Do you love it? Do you hate it?
Now hate is a pretty strong word, but I'm likely not alone in my occasional use of nasty words directed toward my technology or electronics. Yes, we love what technology can do for us and yet we all can have a moment when we get frustrated by it.
After my 4 years of working with educational software I made a pact with myself that I would never let technology get the best of me. It does brink on the edge of getting the best of me at times, but I learned that there is always a solution.... you just have to find it!
Let's find a solution for you that doesn't involve electrocution, a trip to the store to buy a new computer or heavy drinking. Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 28 Find the "how to" for one electronic challenge or the next step of use.
*If there is one glitch that has been bugging you about an electronic in your life, it's time to take care of it.
*If there is a process that you know a piece of software can do for you, but you don't know how, learn it.
*If you have a new piece of software or hardware that you have not installed, plugged in or downloaded, do it.
Where can you find the answers?
*Manuals - paper
*Manuals - digital
*Technology Consultants & Trainers
*Online support from corporation
*Online support from question boards, chat rooms
*Ask a teenager!
Wednesday
Tuesday
#27 Tiny Slips of Paper
Tiny slips of paper. Yes, we all have them and some have them more than others. It's the phone number, the reminder on the little phone memo sheet to pick up TP on the way home, the short to do list of the "really" important tasks for the day and the notes you took about flight times for your next trip.
Here's the problem with tiny slips of paper:
*one of them can get easily lost
*you have to look through the whole stack again and again to find the one you need
*they are different sizes, shapes, color and various stages of "stickiness" if it was a post-it
*most important - they don't send the message of, "I am organized!"
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 27 Find a different solution for all those tiny slips of paper.
Everyone is different, so here are a couple of suggestions that might spark the right answer for you.
One criteria is that it must be able to travel with you. While there are great desktop and office space solutions using paper, white boards or technology, in the long run you'd likely still make tiny slips of notes.
* Technology - if you have a PDA, do you use it for your tasks and reminders? If not, maybe it's time to increase the use of a tool to incorporate one more function.
* Small Notebook - A little spiral notebook can hold all those "tiny slips" together. You must be disciplined to use it; carry it in your purse, your briefcase, your pocket, etc. The rule is to only write one task on each sheet, which is why it's small. Then you can tear out the one you've finished.
The tiny slips of paper not being effective is one of the reasons Gina Robison-Billups and I created The Accomplishment Journal. It supports more aspects of being effective and organized than just fixing the tiny slips of paper situation.
Check it out at The Accomplishment Journal
If the link is not active for you, copy and paste this link http://www.theaccomplishmentjournal.com * Make your own To Do Chart. It's easy to make a To Do Chart on the computer because you can customize it to your specific needs. It can cover one day, a week, or the span of time you need. Then you can break down the sections to match your common tasks and how many you tend to have for each area.
Here's the problem with tiny slips of paper:
*one of them can get easily lost
*you have to look through the whole stack again and again to find the one you need
*they are different sizes, shapes, color and various stages of "stickiness" if it was a post-it
*most important - they don't send the message of, "I am organized!"
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 27 Find a different solution for all those tiny slips of paper.
Everyone is different, so here are a couple of suggestions that might spark the right answer for you.
One criteria is that it must be able to travel with you. While there are great desktop and office space solutions using paper, white boards or technology, in the long run you'd likely still make tiny slips of notes.
* Technology - if you have a PDA, do you use it for your tasks and reminders? If not, maybe it's time to increase the use of a tool to incorporate one more function.
* Small Notebook - A little spiral notebook can hold all those "tiny slips" together. You must be disciplined to use it; carry it in your purse, your briefcase, your pocket, etc. The rule is to only write one task on each sheet, which is why it's small. Then you can tear out the one you've finished.
The tiny slips of paper not being effective is one of the reasons Gina Robison-Billups and I created The Accomplishment Journal. It supports more aspects of being effective and organized than just fixing the tiny slips of paper situation.
