Tuesday, April 23, 2013
8 W's of Time Management
By
Linda Samuels
Each day gives us the opportunity to use our time in a variety of
ways. I recently enjoyed a wonderful long weekend that included plenty
of time to relax and hang out with family and friends. It was a good
combination of planned and unplanned time. Even though every day isn't
like a long weekend, we can integrate certain concepts to regularly give
us a more balanced mix.
Looking at one of my typical days, I noticed that it was divided into eight segments. These groups represent how the time might be used during a given day. If you are feeling overworked and time poor, try integrating some of these ideas into your day. It might result in a more comfortable balance.
1. Wake.
Getting ready for the day sets the tone for the hours that follow. Review your morning routine. Do you give yourself enough time to prepare for your day? Instead, are you rushing and stressed from the moment you wake? What can you do to improve your start? I like to shower first thing. The water is refreshing and helps me wake up, as I wash the sleepiness away. After getting dressed, I make time to enjoy my morning cup of coffee and a small breakfast.
2. Work.
The work begins. Do you feel ready to start? Have you looked at your calendar the night before so that you know where you need to be and when? Have you planned for travel time? Most mornings, I wake early enough to have some desk time before leaving for my clients'. I use that time to catch up on emails, work on social media, papers or calls. Then I leave to work with my clients.
3. Waffle.
You don't have to eat a waffle, but eat something. Working takes energy. It's important to take a break and nourish yourself during the day. It can be tempting to eat on the run. I have been guilty of that and have eaten sandwiches while driving. That's not good for digestion or the other drivers on the road. Sitting and relaxing while you eat is beneficial and safer. Most likely, you'll want to repeat the Waffle segment around dinnertime.
4. Walk.
Since much of the work I do is indoors, it's essential to get some sunshine and fresh air. Especially now with the gorgeous, spring weather, I love taking walks. It's even nicer when walking with my family or friends. Not only is it great exercise, but also I get to reconnect with the people I love.
5. Wiggle.
Add the toe-wiggling factor into your day. What do I mean by that? What makes you so joyful that your toes wiggle in delight? It's different for all of us. For me, a simple cup of blueberry or grapefruit sorbet from our local ice cream shop is enough to bring on the wiggle. I'm not suggesting that you eat ice cream every day. The idea is to incorporate simple things that bring you pleasure.
6. Write.
Writing has become a regular part of my days between blogging, emailing, social media-ing and journaling. Using this way to reflect enriches my daily experience. Sometimes my writing is just a sentence fragment containing a seed idea. Other days, an idea develops into a full-blown blog post. Writing in different locations is inspiring too. One of my favorite places to write is at the Hudson River. If you don't enjoy writing, consider recording your thoughts or taking a reflection break where you don't record, but just think about your day.
7. Wrap-Up.
Days are full. Before finishing, take time for preparation and closure. Preparation might include reviewing tomorrow's schedule, clearing your desk, gathering items you'll need the next day or selecting your clothes. I have a pull down desk. I know I've finished my wrap-up when I clear the surface, turn off the light and close the desk. It's my "done for the day" signal. How do you know when you're done?
8. Wish.
Your day is nearing the end. Give yourself time to relax, dream and restore. Perhaps you like reading in bed, watching a movie or laying down and doing nothing. Sleeping and dreaming will replenish your energy and get you ready for tomorrow. Each new day brings another chance to design the day with your combination of W's.
Which W's resonate with you? Are there other W's you'd like to include?
Looking at one of my typical days, I noticed that it was divided into eight segments. These groups represent how the time might be used during a given day. If you are feeling overworked and time poor, try integrating some of these ideas into your day. It might result in a more comfortable balance.
1. Wake.
Getting ready for the day sets the tone for the hours that follow. Review your morning routine. Do you give yourself enough time to prepare for your day? Instead, are you rushing and stressed from the moment you wake? What can you do to improve your start? I like to shower first thing. The water is refreshing and helps me wake up, as I wash the sleepiness away. After getting dressed, I make time to enjoy my morning cup of coffee and a small breakfast.
2. Work.
The work begins. Do you feel ready to start? Have you looked at your calendar the night before so that you know where you need to be and when? Have you planned for travel time? Most mornings, I wake early enough to have some desk time before leaving for my clients'. I use that time to catch up on emails, work on social media, papers or calls. Then I leave to work with my clients.
3. Waffle.
You don't have to eat a waffle, but eat something. Working takes energy. It's important to take a break and nourish yourself during the day. It can be tempting to eat on the run. I have been guilty of that and have eaten sandwiches while driving. That's not good for digestion or the other drivers on the road. Sitting and relaxing while you eat is beneficial and safer. Most likely, you'll want to repeat the Waffle segment around dinnertime.
