Taxes are never fun. We have to sift through tons of paper to figure out a bunch of numbers while we cross our fingers we don't owe too much in the end. There are a few weeks left this year to get taxes prepared, so let's make it as easy as possible.
1) If you ever were audited, and would need that information to prove something, keep it. During the year, keep these papers filed by vendor. At the end of the year, when you're working on taxes, move the needed papers to your file for the tax year. Chances are you only need the year-end statement or something similar.
2) Try going digital for next year. The IRS accepts digital documents now. If you find it easier to keep track of records in the cloud, in your hard drive or through financial institution's websites, do so. Some sites will even break down your expenditures by type at the end of the year.
3) Get rid of everything else from last year. If you won't need it for tax reasons, ask yourself why you'd ever need it? If you don't have a legitimate reason, recycle or shred the paperwork.
4) If you feel like reading all the details, you can read through the IRS's suggestions on how long to keep different kinds of paperwork.
5) When all else fails, contact a certified tax preparer or accountant!
Accumulation
The other night, I was reading the April 2016 issue of Real Simple Magazine. In each issue, the magazine asks readers to send in comments on a particular topic or answer a specific question. They publish the interesting or poignant answers, and pick one to feature as the 'Subscriber of the Month.' This particular person's answer also showcases a small interview. The other night, I read this:
"What advice do you live by? Live life - don't spend it accumulating things. It's the memories of adventures that will bring you joy. Over the years, we have often laughed and smiled at memories of past experiences. I rarely remember all the stuff we have had and discarded."
The Subscriber of the Month, Joby Dupus, makes an incredibly important point. All too often my clients are struggling with an item. "So-and-so gave this to me. I don't want to hurt their feelings by getting rid of it." Or, "This is from an event I went to. Shouldn't I keep it?" If it's an item that my client wouldn't even consider keeping if it wasn't from this particular person or occasion, I ask one simple question:
The answer is always yes. Never once has someone told me they would forget a person or event by donating or tossing out an item they don't love or use. Never once.
Take this idea, and run with it. Let go of items that are reminding you of memories you'd like to forget. Remember people, places and events with sparse souvenirs and specific collections. Be confident in your own mind. Be confident that allowing open space in your home will allow for more adventures in your life.
"What advice do you live by? Live life - don't spend it accumulating things. It's the memories of adventures that will bring you joy. Over the years, we have often laughed and smiled at memories of past experiences. I rarely remember all the stuff we have had and discarded."
The Subscriber of the Month, Joby Dupus, makes an incredibly important point. All too often my clients are struggling with an item. "So-and-so gave this to me. I don't want to hurt their feelings by getting rid of it." Or, "This is from an event I went to. Shouldn't I keep it?" If it's an item that my client wouldn't even consider keeping if it wasn't from this particular person or occasion, I ask one simple question:
Will you remember that person or event even if you don't have that item?
Take this idea, and run with it. Let go of items that are reminding you of memories you'd like to forget. Remember people, places and events with sparse souvenirs and specific collections. Be confident in your own mind. Be confident that allowing open space in your home will allow for more adventures in your life.
A Closet the Size of Your Room
What does it take to turn an old, unused bedroom into a fabulous walk-in closet? Well, honestly, a little bit of work!A client recently contacted me because she had always wanted a walk-in closet that felt like a boutique. As one child had moved out of the house, she had a spare room to house her sizable wardrobe in one space - for the first time ever! She had already met with a closet designer who had installed a customized system on all four walls of the room. Movable shelves and hanging rods were installed in a variety of sizes and lengths. She had already purchased new hangers and baskets and bins... and then got really overwhelmed. She was merging clothes from three separate rooms into this one space. Some items had been in bins because they were out of season, while others were recently purchased this season and still had tags on them. This is where my team and I stepped in!
As we started to clear her room and simply get things on hangers and out of bins and baskets, we quickly realized that although the room was a large closet by most standards, we would not have room for her entire wardrobe in here... unless, she was willing to get rid of some things. As I explained that we were already running out of space an hour or two into our first appointment, she quickly responded that she better make sure she wants to keep it all. Fantastic! As we sorted out categories, we brought her in to glance at all the pieces in each category. Do you want all these pants? What about these jackets? How many dresses do you want to keep?