Check it out at The Accomplishment Journal
If the link is not active for you, copy and paste this link http://www.theaccomplishmentjournal.com * Make your own To Do Chart. It's easy to make a To Do Chart on the computer because you can customize it to your specific needs. It can cover one day, a week, or the span of time you need. Then you can break down the sections to match your common tasks and how many you tend to have for each area.
Monday
#26 Nightstand Refresh
What's the last thing you see before you go to sleep and what's the first thing you see when you wake up? There is a correlation between what we see and the message that gets planted in our brain.
Does that message send you off to slumberland with positive thoughts, ready to dream about your goals and joys? When you wake up, does that message start your day with empowerment, joy and the confidence we all need to take on these challenging days?
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 26 Organize your nightstand/bedside table.
Create the space to be not only functional, but one that gives you a positive message.
Make sure that if you wake up in the middle of the night, you can easily reach what you need.
I also find it interesting that many times when someone is being interviewed or profiled, they ask, "What's on your nightstand right now?" They are generally referring to what reading material, but since it's a popular question, there tends to be some meaning in what IS on your nightstand.
Does that message send you off to slumberland with positive thoughts, ready to dream about your goals and joys? When you wake up, does that message start your day with empowerment, joy and the confidence we all need to take on these challenging days?
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 26 Organize your nightstand/bedside table.
Create the space to be not only functional, but one that gives you a positive message.
Make sure that if you wake up in the middle of the night, you can easily reach what you need.
I also find it interesting that many times when someone is being interviewed or profiled, they ask, "What's on your nightstand right now?" They are generally referring to what reading material, but since it's a popular question, there tends to be some meaning in what IS on your nightstand.
Saturday
#24 & 25 Meal Prep for the Week
The Get Organized Project for this weekend hits so many areas, I'm not sure which category it fits best! It is also one of the best type of organizing projects to take on because it will give you the GREATEST return on your investment of time.
Do you stand and look in the cupboard and wonder what to eat? Do you run to the grocery store for one item? Do you have healthy eating goals that are not hitting their mark? Are you looking for a way to reduce your grocery spending?
This weekend you will create many positive results for you.... so let's get started!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 24 & #25 Plan, Shop, Prep and Portion out your meals for the week.
We will look at each step in the process and you can work at your own pace. The goal is to wake up Monday morning and not have to plan or think about food for the week. The only thing you have to do is enjoy the healthy, scrumptious and easy food you prepared!
Step 1 PLAN
Review recipes, week's schedule and pantry supplies.
Review the coming week
Look at what is going on this week and plan accordingly for quick meals, take away meals and balance of healthy choices.
Try something new!
If you save recipes and always want to try a new one, this is your chance to one out for the week. Even trying one new recipe a week can add a fresh and new feeling to your meals. Plan recipes/meals that use items in your pantry.
Use what you have. Saves on the grocery bill.Plan recipes/meals that use similar special ingredients.
For example, if you need fresh cilantro for a meal, make sure you plan a meal or two that can use cilantro. While it's not the most expensive thing you have to purchase, cutting down on the food you waste will help with your budget.
Make a grocery list
Having a full list of needed groceries for the week based on your plan can save you time and money.
Coupons
Review coupons you have for items and advertised specials at stores. Star items on your grocery list that have coupons.
Step 2 SHOP
Time
Pick a time to go when the grocery stores aren't crowded, it will make your time go faster.
Multiple Stores?
If you're like us, we shop at a couple of different stores based on where we can find good organic produce, products that match our ingredient criteria and also have the best price. So, plan to stop at the store where you buy your frozen or most perishable items last.
GREEN
Take your reusable grocery bags!
Coupons
Remember coupons and advertised specials!
Step 3 PREP
Prep Foods that need washing.
Most foods will last longer if they've been washed, especially in a veggie or fruit wash. It also cuts down the time needed when you go to eat it or when you use part for a recipe. Some items won't do well wash ahead like mushrooms, so you make the call.
