For all of you super-busy people here are some handy tips to help organise your life and keep your sanity.
Note it: Keep a small notebook and pen handy wherever you are and jot down ideas or appointments or things to do instead of trying to remember them later on.
Phone Calls and emails: Set times in your day to check message bank and emails. Return calls and reply to emails you have received when it fits in your schedule. Block your diary out eg (10am, 2pm and 4pm). This way you keep a routine and on track.
Waiting time: Use waiting time at the dentist, waiting for a client, or your roast to cook – to catch up on reading or planning, or use the time for tidying up, filing or other tasks.
Praise others: Be sure to offer praise to a subordinate, co-worker or to a member of the family for any effort you’ve noticed – they’ll be happy to help you when you’re bogged down.
Don’t Put It Off! If you procrastinate, you’ll only get stressed out when you think about that hateful “to do” item on your list. You’ll blow it out of proportion in your mind and it will become almost impossible to accomplish. Make sure you tackle the largest or most disliked job first, dividing it up into manageable tasks making the other jobs a breeze!
Schedule Fun Time! Make sure you include some personal time for YOU. Allot some time in your schedule. Make an appointment for yourself and keep it, even if it’s only a leisurely 15-minute walk.
Space Freebies: Go through any old unneeded files to free up space in your filing system.
Once and Only Once: Each piece of paper should be handled only once. Read it and file it, redirect it to someone else, schedule it or toss it. Don’t add it to an ever-ending pile on your desk in hopes that you’ll get to it eventually.
Post-it notes: Use sticky notes to write errands needed to be done. Stick them to your front door to remind you as you’re headed out.
Systems Engineer: Too much time is wasted every day on searching for things. Find a system that works for you and your lifestyle and apply it. Use it religiously and you’ll find new time slots you never thought you had!