She had offered to look through each category and did so with discrimination, but ease as well. After all was said and done, she had 12 garbage bags stuffed in my car ready to donate! With our guidance, she had successfully gotten rid of enough pieces that we could easily fit everything in the room!After each category was purged, we began to hang items in color order in the spaces we had predetermined would make the most sense. At the end of day one, all clothes were hung or folded. What remained were accessories and undergarments. That took one more appointment to put away accordingly.
5 Step Party Prep
Even if we know we're hosting a party, we don't always set aside the proper amount of time to make our space as presentable or comfortable as we imagined we would. So, what can you do in, say, 30 minutes to make your home party-ready?
1) Coats. Remove your family's coats from hooks on the wall or the majority of the coat closet space. Obviously, no need to worry about this in warm weather. But, when it's still chilly out, your family will likely utilize all the space you've got to hang your wares. Take coats to the wearer's bedroom for temporary or permanent storage. Sometimes you'll find something has been hanging out there so long you don't even use it regularly anymore!
2) Bags. Use the same method of bag removal as you did with coats. Check all the bag hiding places - chairs, counters, hooks, closet floors. Take them to the owner's bedroom for party storage.
3) Shoes. Run the shoes to the owner's bedrooms as well. Instead of plopping them onto the floor next to the backpacks and gym bags, take the time to put them away in the closet (assuming shoes are normally kept in the bedroom). You'll find the starting fresh with shoes where they were assigned to live may make dressing easier and your hallways feel bigger.
4) Paper. Gather all the paperwork from all the hiding nooks and crannies all over the house. Mail, receipts, homework. If you've done steps 1) - 3) already, you've got about 15 minutes left until party time. You're not going to tackle all that paperwork now. Or, even tomorrow, probably. Stack it all into one neat pile. If the home desk area will be out of site during the party, take the papers to the desk. If it will be seen, take the papers to an area that will not be seen by guests. Do NOT stash the stack in a bag of any kind and hid it anywhere in the house. You'll never look at it again. Ever.
5) Counters. Last, but not least, clear off counters in kitchens and bathrooms. Make room in the kitchen for snacks and drinks and serving items. Put away clean dishes that were drying; wash and dry anything that can't be put in the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher so you can empty it immediately following the party and load in the dirty dishes. Try to put away anything that's not a large appliance, decorative item or functional item (like a tea kettle on the stove or crock of utensils near the oven). In bathrooms, clear off personal items and stow them in cabinets and drawers. Keep out minimal items: a decorative candle, soap and maybe a toothbrush cup. Wipe down the counters and go get dressed for the party!
1) Coats. Remove your family's coats from hooks on the wall or the majority of the coat closet space. Obviously, no need to worry about this in warm weather. But, when it's still chilly out, your family will likely utilize all the space you've got to hang your wares. Take coats to the wearer's bedroom for temporary or permanent storage. Sometimes you'll find something has been hanging out there so long you don't even use it regularly anymore!2) Bags. Use the same method of bag removal as you did with coats. Check all the bag hiding places - chairs, counters, hooks, closet floors. Take them to the owner's bedroom for party storage.
3) Shoes. Run the shoes to the owner's bedrooms as well. Instead of plopping them onto the floor next to the backpacks and gym bags, take the time to put them away in the closet (assuming shoes are normally kept in the bedroom). You'll find the starting fresh with shoes where they were assigned to live may make dressing easier and your hallways feel bigger.
5) Counters. Last, but not least, clear off counters in kitchens and bathrooms. Make room in the kitchen for snacks and drinks and serving items. Put away clean dishes that were drying; wash and dry anything that can't be put in the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher so you can empty it immediately following the party and load in the dirty dishes. Try to put away anything that's not a large appliance, decorative item or functional item (like a tea kettle on the stove or crock of utensils near the oven). In bathrooms, clear off personal items and stow them in cabinets and drawers. Keep out minimal items: a decorative candle, soap and maybe a toothbrush cup. Wipe down the counters and go get dressed for the party!
Secrets for Staging a Home
It sometimes take a long while to sell your home or find a new one you love. It always seems easier to imagine yourself in a new space when it's clean, sleek and simply decorated. Here are my favorite tips for making your home show-ready:
1) Clear the counters (and fridge door). Removing these small piles makes a huge difference. Kitchen counters should have minimal appliances, fruit bowls and gadgets. Bathroom counters should be limited to soap pump/dish, cup, hand towel and perhaps a decorative item or two, if the bathroom is large enough.
2) Remove the family photos and kid's drawings. It's harder for a stranger to imagine himself living in your home if there are photos of your family and your kid's drawings on the walls. The goal is to have your home look as close to a department store as possible. You know, because someone is shopping around... for a home.
3) Get rid of stacks of paper. Not by stashing it all in a drawer or box in the closet. NOT that. Toss out the trash. Shred the things that have personal info on it, but you no longer need. File the rest. In files. Not a random box on the closet floor.
4) Streamline closets. You don't have to sort and purge the whole thing if you don't have time. Hang clothes on hangers neatly. Color coding or hung by item type is a plus. Linen closets get the same treatment. Fold clothes on shelves or built-in drawers so they are stacked nicely. If you have them readily available, matching hangers are a bonus.
5) Pack up knick-knacks and keepsakes. Keep book shelves as open and uncovered as possible. Pack up items that are personal, but not aesthetically beautiful, with the photos and artwork. If you have an appropriate collection to keep out, do so. If not, pack up collections, as well. Label the boxes and move them to storage area on or off site.
6) Hide those toys. Utilize baskets, bins and storage ottomans to hold toys. If there are items that are not current favorites, pack them up and put in to storage with the knick-knacks. Depending on how long you anticipate your home to be on the market, you may want to pack up more than you think. If it may be awhile, keep some in a bin tucked away to make it easy to bring out between showings, but tuck away before potential buyers stop by.
1) Clear the counters (and fridge door). Removing these small piles makes a huge difference. Kitchen counters should have minimal appliances, fruit bowls and gadgets. Bathroom counters should be limited to soap pump/dish, cup, hand towel and perhaps a decorative item or two, if the bathroom is large enough.2) Remove the family photos and kid's drawings. It's harder for a stranger to imagine himself living in your home if there are photos of your family and your kid's drawings on the walls. The goal is to have your home look as close to a department store as possible. You know, because someone is shopping around... for a home.
4) Streamline closets. You don't have to sort and purge the whole thing if you don't have time. Hang clothes on hangers neatly. Color coding or hung by item type is a plus. Linen closets get the same treatment. Fold clothes on shelves or built-in drawers so they are stacked nicely. If you have them readily available, matching hangers are a bonus.
5) Pack up knick-knacks and keepsakes. Keep book shelves as open and uncovered as possible. Pack up items that are personal, but not aesthetically beautiful, with the photos and artwork. If you have an appropriate collection to keep out, do so. If not, pack up collections, as well. Label the boxes and move them to storage area on or off site.
6) Hide those toys. Utilize baskets, bins and storage ottomans to hold toys. If there are items that are not current favorites, pack them up and put in to storage with the knick-knacks. Depending on how long you anticipate your home to be on the market, you may want to pack up more than you think. If it may be awhile, keep some in a bin tucked away to make it easy to bring out between showings, but tuck away before potential buyers stop by.
Organizing Your Wallet
Almost everyone has a wallet. Almost all of us use it daily. However, we tend not to spend much time at all, if ever, being concerned about how it's organized. Today, we put an end to that!
Here's a picture of my own wallet.
I only carry the essentials. Most store reward cards can be looked up at the register by your phone number or email address, so there's no need to carry those. My wallet holds what I need, any given day, at any register around town.
Let's walk through it pocket by pocket. On the card holding side, there are six pockets. From top to bottom, I have:
Here's a picture of my own wallet.I only carry the essentials. Most store reward cards can be looked up at the register by your phone number or email address, so there's no need to carry those. My wallet holds what I need, any given day, at any register around town.
Let's walk through it pocket by pocket. On the card holding side, there are six pockets. From top to bottom, I have:
- Movies. Two movie theater discount cards and a free pass for a third theater. I never know when a movie will strike!
- Random Places. My voter ID card, my library card and a punch card for an ice cream shop. This pocket alone says a lot about me, I think.
- Reward cards. For store that don't seem to ever have my number in their system. Two clothing stores, an electronics store and a housewares store.
- My health insurance card.
- Driving. My AAA and car insurance cards.
- Money. The two credit cards I use regularly and my debit card.
Flip to the other side. There are two pockets here, one visible, one hidden. In the visible pocket I have my photo ID. Tucked behind that is my Ventra card (for those outside Chicago, this is my pass for riding all public transit in the city). You swipe it across the turnstiles to enter. By having it near the outside of my wallet, I'm able to grab my wallet out of my bag, swipe it, enter the train station with ease and toss it back in my bag. No fumbling around and holding up the line looking for a single card.
In the hidden pocket, I carry any gift cards I may have. Since it's just a month or so past the winter holidays, I have a handful currently. One was emailed to me, so I printed it up and stuck it in there. Otherwise, I know I'd forget I even had it.
The zipper pocket holds any cash I may have on hand, change included.
Not too bulky. Easy to find what I need. Just the essentials. Including the ice cream card.
How I Purged My Own Wardrobe
Lately, I've been feeling less than excited when I get dressed. My clothes seemed utilitarian and plain. I wanted to feel confident in my wardrobe - that it expressed my style while still being comfortable and practical. I needed help.
I called on a few good friends to inspire and assist me in purging my entire wardrobe!
Before they arrived, I sorted through everything I owned. I left items in my closet that I knew I liked and felt fit me well. I already knew I would be keeping those items. The rest I sorted into two large piles on my bed: clothes that I liked, but wasn't sure if they fit properly and items that fit well enough, but didn't really seem like my taste. Now, let me say that a majority of my clothes have come from attending or hosting regular clothes swaps. I ended up with most of these items not because I picked them out and purchased them in a store, but rather because they were in front of me at a party - and free. Though that doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, I will admit I also have some great pieces from swaps that are exactly what I want in my wardrobe and/or items I'd never think to try on in a store, but ended up loving.
When the ladies arrived, and we had finished our dinner, we headed into the bedroom to look at the piles. They immediately sifted through the pile of items I thought fit, but wasn't sure if they worked for my
needs/wants. While they decided what was worth trying on from that pile, I started to try on items from the other pile: items I liked, but didn't know if they fit. As I modeled each item, the girls yayed or nayed each piece. The nos went into a donation bag right away, and the yeses were set aside to be returned to the closet after the fashion show was over.
By the time I was done trying on the entire pile, I started trying on the items my friends had pulled from the stack of 'fits well, unsure of style' pieces. There were some keepers from here ('Why haven't you worn that; it's so cute!') and some goners ('It's a good color, but it hangs funny on you.'). Goners were bagged and keepers set aside with the other yeses.
After all was said and done, I had gotten rid of about half of my wardrobe!
I have so much more room in my closet! My local donation center is getting a pretty good haul. And, getting dressed these last few days has not only been a breeze (less to choose from), but I feel like my wardrobe better expresses any sense of style I have. Though, I'm still working on that...
I called on a few good friends to inspire and assist me in purging my entire wardrobe!
Before they arrived, I sorted through everything I owned. I left items in my closet that I knew I liked and felt fit me well. I already knew I would be keeping those items. The rest I sorted into two large piles on my bed: clothes that I liked, but wasn't sure if they fit properly and items that fit well enough, but didn't really seem like my taste. Now, let me say that a majority of my clothes have come from attending or hosting regular clothes swaps. I ended up with most of these items not because I picked them out and purchased them in a store, but rather because they were in front of me at a party - and free. Though that doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, I will admit I also have some great pieces from swaps that are exactly what I want in my wardrobe and/or items I'd never think to try on in a store, but ended up loving.
When the ladies arrived, and we had finished our dinner, we headed into the bedroom to look at the piles. They immediately sifted through the pile of items I thought fit, but wasn't sure if they worked for my
By the time I was done trying on the entire pile, I started trying on the items my friends had pulled from the stack of 'fits well, unsure of style' pieces. There were some keepers from here ('Why haven't you worn that; it's so cute!') and some goners ('It's a good color, but it hangs funny on you.'). Goners were bagged and keepers set aside with the other yeses.
After all was said and done, I had gotten rid of about half of my wardrobe!
I have so much more room in my closet! My local donation center is getting a pretty good haul. And, getting dressed these last few days has not only been a breeze (less to choose from), but I feel like my wardrobe better expresses any sense of style I have. Though, I'm still working on that...
After Vacation Disorganization
Last night I came home from vacation. Like any other traveler, I had a couple bags, some snacks and plain old stuff coming back home with me. Here's how it all was put back into place by this afternoon:
1) Start with the food. It was a road trip, so snacks and drinks and leftovers walked right into the kitchen. Food immediately gets put away so it won't spoil. Any dirty containers were put into the dishwasher or sink (if they needed to be hand washed). Bags put away or trashed (maybe I overloaded a couple bags and the handles broke!).
Everything else I tackled in the morning because I was beat!
2) Next, my suitcase that had only clothes in it. I took everything out of every last pocket and crevice of my suitcase and sorted into two piles: Clean and dirty. Dirty went into the hamper, of course. The clean I then divvied into two piles: Season and Out of Season. The seasonable items were simply put back from where I pulled them - shelves or hanging in the closet. The out of season items were separated because I needed assistance putting them away. My out of season items are high up in containers, so when I had the time, I pulled a chair into the bedroom and tucked these items back into their proper containers. Clothes done.
3) My everything else bag. As I emptied all the pockets and parts of this bag, I sorted into piles by which room the item were going to be put away in. Vitamins to the kitchen pile; my travel sized beauty products to the bathroom; my computer to my desk, and so on. When the bag was emptied, I stowed it away. I grabbed a pile at a time to deliver to it's room. Once in each room, I put the items back from whence they came. (Starting to see a pattern here?). And, assuming I still had time and energy, I went back to my unpacking base to grab the next pile.
All in all, this probably took about a half hour. Time well spent, considering what a pain it is to step over bags on the floor for an indefinite amount of time. It's so easy to let those bag sit when you're exhausted from travel. But, it's so much better to feel settled and back to reality... Or...... back to planning the next vacation?
1) Start with the food. It was a road trip, so snacks and drinks and leftovers walked right into the kitchen. Food immediately gets put away so it won't spoil. Any dirty containers were put into the dishwasher or sink (if they needed to be hand washed). Bags put away or trashed (maybe I overloaded a couple bags and the handles broke!).
Everything else I tackled in the morning because I was beat!
2) Next, my suitcase that had only clothes in it. I took everything out of every last pocket and crevice of my suitcase and sorted into two piles: Clean and dirty. Dirty went into the hamper, of course. The clean I then divvied into two piles: Season and Out of Season. The seasonable items were simply put back from where I pulled them - shelves or hanging in the closet. The out of season items were separated because I needed assistance putting them away. My out of season items are high up in containers, so when I had the time, I pulled a chair into the bedroom and tucked these items back into their proper containers. Clothes done.
3) My everything else bag. As I emptied all the pockets and parts of this bag, I sorted into piles by which room the item were going to be put away in. Vitamins to the kitchen pile; my travel sized beauty products to the bathroom; my computer to my desk, and so on. When the bag was emptied, I stowed it away. I grabbed a pile at a time to deliver to it's room. Once in each room, I put the items back from whence they came. (Starting to see a pattern here?). And, assuming I still had time and energy, I went back to my unpacking base to grab the next pile.
All in all, this probably took about a half hour. Time well spent, considering what a pain it is to step over bags on the floor for an indefinite amount of time. It's so easy to let those bag sit when you're exhausted from travel. But, it's so much better to feel settled and back to reality... Or...... back to planning the next vacation?
Last Minute Holiday Organizing
We're counting down the hours until Santa fills our stockings with care. But, it feels like there's so much left to do! Here are five things to do right now that will make the next 48 hours go much more smoothly!
1) Set the table. Even if you're not hosting a large crowd, or even a small one, set the table for whatever meal you'll have at home on the holiday - assuming you don't need to use the table until then. This works in homes with both kitchen and dining tables. If you'll need the table, but not the buffet or sideboard, set out what you can. Assign dishes to platters and lay them out to figure out how much room you'll need.
2) Pack your bags. For the week, night or a day trip. If you're still doing laundry and can't fill the bags yet, then make a packing list for items you can stash last minute. Otherwise, make sure you have whatever gifts you'll want to take with you, food items that are ready to go and other sundries (phone charger, camera, etc.).