Prep for recipes
Whether it's portioning out ingredients, washing and chopping or
getting out appliances needed for prep or cooking, doing it all at once can save time.
Cook, Bake or Steam
I'm all for eating the freshest food possible, but if the choice is to eat a good healthy portion of something made 3 days ago with great ingredients or doing a drive through, guess which one wins?
Make Several Dishes at One Time
Also, if you are in the kitchen preparing one dish, might as well do a few others at the same time. Use those minutes when you're waiting for something to boil, bake or rest by working on another recipe.
Step 4 PORTION
Put in portion size containers for the week
If you take your lunch or would only have a single serving at one time (meaning don't do it for a family meal) put a serving in a storage container. It will help you when you are pulling items for your lunch, but it will also help you manage your portion sizes.
Freeze
If it is something that will freeze well, freezing in portion or family meal size containers makes it easy to take out prepared foods as needed. It is also something that stretches the return on your investment of prep time because you stand a better chance of not having to toss out food that has gone bad.
Cheat Sheet
Give yourself a little cheat sheet that gives you the final steps you need to do for a specific recipe or meal that needs to be finished at that time. Either write it down or if it's longer, put a sticky note on the recipe or page in a cookbook for quick reference.
Do you stand and look in the cupboard and wonder what to eat? Do you run to the grocery store for one item? Do you have healthy eating goals that are not hitting their mark? Are you looking for a way to reduce your grocery spending?
This weekend you will create many positive results for you.... so let's get started!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 24 & #25 Plan, Shop, Prep and Portion out your meals for the week.
We will look at each step in the process and you can work at your own pace. The goal is to wake up Monday morning and not have to plan or think about food for the week. The only thing you have to do is enjoy the healthy, scrumptious and easy food you prepared!
Step 1 PLAN
Review recipes, week's schedule and pantry supplies.
Review the coming week
Look at what is going on this week and plan accordingly for quick meals, take away meals and balance of healthy choices.
Try something new!
If you save recipes and always want to try a new one, this is your chance to one out for the week. Even trying one new recipe a week can add a fresh and new feeling to your meals. Plan recipes/meals that use items in your pantry.
Use what you have. Saves on the grocery bill.Plan recipes/meals that use similar special ingredients.
For example, if you need fresh cilantro for a meal, make sure you plan a meal or two that can use cilantro. While it's not the most expensive thing you have to purchase, cutting down on the food you waste will help with your budget.
Make a grocery list
Having a full list of needed groceries for the week based on your plan can save you time and money.
Coupons
Review coupons you have for items and advertised specials at stores. Star items on your grocery list that have coupons.
Step 2 SHOP
Time
Pick a time to go when the grocery stores aren't crowded, it will make your time go faster.
Multiple Stores?
If you're like us, we shop at a couple of different stores based on where we can find good organic produce, products that match our ingredient criteria and also have the best price. So, plan to stop at the store where you buy your frozen or most perishable items last.
GREEN
Take your reusable grocery bags!
Coupons
Remember coupons and advertised specials!
Step 3 PREP
Prep Foods that need washing.
Most foods will last longer if they've been washed, especially in a veggie or fruit wash. It also cuts down the time needed when you go to eat it or when you use part for a recipe. Some items won't do well wash ahead like mushrooms, so you make the call.
Prep for recipes
Whether it's portioning out ingredients, washing and chopping or
getting out appliances needed for prep or cooking, doing it all at once can save time.
Cook, Bake or Steam
I'm all for eating the freshest food possible, but if the choice is to eat a good healthy portion of something made 3 days ago with great ingredients or doing a drive through, guess which one wins?
Make Several Dishes at One Time
Also, if you are in the kitchen preparing one dish, might as well do a few others at the same time. Use those minutes when you're waiting for something to boil, bake or rest by working on another recipe.
Step 4 PORTION
Put in portion size containers for the week
If you take your lunch or would only have a single serving at one time (meaning don't do it for a family meal) put a serving in a storage container. It will help you when you are pulling items for your lunch, but it will also help you manage your portion sizes.
