It’s the end of the day. You look back at your schedule. So much has not been accomplished. You feel discouraged and wonder what is wrong with you.
Sound familiar?
How can you put together a schedule that works for you? One that gives you a satisfied feeling at the end of the day?
Be realistic. Don’t schedule everything in the world that you want to do. Put in the big 3 items that you want to do in the day that will move you toward your goals. Be realistic about how long each task will take. If it is a huge time consuming task, consider blocking off only so much time to work on it today and plan another day to continue it.
Plan for transition times. Allow time between tasks to put items away and prepare your space and mind for the next task on hand. If you need to travel somewhere for that task, allow aplenty of time for that travel and set up when you get there.
Plan at least one task that is important but not yet urgent. This will keep you from always working “under the gun.” If you ignore important but not yet urgent tasks, soon those tasks will also become urgent and you will feel more stressed and out of control.
When working on the tasks, quit when the task is good enough. Don’t try to get perfectionism. Don’t put more time into the task than it is worth.
Set up some accountability plan. This might be checking in with an accountability partner or keeping the goal in front of you by checking in several times a day with the questions, “Am I on task? Am I doing the best possible thing to move me toward my goal?”
Reward yourself when you complete each of the big 3. Take a break. Give yourself some treat – maybe a short walk or a special coffee.
Still some days you don’t get it all done? Don’t beat yourself up. Learn from mistakes and know that tomorrow is another day.
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer