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!
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.
After Marla and Kate experienced their first international trip ever and were overwhelmed with too much stuff they wrote about Traveling with Less. Since then they’ve research and practiced even more to get this business of traveling lightly conquered. And wouldn’t you know it, they usually end up having all they need.
Here are their Top 3 Tips…
1. Spend the time & money to complete a toiletry kit that is carry-on approved.
Kate’s Toiletry Kit
2. Plan out clothing options that are easy to mix-n-match. Less pieces, more combinations.
3. Let go of the “just in case” items. This extra 10% is what makes it too much.
We are constantly trying new things out and looking for better solutions. We would love to hear what you’ve learned or come up with to make your trips simple and joyful. Please share with us!
What does organization have to do with relationships you might ask?
Why is it that “Mr. Organized” partners with “Ms. Chaos”? Think about how often you are at odds with someone in your life because of organization issues:
Not being able to find what your boss is looking for.
Arguing with your child about the way their room looks.
Being accused of throwing important things away.
Always being asked where something is.
As professional organizers we constantly witness the stress in our clients relationships over organization styles and decisions. Too often those with the ability to organize do not understand when others cannot maintain their environment. Those that are organized need to keep in mind that our research shows only 10 – 15% of the population is naturally organized. Hence, the need to be able to communicate and get help when lack of organization gets in the way.
This barrier between those who naturally know how to organize and the other 90% who don’t is why our main focus is teaching people how. The foundation for any organizing project or communication is three simple steps outlined below.
SEE IT – take a look at where you’ve been
Begin by taking a realistic look at where a lack of organization is impacting your life and relationships. Choose just one area or issue. What’s working, what’s not and why? Keep it simple. Then look at it from both sides and try to see what is at the heart of the conflict. Often our relationships serve as mirrors to look at ourselves. Once you have clarity, why not share your truth with this person or persons and then ask for them to share.
MAP IT – make a plan for where you want to go
Now that you have each shared your truth, each person can create a simple vision for what needs to change. Try asking – what is the single most important change that needs to happen? What is one action you can take? Let this be enough. It is imperative to the relationship that each person has a chance to share their vision and what is important to them.
DO IT – take the actions to make it happen
How you choose to implement your changes or DO IT will be very specific to the relationship. Some may come up with a way to do it together, while others might call in outside help, and still others will compromise on different levels.
Some examples of this are:
A family sets up a system for incoming mail and an active paper system together.
A mother and child call it fun time, put on music, and make a game of putting everything back in its’ home.
A couple decides to hire a professional organizer because they would rather enjoy their time together hiking or taking dance lessons.
A boss and assistant set up a weekly 1 hour focused time to go through all the lists and questions.
Two friends or buddies get excited about helping each other one weekend a month with the clutter areas – We all have them you know.
Organizing The Clear & SIMPLE Way is easy and fun!
When your piles become big problems
and you feel yourself get stuck
in the mire of decisions
’cause your systems run amuck
and the clutter grows around you
till there’s no place left to sit
you need a simple system
that will help you bit by bit
SEE IT, MAP IT, DO IT
STACKS will get you through it
These are clear & simple rules
that are priceless little jewels
SEE IT, MAP IT, DO IT
STACKS will get you through it
on the road you soon will be
to freedom, order, clarity
Poem by Kris Pond Burtis 2004, All rights reserved
Get the step by step C&S SYSTEMS Card by clicking here
In this short and sweet video Marla Dee takes you on a visual journey and teaches the Clear & SIMPLE Systems. Let her you teach the skill of organizing. Most people are not born with the “organizing gene” so they need to learn how. The systems teach you where to start, what to do and how to keep it up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfBF5n5kTQA&t=3s
Let Marla bring the Clear & Simple Systems to life for you!