4. Walk.
Since much of the work I do is indoors, it's essential to get some sunshine and fresh air. Especially now with the gorgeous, spring weather, I love taking walks. It's even nicer when walking with my family or friends. Not only is it great exercise, but also I get to reconnect with the people I love.
5. Wiggle.
Add the toe-wiggling factor into your day. What do I mean by that? What makes you so joyful that your toes wiggle in delight? It's different for all of us. For me, a simple cup of blueberry or grapefruit sorbet from our local ice cream shop is enough to bring on the wiggle. I'm not suggesting that you eat ice cream every day. The idea is to incorporate simple things that bring you pleasure.
6. Write.
Writing has become a regular part of my days between blogging, emailing, social media-ing and journaling. Using this way to reflect enriches my daily experience. Sometimes my writing is just a sentence fragment containing a seed idea. Other days, an idea develops into a full-blown blog post. Writing in different locations is inspiring too. One of my favorite places to write is at the Hudson River. If you don't enjoy writing, consider recording your thoughts or taking a reflection break where you don't record, but just think about your day.
7. Wrap-Up.
Days are full. Before finishing, take time for preparation and closure. Preparation might include reviewing tomorrow's schedule, clearing your desk, gathering items you'll need the next day or selecting your clothes. I have a pull down desk. I know I've finished my wrap-up when I clear the surface, turn off the light and close the desk. It's my "done for the day" signal. How do you know when you're done?
8. Wish.
Your day is nearing the end. Give yourself time to relax, dream and restore. Perhaps you like reading in bed, watching a movie or laying down and doing nothing. Sleeping and dreaming will replenish your energy and get you ready for tomorrow. Each new day brings another chance to design the day with your combination of W's.
Which W's resonate with you? Are there other W's you'd like to include?
Compassionate, enthusiastic Professional Organizer, Linda Samuels invites you to visit http://www.ohsoorganized.com
to get your free monthly motivational e-newsletter about organizing and
life balance. Get your bonus "Organizing Tip 101" series upon sign-up.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_SamuelsMonday, April 22, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Letting Go - 8 Ways to Prepare
By
Linda Samuels
Preparation is essential when it comes to letting go. It's being
in a state of readiness. On one of my business trips, I became acutely
aware of the connection between preparation and letting go. I was away
for almost a week as an attendee and exhibitor at an annual conference
for professional organizers. I didn't just walk out the door. I needed
to get ready both mentally and physically in order to leave my normal
routine and enjoy the adventure ahead. This idea of preparing to let go
resonated with me. Many of us experience challenges in this arena
whether we are letting go of places, people or things.
If you are having difficulty letting go, perhaps some of my thoughts about preparation will help you to move forward.
What helps shift you into a state of readiness?
If you are having difficulty letting go, perhaps some of my thoughts about preparation will help you to move forward.
- Plan- To leave things behind, it helps to know that they are in good shape. This might involve organizing our papers, arranging our family's schedules, or finding resources to donate our treasures. Knowing that our affairs are in reasonable order helps prepare us to move ahead.
- Focus- Be in the moment. It's so common to dwell on the past or worry about the future. Focusing on where you are enables you to enjoy the present and let go when the time comes.
- Embrace- While being in the moment is important, preparing emotionally to embrace the joy that will come from change is key. Letting go can be painful, but presents us with wonderful opportunities that we couldn't have imagined otherwise.
- Emote- When letting go is involved, our emotions will be too. Expect a range of feelings from distress to elation. These and everything in between are normal. Allowing yourself to feel along the journey is key in letting go and processing your experiences.
- Dare - Helen Keller said, "Life is a daring adventure or nothing." Bravery is required to let go of the familiar and forge ahead to the unknown. Take a deep breath and tap into your brave side.
- Control- The opposite of letting go is control. For many of us, the unwillingness to relinquish control prevents us from moving forward. Interestingly though, by giving up some control, we allow ourselves and those near us to flourish.
- Rejuvenate - Leaving behind our schedules, lives or clutter can renew our energy, increase our focus and move us in new directions. Letting go rejuvenates our spirit and gives us a chance to look at things from a refreshed perspective.
- Dream- Imagine the positive for what our lives, spaces and relationships will be like when we allow ourselves to let go of the things that are holding us back. While none of us can predict the future, filling our thoughts with positive expectations can motivate us to let go.
What helps shift you into a state of readiness?
Compassionate, enthusiastic Professional Organizer, Linda Samuels invites you to visit http://www.ohsoorganized.com
to get your free monthly motivational e-newsletter about organizing and
life balance. Get your bonus "Organizing Tip 101" series upon sign-up.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_SamuelsThursday, April 18, 2013
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