A lot of people think that they are more productive when they "multi-task". But are they really?
What exactly is "multi-tasking"? It is "doing more than one thing at a time". Sounds like an easy explanation. But it's not that straight forward.
Most people think of multi-tasking as doing something like driving a car and talking on the phone at the same time. Sounds like a productive thing to do. But it's dangerous. Which is why a lot of cities are making it illegal to talk on your cell phone while you drive. You can't pay attention to the road and all of the other drivers while you hold a conversation with someone else. At least not if you expect to be totally involved in that conversation.
How can you make important business decisions or give legal or medical advice when you are trying to watch the road?
The answer is " you can't ".
In this example, multi-tasking can be fatal.
But doing the laundry and watching T.V. are also examples of multi-tasking. And in this example it's O.K. to throw in a load of laundry and go back to your favorite T.V. show.
Or reading a book or checking your email while you are waiting at the car dealership to have your car worked on.
Or planning your day while you are on hold on the phone.
There are "active" and "inactive" types of multi-tasking. "Safe" and "dangerous".
If you need to have your mind present while you are doing an activity you cannot do more than one thing at a time. Because if you do you will not be productive at either task.
The time it takes you to move from one task back to another overrides the effectiveness of "multi-tasking".
It might seem like you are accomplishing more by trying to do two things at once, but you really aren't.
Being productive does not mean doing everything at the same time. It means planning your activities so that everything gets done and gets done well. Cramming a lot of things into your day does not mean that you are organized or productive.
You have to pick and choose what you can accomplish in a day. Be realistic. If something needs your undivided attention give it the time it needs. You will accomplish more by doing less in a day.
Being productive and being organized go hand in hand. Just be aware of what you can and cannot do at the same time. For safety reasons as well as for productivity reasons.
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Organizing to Leave for a Vacation
It's almost time for your vacation and you are already thinking about what to pack and what you are going to do when you get there. But have you thought about what you are going to come home to?
The reality is that coming home from a vacation is almost more stressful than leaving for one. You will have piles of laundry, mail, messages and a dirty house. Makes you not want to come home!
Before you leave for your vacation there are some things that you can do to make coming home more pleasant.
* Leave your house clean. I know that getting ready for a vacation isn't always easy and if you work full time you probably won't think about cleaning your house before you leave because you have too many things to do to get ready for the vacation. But, if you give your house a quick clean before you leave (put fresh sheets on the bed, vacuum, dust, start the dishwasher before you leave....) you will be much happier when you return. You will be walking into a clean house instead of a whirlwind of a disaster. And having fresh sheets on the bed when you are too tired from traveling to do it when you come home is worth the few minutes it takes to do it before you leave.
* Have a neighbor or friend stock your fridge with a few simple ingredients so that you have something to eat when you get home and before you have a chance to get to the grocery store. Some bread, lunch meat, eggs, milk .... will hold you over until you get a chance to get to the store. It's a small thing that really makes a difference. And I always appreciate my sister doing that for me.
* Get someone to cut your lawn and take care of your yard while you are gone. You don't want to come home to an overgrown yard.
* Make sure that your mail is stopped before you leave for your vacation.
* Change your email to say "on vacation" so that people will know that you are not avoiding them.
* Make a copy of your credit card numbers and leave a copy with someone you trust in case you lose your credit cards.
* Make sure that you leave your contact information and itinerary with someone you trust in case of emergency.
Thinking about what you will come home to when you are planning a vacation isn't a top priority for most people, but a little planning ahead will take the stress out of coming home.
Now go and enjoy your vacation !
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
The reality is that coming home from a vacation is almost more stressful than leaving for one. You will have piles of laundry, mail, messages and a dirty house. Makes you not want to come home!
Before you leave for your vacation there are some things that you can do to make coming home more pleasant.
* Leave your house clean. I know that getting ready for a vacation isn't always easy and if you work full time you probably won't think about cleaning your house before you leave because you have too many things to do to get ready for the vacation. But, if you give your house a quick clean before you leave (put fresh sheets on the bed, vacuum, dust, start the dishwasher before you leave....) you will be much happier when you return. You will be walking into a clean house instead of a whirlwind of a disaster. And having fresh sheets on the bed when you are too tired from traveling to do it when you come home is worth the few minutes it takes to do it before you leave.
* Have a neighbor or friend stock your fridge with a few simple ingredients so that you have something to eat when you get home and before you have a chance to get to the grocery store. Some bread, lunch meat, eggs, milk .... will hold you over until you get a chance to get to the store. It's a small thing that really makes a difference. And I always appreciate my sister doing that for me.
* Get someone to cut your lawn and take care of your yard while you are gone. You don't want to come home to an overgrown yard.
