UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Stay Organized While Busy
Being busy seems to be our normal state these days. With all of the busyness, it’s easy to lose focus and become disorganized. How do you stay organized in all of the chaos? These nine tips can help you regain control of your super busy life.
1 – Develop a Morning and Evening Routine
Start small habits such as putting your keys and wallet or purse in the same place each evening ensure you find them if you rush out the door the following day.
2 – Use Lists
Whether you use an app on your phone or a simple notebook, use lists to collect everything you need to do or buy. Make your grocery list, add those tasks that never seem to get done, and break down large projects into smaller tasks without relying on your memory.
3 – Use a “One-Minute” Rule
Look at your tasks. Is there anything you can complete in one minute? Then do it now. Don’t wait. If you let them pile up, you may feel overwhelmed. For example, rinse off your plate and put it in the dishwasher before leaving the kitchen after a meal. Doing the small things now will make life less hectic later.
4 – Use Your Calendar
Like making a to-do list, using a calendar frees your mind to stay focused on tasks. You know where you need to be on a specific day with one glance. You won’t run the risk of overbooking yourself and causing more frustration.
5 – Do the Hardest Tasks First
By doing the one thing you dread doing first, you will feel accomplished. You can then get other things done with greater ease, knowing the hard part is complete. You will also feel fulfilled.
6 – Solo-Task
Many of us think that multi-tasking is the way to go. You can get much done, or so you think. You will get more completed in less time and with less effort when you focus on one task at a time.
7 – Meal Plan
When you are too busy to cook because you didn’t get to the store, you will eat unhealthy foods. Take 3-5 minutes and jot down your favorite meals that are quick to fix. Then add the ingredients to your grocery list, and be sure to buy them. Meal planning will save you time and energy—and your waistband.
8 – Lay Your Clothes Out the Night Before
When you are in a rush in the morning, you will be glad that you set out your clothes. It’s one less thing to do before rushing out the door. It also ensures you can find a favorite blouse and mend any buttons.
9 – Create a Launchpad
Look for a place near your front door to place all of those things you need for the next day. For instance, put your purse, briefcase, library books, or items for other errands in one location. This gives you a centralized location that keeps you from running around the house to bring everything together.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Look for a place to be your Launchpad. Use it to put those items you need the next day. Practice this every day for a week and discover the time you save.
2 – Decide how you want to take notes. Grab the notebook or pull up a note screen on your phone’s app and use it.
3 – Use your calendar starting today. Put all of your appointments in it and refer back to it daily, consulting it before committing to an event.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