Freeze
If it is something that will freeze well, freezing in portion or family meal size containers makes it easy to take out prepared foods as needed. It is also something that stretches the return on your investment of prep time because you stand a better chance of not having to toss out food that has gone bad.
Cheat Sheet
Give yourself a little cheat sheet that gives you the final steps you need to do for a specific recipe or meal that needs to be finished at that time. Either write it down or if it's longer, put a sticky note on the recipe or page in a cookbook for quick reference.
Friday
#23 Organized Thoughts
Your assignment today, if you choose to accept it, is to THINK organized today. It is not a "mission impossible" to change your thoughts and how they impact your actions.
All day, remind yourself that you can make organized choices. Having a focus for the day that you will take more organize actions will change the outcome of your day. You will be faced with it over and over. Here are a few possible times you might have the opportunity to make an organized choice:
Do I throw the coat on the couch or do I hang it up?
Do I call them back now or put it on my to do list?
Should I sort the mail or put it on the corner of the desk?
I have 5 min, should I leave now or wait and hope traffic is OK?
......... and, if you listen and pay attention, all day you will hear the choices. Will your mission for the day be possible? Please let me know!
Also, your computer won't start smoldering in a 30 seconds! :-))
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 23 Make organized choices!
Organizing Thoughts for Today
I bring simple solutions into my home and life!
I am action oriented and get things done!
My office is efficient and simplified!
All day, remind yourself that you can make organized choices. Having a focus for the day that you will take more organize actions will change the outcome of your day. You will be faced with it over and over. Here are a few possible times you might have the opportunity to make an organized choice:
Do I throw the coat on the couch or do I hang it up?
Do I call them back now or put it on my to do list?
Should I sort the mail or put it on the corner of the desk?
I have 5 min, should I leave now or wait and hope traffic is OK?
......... and, if you listen and pay attention, all day you will hear the choices. Will your mission for the day be possible? Please let me know!
Also, your computer won't start smoldering in a 30 seconds! :-))
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 23 Make organized choices!
Organizing Thoughts for Today
I bring simple solutions into my home and life!
I am action oriented and get things done!
My office is efficient and simplified!
Thursday
#22 Kitchen Storage Containers
If you can't stand the lids, get out of the kitchen!
Nobody likes to spend more time in the kitchen then they have to, especially when it's clean up time.
Do you like or dislike leftovers? They tend to be a great solution for a quick bite in the days after the initial meal, but most people tell me they dislike them because of the chore of putting the leftovers away. It can be a real frustrating process if you have to search for containers and lids.
Let's streamline meal cleanup time because you have better things to do!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 22 Storage Container Cleanup!
Pretty simple - pull out all the containers and lids,
then match them up.
For the ones you are keeping
First, group by size. Makes it easier to pull from a short stack then your entire supply.
Second, watch the how many different sizes you stack together. Fewer is better.
Put lids in their own space.
Put lids in a holding container where they can stand on their side.
For the extra pieces?
Verify the other part isn't being used somewhere else temporarily. If it's gone on to another permanent task, decide if you need to keep the other part. Keep it if it matches other pieces you are keeping.
If it's a container without a lid, there are many repurposing options.
If it's just the lid, see if it can be used to go under a plant pot!
Nobody likes to spend more time in the kitchen then they have to, especially when it's clean up time.
Do you like or dislike leftovers? They tend to be a great solution for a quick bite in the days after the initial meal, but most people tell me they dislike them because of the chore of putting the leftovers away. It can be a real frustrating process if you have to search for containers and lids.
Let's streamline meal cleanup time because you have better things to do!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 22 Storage Container Cleanup!
Pretty simple - pull out all the containers and lids,
then match them up.
For the ones you are keeping
First, group by size. Makes it easier to pull from a short stack then your entire supply.
Second, watch the how many different sizes you stack together. Fewer is better.
Put lids in their own space.