* Make sure that your mail is stopped before you leave for your vacation.
* Change your email to say "on vacation" so that people will know that you are not avoiding them.
* Make a copy of your credit card numbers and leave a copy with someone you trust in case you lose your credit cards.
* Make sure that you leave your contact information and itinerary with someone you trust in case of emergency.
Thinking about what you will come home to when you are planning a vacation isn't a top priority for most people, but a little planning ahead will take the stress out of coming home.
Now go and enjoy your vacation !
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Summer Parties - More Organized & Less Stress
It's summer. Time for parties and picnics. So make your life easier by keeping things simple and keeping things organized.
Spending time with family and friends should be easy. But a lot of people get stressed out when they think about entertaining. That's not how it's supposed to be. You can make entertaining more enjoyable by having things planned out and organized ahead of time.
* Step back and look at the big picture. Keep things simple.
* Decide on how many picnics, BBQ's and parties you will probably have this summer.
* Use paper plates and plastic utensils. Buy enough at the beginning of the summer to keep you stocked throughout the summer.
* Buy all of your beverages (pop and such....) ahead of time so it's always on hand.
* You can also buy any canned items or other munchies (chips, pretzels....) that are on sale.
* Plan simple meals. It's about being with family and friends, not impressing people.
* If you are having friends over let them bring a side dish or dessert so that you don't have to do it all.
* For a BBQ, buy some pre-made side dishes and just BBQ your favorite meat. There is no rule of entertaining that says that you have to make all the food.
* Don't feel that you have to "entertain" your friends...it's just about being together.
* Relax and enjoy yourself. It's not like on T.V. No one is going to judge you on how well you entertain.
For spur of the moment picnics:
* Keep a basket / bag filled with picnic essentials. Paper plates, cups, napkins, silverware, plastic bags for garbage.
* Keep a blanket in your car at all times for impromptu picnics or an evening at the beach.
* Pick up sandwiches and drinks at a grocery store on your way to the park or beach.
* Enjoy an hour or two at the beach / park at any time.
By planning ahead you will be able to enjoy the summer and have more time to relax with your friends.
Entertaining doesn't have to be nor should it be stressful. By planning ahead you too will be able to enjoy your summer.
Happy entertaining !
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Spending time with family and friends should be easy. But a lot of people get stressed out when they think about entertaining. That's not how it's supposed to be. You can make entertaining more enjoyable by having things planned out and organized ahead of time.
* Step back and look at the big picture. Keep things simple.
* Decide on how many picnics, BBQ's and parties you will probably have this summer.
* Use paper plates and plastic utensils. Buy enough at the beginning of the summer to keep you stocked throughout the summer.
* Buy all of your beverages (pop and such....) ahead of time so it's always on hand.
* You can also buy any canned items or other munchies (chips, pretzels....) that are on sale.
* Plan simple meals. It's about being with family and friends, not impressing people.
* If you are having friends over let them bring a side dish or dessert so that you don't have to do it all.
* For a BBQ, buy some pre-made side dishes and just BBQ your favorite meat. There is no rule of entertaining that says that you have to make all the food.
* Don't feel that you have to "entertain" your friends...it's just about being together.
* Relax and enjoy yourself. It's not like on T.V. No one is going to judge you on how well you entertain.
For spur of the moment picnics:
* Keep a basket / bag filled with picnic essentials. Paper plates, cups, napkins, silverware, plastic bags for garbage.
* Keep a blanket in your car at all times for impromptu picnics or an evening at the beach.
* Pick up sandwiches and drinks at a grocery store on your way to the park or beach.
* Enjoy an hour or two at the beach / park at any time.
By planning ahead you will be able to enjoy the summer and have more time to relax with your friends.
Entertaining doesn't have to be nor should it be stressful. By planning ahead you too will be able to enjoy your summer.
Happy entertaining !
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Cost of Disorganization
A lot of people don't realize that being "disorganized" costs them money. A lot of money.
Being organized is not only about everything "having a place" and "being in its' place", it's also a way of life.
When you are organized things run smoother. You know where everything is. You aren't searching for things. You get to work on time because your briefcase and keys are where they are supposed to be and you have left plenty of time for unexpected emergencies, like traffic jams.
But, when you are not organized you tend to be frantic. You are constantly searching for missing items. You then go to the store to buy items that you don't think you have. But then, someday, you run across that missing item. So you have just spent money on something that you really didn't need, because you really did have it.
If you do simple things like "put like items with like items" you will always know where things are. If you simply hang all of your "blue shirts" together you can easily find them when you need them. You will also be able to tell at a glance that you don't have a "blue shirt" when you need it.