3) Superficial light cleaning. Now is probably not the time for a deep clean. Start by simply putting things away like backpacks, shoes and toys. Wipe off counter tops, sweep the floor, change hand towels. Light a candle to help dissipate the scent of any cleaners. These are easy, quick things kids can even help with. It will make a great difference.
4) Make any food that you can ahead of time. Desserts and appetizers are your best bet. Certainly, some side dishes can be made a day or two early, as well. Rolls, soups and sauces are great made ahead of time, too. In fact, many recipes will say if it will keep in the fridge or theater.
5) If all else fails, stick a bow on it! No time to wrap presents? That's fine! Stick a bow on it and call it a day. Even though ripping paper off a box may be more fun, at least you won't be wasting your time and the paper when you've got bigger fish to fry.
1) Set the table. Even if you're not hosting a large crowd, or even a small one, set the table for whatever meal you'll have at home on the holiday - assuming you don't need to use the table until then. This works in homes with both kitchen and dining tables. If you'll need the table, but not the buffet or sideboard, set out what you can. Assign dishes to platters and lay them out to figure out how much room you'll need.
2) Pack your bags. For the week, night or a day trip. If you're still doing laundry and can't fill the bags yet, then make a packing list for items you can stash last minute. Otherwise, make sure you have whatever gifts you'll want to take with you, food items that are ready to go and other sundries (phone charger, camera, etc.).
3) Superficial light cleaning. Now is probably not the time for a deep clean. Start by simply putting things away like backpacks, shoes and toys. Wipe off counter tops, sweep the floor, change hand towels. Light a candle to help dissipate the scent of any cleaners. These are easy, quick things kids can even help with. It will make a great difference.
4) Make any food that you can ahead of time. Desserts and appetizers are your best bet. Certainly, some side dishes can be made a day or two early, as well. Rolls, soups and sauces are great made ahead of time, too. In fact, many recipes will say if it will keep in the fridge or theater.
5) If all else fails, stick a bow on it! No time to wrap presents? That's fine! Stick a bow on it and call it a day. Even though ripping paper off a box may be more fun, at least you won't be wasting your time and the paper when you've got bigger fish to fry.
How I Stay Organized
I recently read this great article in the Huffington Post about the habits of organized people. A colleague from Pennsylvania discussed the actions organized people take on a regular basis to keep from sliding into chaos. I thought it might be interesting to see how I measure up.
1) Goal-oriented: Every year I attend a national conference for organizers I come home with pages of notes and ideas. I take the following week to sift through those papers to make a master to-do list. This list becomes my task sheet for the entirety of the next year.
2) Optimistic: Someone else is probably a better judge of my optimism than myself. But, I'd like to think I am. I will say that I've yet to enter a project that I didn't think was doable or manageable. That seems pretty optimistic!
3) Conscientious: Absolutely! I'm entering other's spaces and their comfort is paramount. Outside of work, I think this characteristic carries through. I plan outings with friends regularly and do my best to stay in touch with those closest to me.
4) Not always open to new ideas: A hard thing to admit, but it's true. The article states, "that working in a messier office environment sparks more creative ideas than working in a more orderly space." Maybe that's why when I'm making a craft or wrapping presents or anything slightly creative I do so on the floor!
5) Decision makers: Unless it's which restaurant to eat at, yes. I can make decisions. If something is working, it's working. We can move on to what's next. There's no reason to keep assessing it.
6) Let go of perfectionism: See above. Many people think organizers are perfect - at least in keeping their space. What's perfect is subjective. When I was younger, I went so far as to keep my socks lined in a particular order in my sock drawer. Now, my socks are all tossed in a basket in the closet. It's perfect for what I need.
7) Capture, calendar, contain: So much! Invitations and events immediately go on my calendar. Notes of who to follow up with and when go on my calendar. Files are orderly and properly labeled.
8) Check in with lists: There is a perpetual list on my desk. Even though my office is digital, for whatever reason I prefer a paper to-do list. There's more satisfaction in scratching something off than deleting a line.
9) Have a do-it-now attitude: At times a fault, I have a hard time relaxing if I know there's still something left to do. It can't get much more do-it-now than that.
