can get. Teach your child to be self sufficient and you too will reap the rewards.
And don't use the excuse "I am not an organized person myself". I have a lot of clients that aren't organized themselves....but they know the right people to teach their kids various skills.
If you can give your child piano or gymnastics lessons.... you can give them "organizing lessons". It's something they will use forever. Not that being able to do a cartwheel isn't important!
By starting young and having expectations from your children you are helping them be a better person. Their teachers, bosses and future spouses will "Thank You"!
Start Today..... Raise an Organized Child
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
The question now is "Do you have a calm and stress free routine ?". If not, why not? The answer is probably because things are not as organized as they could be.
Kids are never too young to start learning how to be organized. Kids as young as three can be taught how to put their toys away.
School age children should have a daily routine. Everything from getting up in the morning, getting dressed themselves, making their beds and getting their backpacks all ready for school. This includes making sure they have their lunches!
By making kids responsible for themselves they can start learning organizational skills. It also helps takes the pressure off of the parents.
Even though as a parent you might want to do everything for your child....you would be doing them a disservice if you did. Don't you want your child to marry someone that can take care of themselves? Someone that helps around the house?
By teaching your kids some basic skills when they are young you are setting them up for success!
Kids love to learn new things. They love to think that they are in charge. Let them be....in charge of themselves!
As a parent your job is to give the kids tools they can use in everyday life. Being organized is a crucial tool.
Parents, especially single parents, need all of the help they can get. Teach your child to be self sufficient and you too will reap the rewards.
And don't use the excuse "I am not an organized person myself". I have a lot of clients that aren't organized themselves....but they know the right people to teach their kids various skills.
If you can give your child piano or gymnastics lessons.... you can give them "organizing lessons". It's something they will use forever. Not that being able to do a cartwheel isn't important!
By starting young and having expectations from your children you are helping them be a better person. Their teachers, bosses and future spouses will "Thank You"!
Start Today..... Raise an Organized Child
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, September 24, 2012
Love It or List It
If you have ever seen the show "Love It or List It" you can appreciate the "idea" behind the title. Two realtors try to make a couple choose whether they can re-design their house to make it work for the couple - or list it for sale.
The idea can be used when it comes to organizing your home. If you feel that your home is not functioning the way that you need then you should make some changes.
Pick a room. Any room. It's just a place to start. Look at the things in the room. One piece at a time. Decide if you "love it" or if you want to get rid of it "list it" (on Craigslist or ebay...).
Don't keep things just because you've had them a long time or someone that you care about gave them to you. Your tastes and mood can change over the years. Don't let yourself get stuck in a rut. Don't feel that you have to keep things forever.
People "downsize" or "right size" at various points in their life. If the furniture or decorations or size of the home don't fit your lifestyle any longer .... make a change.
Don't feel forced to be stuck with things that you no longer care about.
It's time to play "Love It or List It".
Go ahead.....You can do it !
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, September 17, 2012
Using Time Wisely
Everyone is so busy these days it's hard to fit everything into each day. But some people are busier than others. Or so it seems because they run around like chickens with their heads cut off. A lot of people make fun of people that plan their day (work or pleasure). But if you plan ahead you might not only get more work done but you will also get it done without the stress of being disorganized.
Yes, there is a common thread in disorganization. That is "stress". If you miss deadlines or are late for a meeting you have to admit that you get stressed. Organizing your time with alleviate that stress.
By planning your day ahead of time.... by having an "end goal".... you are doing more than just "random stuff". You are accomplishing something. Even if you think that you can do everything that you are supposed to during the day without pre-planning, you are probably not as calm and confidant as those people that plan their day.
By having a plan and knowing what you want to accomplish you will be more focused and have a greater chance of getting everything done. If you have a lot of things that you need to accomplish in a day, by writing them down, by having a plan - or a checklist - you can follow the plan and check it off as you get each item done (either with paper or on your computer).
Without a list - you will probably forget things and you will not be as focused. By taking the time to plan your day (work or personal) you can accomplish more - with better results.
Take the time now to plan your tomorrow- or you will spend more time tomorrow doing things that could have been done in less time.... and with less stress.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Yes, there is a common thread in disorganization. That is "stress". If you miss deadlines or are late for a meeting you have to admit that you get stressed. Organizing your time with alleviate that stress.
By planning your day ahead of time.... by having an "end goal".... you are doing more than just "random stuff". You are accomplishing something. Even if you think that you can do everything that you are supposed to during the day without pre-planning, you are probably not as calm and confidant as those people that plan their day.
By having a plan and knowing what you want to accomplish you will be more focused and have a greater chance of getting everything done. If you have a lot of things that you need to accomplish in a day, by writing them down, by having a plan - or a checklist - you can follow the plan and check it off as you get each item done (either with paper or on your computer).
Without a list - you will probably forget things and you will not be as focused. By taking the time to plan your day (work or personal) you can accomplish more - with better results.
Take the time now to plan your tomorrow- or you will spend more time tomorrow doing things that could have been done in less time.... and with less stress.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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