by CS Team
Write down the 3 MOST IMPORTANT to do’s – and let that be enough…
We measure our life energy, our being and our doing by measuring time. We all have the same “24 hours” in each day. How is it that some people are naturally able to be more present and accomplish what is most important while others struggle?
Using the Clear & SIMPLE System of SEE IT, MAP IT, DO IT, we can show you how to make time tangible and manageable! Here is DO IT, the our last of three blogs helping you get things done and bringing joy back in your day. Check out SEE IT and MAP IT.
DO IT – Now we come to the DO IT Step which can feel overwhelming. How can I possibly fit everything into my day, much less make it simple?
Start by taking only 5 minutes at the start and end of each day to ask what are the 3 MOST IMPORTANT TASKS for your personal and work life – the ones that only you can do? Then write them done in a simple notebook, on a yellow pad, in your smart phone notebook or app (try Wunderlist), on a 3×5 card or even a post it note. At the end of the day, look back and celebrate getting those 3 things done! Or you will get to notice how you got distracted so you can practice again the next day.
This simple practice will help you discriminate what needs really needs your attention today. Along with the sense of accomplishment for getting done what matters most to YOU!
Joyfully getting things done!
Marla, Kate & Team
SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT. © and S.T.A.C.K.S. © are property of Clear & Simple, LLC. All Rights Reserved
by CS Team
Plan your week by your ROLES rather than massive lists.
We measure our life energy, our being and our doing by measuring time. We all have the same “24 hours” in each day. How is it that some people are naturally able to be more present and accomplish what is most important while others struggle?
Using the Clear & SIMPLE System of SEE IT, MAP IT, DO IT, we can show you how to make time tangible and manageable! This blog focuses on the MAP IT step for time – check out the SEE IT and DO IT steps.
MAP IT – Most of us avoid planning our day, week or year because it feels overwhelming even thinking about all we have to do. We have a simpler approach that our clients find easy and joyful to do. We suggest you try this out for planning out your week.
Make a simple list of the ROLES you have first –
- Self Care
- Partner
- Parent
- Home Care
- Work
- Family & Friends
- Community
Then ask what do I need/want to do this week for this role? It is much easier for your brain to sort the to do’s according to the roles you play in your daily life. Remember the MAP (Make A Plan) IT step makes a difference. The mere act of writing something down allows your brain to release and let go of holding that information.
One of our favorite Day Planners that is already set up with seven columns for your roles and the days of the week is Planner Pad. Their brilliant format allows you to funnel your to-do list from general to specific, all within your calendar week! Or just use a spiral notebook or yellow pad – the point is write it down.
Planner Pad even offers digital apps for all of your devices! Check out their website for a video on how it works.
However you map your time, make sure it works for YOU!
Marla, Kate & Team
SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT. © and S.T.A.C.K.S. © are property of Clear & Simple, LLC. All Rights Reserved
by CS Team
Time is a treasured resource, but so elusive. Here is a tool to help you touch time!
We measure our life energy, our being and our doing by measuring time. We all have the same “24 hours” in each day. How is it that some people are naturally able to be more present and accomplish what is most important while others struggle?
Using the Clear & SIMPLE System of SEE IT, MAP IT, DO IT, we can show you how to make time tangible and manageable! In this blog, and the two following – MAP IT & DO IT, we will share our favorite tips and tools with you.
SEE IT- Having a clock is not enough. How do I touch time? How do I make time tangible – physical? Start with a great tool for SEEING the task in front of you. Our favorite is the Time Timer. Using the grounding color of red, you can actually SEE how much time you have left to dedicate to that project! The color red goes directly to your body (think red stop sign). Rather than using your left brain to calculate, you just know and immediately adjust your action.
Great for all ages. Kids can use this for play time, homework time, or projects. It even comes in a watch form that helps people with ADD or ADHD. Adults can use this tool in their personal life for everything from cooking, gardening, computer time, phone calls, family time and projects. In the work life, this tool is invaluable for meetings, projects and time sensitive activities.
The Time Timer also comes in an app, wall clock, watch and now with bright color holders. You simply must check out their website and try this tool. Our clients tell us constantly that they can’t live without it now and neither can we.
Marla, Kate & Team
SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT. © and S.T.A.C.K.S. © are property of Clear & Simple, LLC. All Rights Reserved
by CS Team
Letting go is never easy, but it can be easier. Read our 3 simple steps below…
As professional organizers we regularly witness the immense pain, struggle and hopelessness that comes from having too much stuff and not knowing what to do with it. As human beings we’ve also experienced these emotions ourselves. As a society we’ve learned to value things “because they belonged to grandma”, “they’ll be worth something one day”, “because we might need them in the future”, and so on.
Our beliefs are now shifting because we are overwhelmed with too much stuff. We no longer believe that anything is worth keeping if it causes us stress, depletes our energy or keeps us from living a good life. We deserve to wake up each day free of stress, smile with a grateful heart for the day ahead, a day filled with what matters most.
To get to this point takes practice and shedding layers upon layers; choosing into gratitude; releasing possessions, commitments and energy that no longer serve us; deciding that we really are the masters of our lives and our destinies.
If you are ready to begin this process, we invite you to read The ART of Letting Go by our own Marla Dee.
“This treasure of an ebook will give you inspiration and steps to clear the clutter that is dragging you down and keeping you stuck.” – Marla Dee
Excerpt:
Let’s explore the ART of Letting Go
Because the nature of clutter is heavy and dense, I wanted to simplify the process into three meaningful steps. I want you to hear that there are three stages we go through over and over again. Acknowledging that these three steps are the natural way will make the letting go easier. We will use the word ART to guide you through:
~ Acceptance ~ Release ~ Trust
ACCEPTANCE
All of our clutter tells a story and everyone has their own form of it in some area of their life. Accepting this fact is the beginning. Accepting that your environment is simply a reflection of your life up until now, a reflection of what has happened to you and what is going on inside you is vital. There does not need to be shame or blame in looking at this picture. That would only keep you in the role of a victim. In order to step into the power of change and growth you must be willing to open your eyes and look at it.
There is no purpose or healthy payoff in focusing on the clutter itself, on staying locked up in guilt – not for you or for others. However, there is great power in becoming accountable for the fact that you are the creator of your life and of your environment. Your old things, your old patterns, your old relationships reflect who you have been and what you have built or what you have avoided – it is YOUR PAST!
Download your FREE copy now to continue reading.
“I honor your willingness to reach out and seek help so you can let go of the clutter at last. As a Professional Organizer for many years, I have witnessed tremendous courage from my clients in their willingness to get real with the story their clutter tells; to let go of the past and welcome a new change. Letting go is never easy, but it can be made easier.” – Marla Dee
Your life is waiting for you,
Marla, Kate and Team
by Marla Dee
We take trips for family, for work, for community service. Isn’t it time to claim a trip just for you?
What if you could take any trip you wanted this summer? Where would you go? What would you do? Would you be with your intimate partner, with your kids, with a best friend? How about taking time with the most important person of all – how about a trip just to be with yourself?
In asking this question, I realized that I hadn’t taken my much needed solo retreat in years! Yikes, I used to do this every year. I would take 3-5 days away from my world of responsibilities and explore what was happening inside myself. I remember my first trip to see the Redwoods, when I found the red rock wonders of Capital Reef, and my many journeys to my homeland of Montana. This sacred time would always –
- Clear my body and my brain of the clutter
- Light a creative fire igniting new ideas
- Restore my being and bring me back to life
- Remind me how precious just being alive is
- Reconnect me with nature which is my source
So what happened? (more…)