Put lids in a holding container where they can stand on their side.
For the extra pieces?
Verify the other part isn't being used somewhere else temporarily. If it's gone on to another permanent task, decide if you need to keep the other part. Keep it if it matches other pieces you are keeping.
If it's a container without a lid, there are many repurposing options.
If it's just the lid, see if it can be used to go under a plant pot!
Wednesday
#21 - Digital Files
Have you recently searched for a digital document ..... for too long? Do you have folders and ways to separate your digital files? Do you have duplicates of digital documents or files?
In this ever increasing digital age, we are just as likely to have a "stack of papers" hiding in digital format. You've seen it, the unending list of files that you have to scan over and over to find the one you're looking for. The bonus is that you can sort them by alphabetical or date, but it can still get to be a long list. Taking control of your digital files is just as important as managing your paper files. Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 21 Spend 20 - 30 minutes cleaning up your digital files/documents.
*Make sure you have folders with consistent names
*Put files into appropriate folders
*Check for duplicate files
*Delete unnecessary files
GOOD NEWS! Studies show that it is 10-15% easier to retrieve a digital file than a paper file. Keeping your digital world organized can maintain or even increase that percentage! Easier is good!
The last comment about digital files is that you MUST back up your digital information! Set a schedule or pattern to back up your information if you don't have an automatic backup system in place.
In this ever increasing digital age, we are just as likely to have a "stack of papers" hiding in digital format. You've seen it, the unending list of files that you have to scan over and over to find the one you're looking for. The bonus is that you can sort them by alphabetical or date, but it can still get to be a long list. Taking control of your digital files is just as important as managing your paper files. Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 21 Spend 20 - 30 minutes cleaning up your digital files/documents.
*Make sure you have folders with consistent names
*Put files into appropriate folders
*Check for duplicate files
*Delete unnecessary files
GOOD NEWS! Studies show that it is 10-15% easier to retrieve a digital file than a paper file. Keeping your digital world organized can maintain or even increase that percentage! Easier is good!
The last comment about digital files is that you MUST back up your digital information! Set a schedule or pattern to back up your information if you don't have an automatic backup system in place.
Tuesday
#20 - Take 20 - Get 10
A couple of years ago a friend of mine did "A Year of Abundance" project where you had to give away one thing everyday. At first it may sound like a lot, but think of all the things you bring into your environment. What if you were limited to bringing in one new thing a day? Well, first, you'd be at the store a whole lot more, but my guess is you'd actually bring fewer things into your environment.
One of the biggest culprits for clutter and disorganization is too much stuff! The critical thing to remember about having stuff, is that you have to move the stuff, clean around the stuff, put the stuff back where it belongs, etc. Today, we reduce the stuff!
To my friend, a.k.a. Wonder Woman, thanks for sharing a powerful exercise! Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 20
Take 20 minutes and find at least 10 things to donate. You can add recycle or throw away to exit strategy for items if needed.
Look for items that:
*you haven't used in a long time
*don't fit anymore
*you don't like
*won't use
*have something new and better
*are part of something that you will not complete
*are related to an old hobby or activity that you don't or won't do anymore
One of the biggest culprits for clutter and disorganization is too much stuff! The critical thing to remember about having stuff, is that you have to move the stuff, clean around the stuff, put the stuff back where it belongs, etc. Today, we reduce the stuff!
To my friend, a.k.a. Wonder Woman, thanks for sharing a powerful exercise! Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 20
Take 20 minutes and find at least 10 things to donate. You can add recycle or throw away to exit strategy for items if needed.
Look for items that:
*you haven't used in a long time
*don't fit anymore
*you don't like
*won't use
*have something new and better
*are part of something that you will not complete
*are related to an old hobby or activity that you don't or won't do anymore
Monday
#19 - A Day For You
What have you done for yourself lately? Many times when you think of organizing aspects of your day, it all focuses on tasks, jobs, errands, obligations and to do lists. One aspect of life that deserves as much organizing as everything else is the time you organize for yourself.