10) Prepare: I don't forget deadlines (see #7) or events. I plan out menus a week or so ahead of time. If I have an important event coming up, I prep my outfit the evening before. I put out my lunch bag the night before I need to pack a meal and items leaving out the door with me are set by the door the night before.
11) Ask for help: I'm working on this one! Like many of us, I have a hard time asking for assistance sometimes simply because I want to be able to do something myself. But, the busier I get or the more outside my expertise a project becomes, the easier it is for me to reach out to others.
12) Unitask: Hmmm... I'm not terrific at this! I watch a lot of TV while I work at my desk because I like the background noise. But, it does become distracting at times. Every now and then I'll also have a couple tasks going simultaneously on my desk - one of the surface and one on the screen.
13) Know their best work: Sure do! Those are sometimes the projects I post pictures of on social media or this blog. The article says this also includes knowing when you do your best work - the time of day. I know if I don't work out first thing in the morning, chances are I won't exercise that day. My energy just isn't there.
14) De-stress: Of course - I hope we all do! As I just mentioned, I try to exercise regularly. I love yoga and baking, which relax and energize me respectively. Spending time with friends and family can also be relaxing, just as vegging out on the couch can be - all of which I do frequently!
1) Goal-oriented: Every year I attend a national conference for organizers I come home with pages of notes and ideas. I take the following week to sift through those papers to make a master to-do list. This list becomes my task sheet for the entirety of the next year.
2) Optimistic: Someone else is probably a better judge of my optimism than myself. But, I'd like to think I am. I will say that I've yet to enter a project that I didn't think was doable or manageable. That seems pretty optimistic!
3) Conscientious: Absolutely! I'm entering other's spaces and their comfort is paramount. Outside of work, I think this characteristic carries through. I plan outings with friends regularly and do my best to stay in touch with those closest to me.
4) Not always open to new ideas: A hard thing to admit, but it's true. The article states, "that working in a messier office environment sparks more creative ideas than working in a more orderly space." Maybe that's why when I'm making a craft or wrapping presents or anything slightly creative I do so on the floor!
5) Decision makers: Unless it's which restaurant to eat at, yes. I can make decisions. If something is working, it's working. We can move on to what's next. There's no reason to keep assessing it.
6) Let go of perfectionism: See above. Many people think organizers are perfect - at least in keeping their space. What's perfect is subjective. When I was younger, I went so far as to keep my socks lined in a particular order in my sock drawer. Now, my socks are all tossed in a basket in the closet. It's perfect for what I need.
7) Capture, calendar, contain: So much! Invitations and events immediately go on my calendar. Notes of who to follow up with and when go on my calendar. Files are orderly and properly labeled.
8) Check in with lists: There is a perpetual list on my desk. Even though my office is digital, for whatever reason I prefer a paper to-do list. There's more satisfaction in scratching something off than deleting a line.
9) Have a do-it-now attitude: At times a fault, I have a hard time relaxing if I know there's still something left to do. It can't get much more do-it-now than that.
10) Prepare: I don't forget deadlines (see #7) or events. I plan out menus a week or so ahead of time. If I have an important event coming up, I prep my outfit the evening before. I put out my lunch bag the night before I need to pack a meal and items leaving out the door with me are set by the door the night before.
11) Ask for help: I'm working on this one! Like many of us, I have a hard time asking for assistance sometimes simply because I want to be able to do something myself. But, the busier I get or the more outside my expertise a project becomes, the easier it is for me to reach out to others.
12) Unitask: Hmmm... I'm not terrific at this! I watch a lot of TV while I work at my desk because I like the background noise. But, it does become distracting at times. Every now and then I'll also have a couple tasks going simultaneously on my desk - one of the surface and one on the screen.
13) Know their best work: Sure do! Those are sometimes the projects I post pictures of on social media or this blog. The article says this also includes knowing when you do your best work - the time of day. I know if I don't work out first thing in the morning, chances are I won't exercise that day. My energy just isn't there.
14) De-stress: Of course - I hope we all do! As I just mentioned, I try to exercise regularly. I love yoga and baking, which relax and energize me respectively. Spending time with friends and family can also be relaxing, just as vegging out on the couch can be - all of which I do frequently!
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