By putting all of your "like" canned goods together you know exactly how many cans of "baked beans" you have, instead of buying more cans of things that you don't really need.
Constantly buying things that you really don't need because you already have it is just one "cost of disorganization".
Being late for work or a meeting and getting fired is another.
Not turning in a report at school and getting a failing grade is another.
Disorganization disrupts your life. It causes stress.
Take ten or fifteen minutes a day and get yourself organized.
You will feel better. Really you will.
Remember: Less Clutter = Less Stress .... in your Home, your Business and your Life
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Being organized is not only about everything "having a place" and "being in its' place", it's also a way of life.
When you are organized things run smoother. You know where everything is. You aren't searching for things. You get to work on time because your briefcase and keys are where they are supposed to be and you have left plenty of time for unexpected emergencies, like traffic jams.
But, when you are not organized you tend to be frantic. You are constantly searching for missing items. You then go to the store to buy items that you don't think you have. But then, someday, you run across that missing item. So you have just spent money on something that you really didn't need, because you really did have it.
If you do simple things like "put like items with like items" you will always know where things are. If you simply hang all of your "blue shirts" together you can easily find them when you need them. You will also be able to tell at a glance that you don't have a "blue shirt" when you need it.
By putting all of your "like" canned goods together you know exactly how many cans of "baked beans" you have, instead of buying more cans of things that you don't really need.
Constantly buying things that you really don't need because you already have it is just one "cost of disorganization".
Being late for work or a meeting and getting fired is another.
Not turning in a report at school and getting a failing grade is another.
Disorganization disrupts your life. It causes stress.
Take ten or fifteen minutes a day and get yourself organized.
You will feel better. Really you will.
Remember: Less Clutter = Less Stress .... in your Home, your Business and your Life
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
De-Cluttering for a Move
Moving is not fun. Planning for a move is not fun. De-cluttering for a move is not fun.
But... sometimes it has to be done. Even a Professional Organizer will want to pull their hair out during a move. Especially when it's not done their way.
If you know that you will be moving you should immediately start the de-cluttering, purging process. It will make your move much easier. And much lighter. Which in turn will be much less expensive. Because most moving companies charge by truck weight.
I have done many move unpacks for clients that have just moved into town and I am always amazed at the things they decide to move. Old, worn out things. Things that should have been left behind. Because when you are moving it might be the only time that you really think about how often you have actually used the item.
If you know that you are moving ahead of time start going through your house and get rid of things that you have never used, aren't using, things that are old or worn out. Now is the time. Not after you move. If your washer and dryer are 15 years old why move them? It will be cheaper to buy new, more efficient appliances once you move and you will also save money by not paying to move them.
Go through your clothes and get rid of everything that you have not worn in a long time or is out of style. You may not have ever gone through your closet before this but now is the time. Why move things that you will not wear? If you are moving to a warmer climate and won't need those 25 sweaters...donate them. That goes for the snow ski's that you won't need in Miami. Of the treadmill that you have never used.
Get rid of everything that you can before your move. It will feel good! Really it will. You will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. And be sure to keep track of everything that you donate so that you can take a tax deduction.
Moving is a stressful endeavor. Try to make it less so by purging before you even think about packing.
Remember: Less Clutter = Less Stress .... in your Home, your Business and your Life
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
But... sometimes it has to be done. Even a Professional Organizer will want to pull their hair out during a move. Especially when it's not done their way.
If you know that you will be moving you should immediately start the de-cluttering, purging process. It will make your move much easier. And much lighter. Which in turn will be much less expensive. Because most moving companies charge by truck weight.
I have done many move unpacks for clients that have just moved into town and I am always amazed at the things they decide to move. Old, worn out things. Things that should have been left behind. Because when you are moving it might be the only time that you really think about how often you have actually used the item.
If you know that you are moving ahead of time start going through your house and get rid of things that you have never used, aren't using, things that are old or worn out. Now is the time. Not after you move. If your washer and dryer are 15 years old why move them? It will be cheaper to buy new, more efficient appliances once you move and you will also save money by not paying to move them.
Go through your clothes and get rid of everything that you have not worn in a long time or is out of style. You may not have ever gone through your closet before this but now is the time. Why move things that you will not wear? If you are moving to a warmer climate and won't need those 25 sweaters...donate them. That goes for the snow ski's that you won't need in Miami. Of the treadmill that you have never used.
Get rid of everything that you can before your move. It will feel good! Really it will. You will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. And be sure to keep track of everything that you donate so that you can take a tax deduction.
Moving is a stressful endeavor. Try to make it less so by purging before you even think about packing.
Remember: Less Clutter = Less Stress .... in your Home, your Business and your Life
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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