Today is the day!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 19 Review and organize the time and activities you have scheduled (or need to schedule) for yourself this week.
In case you don't have anything planned, here are some ideas; big and small!
*5 minutes of meditation/prayer/quiet
*schedule a lunch with a friend
*get a personal treatment such as a manicure, massage or facial
*go for a bike ride - powered or pedal powered
*read a magazine or book
*exercise in whatever form is best for you
*go shopping
etc, etc, etc
If you would really like to plan a full day, here is a 3 minute video where I give 5 steps to planning a day for you!
Organize A Day for YOU Segment (3 min video)
If the link isn't working for you, copy and paste the following link into your web browswerhttp://www.fox5vegas.com/video/14313582/index.html
Today is the day!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 19 Review and organize the time and activities you have scheduled (or need to schedule) for yourself this week.
In case you don't have anything planned, here are some ideas; big and small!
*5 minutes of meditation/prayer/quiet
*schedule a lunch with a friend
*get a personal treatment such as a manicure, massage or facial
*go for a bike ride - powered or pedal powered
*read a magazine or book
*exercise in whatever form is best for you
*go shopping
etc, etc, etc
If you would really like to plan a full day, here is a 3 minute video where I give 5 steps to planning a day for you!
Organize A Day for YOU Segment (3 min video)
If the link isn't working for you, copy and paste the following link into your web browswerhttp://www.fox5vegas.com/video/14313582/index.html
Sunday
#18 - Reading Time
How are you doing with the 31 Ways?
Do the best you can. Even doing some of these tasks will put you further ahead than if you didn't do any at all. Glad you're with us! Celebrate what you ARE doing!
As humans, by nature, we love to learn. We strive to add new information to our knowledge base and expand our horizons. To feed that urge, we harbor away books, articles, magazines, saved web pages and handouts that we want to read.....someday.
Today is the day! Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 18 Read that piece of information or story you saved days ago!
The accumulation of things to read at a later date can become an organizing task in itself. Unfortunately, you can spend more time shuffling and moving those items around than actually reading them. Here are a couple of ideas and aspects to keep in mind about the items you save to read at a future date.
Suggestions:
*Organize your day or week to include reading, learning or research time.
*Create a holding place for specific articles if they relate to an activity, hobby, travel destination or personal interest.
*Encourage those in your household to have a reading break.*If you save articles from magazines, put a sticky note on that page or tear it out. Then keep it with you so you can read when you are waiting for an appointment, a friend to meet you, on break at work or even at a stop light. (well, our lights in Las Vegas can take up to 4 minutes to cycle so it is a nice chunk of time, but use caution. You get interupted a lot by driving between lights, so make sure it's not an intense item to read. Seriously, not for everyone and use caution.)
Do the best you can. Even doing some of these tasks will put you further ahead than if you didn't do any at all. Glad you're with us! Celebrate what you ARE doing!
As humans, by nature, we love to learn. We strive to add new information to our knowledge base and expand our horizons. To feed that urge, we harbor away books, articles, magazines, saved web pages and handouts that we want to read.....someday.
Today is the day! Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 18 Read that piece of information or story you saved days ago!
The accumulation of things to read at a later date can become an organizing task in itself. Unfortunately, you can spend more time shuffling and moving those items around than actually reading them. Here are a couple of ideas and aspects to keep in mind about the items you save to read at a future date.
Suggestions:
*Organize your day or week to include reading, learning or research time.
*Create a holding place for specific articles if they relate to an activity, hobby, travel destination or personal interest.
*Encourage those in your household to have a reading break.*If you save articles from magazines, put a sticky note on that page or tear it out. Then keep it with you so you can read when you are waiting for an appointment, a friend to meet you, on break at work or even at a stop light. (well, our lights in Las Vegas can take up to 4 minutes to cycle so it is a nice chunk of time, but use caution. You get interupted a lot by driving between lights, so make sure it's not an intense item to read. Seriously, not for everyone and use caution.)
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