Author Archive for Carolyn – Page 2

jumbled collection of many dishes on table

Backlog vs Day-to-Day: What’s the declutter difference?

Posted by Carolyn on
 July 17, 2024
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Jumbled collection of dishes waiting to be decluttered.Many people don’t realize there is a declutter difference between backlog and day to day. Not all clutter is created equally. This will help.

The Declutter Dilemma

Touch it once. Deal with it now. Don’t put it down put it away.

These are all great organizing principles. EXCEPT they only apply to day-to-day decluttering.

If you are dealing with a backlog these strategies will have you frustrated, overwhelmed and a victim of decision fatigue in no time. UGH!

There is a declutter difference between the two type of organizing. One, clearing a backlog, is all about managing large amounts of material as quickly. On the other hand, managing paper, clothes, dishes or documents on a day-to-day basis is quite a separate process.

Here are some strategies that will help you manage the declutter difference and get your space organized to feel calmer and back in control.

Declutter the Backlogwhite coffee mug with "begin" sitting on wood grain table. Sometimes just beginning is hard with a backlog to declutter.

You have a large amount of material to be reviewed, sorted, purged and then organized. Welcome to the backlog. Perhaps you are preparing for a house or condo sale, or maybe a move. Or, you simply have decided you need more space and less stuff so it’s time to take action.

  1. Key Decision: The key decision for backlog is Discard or Keep. Make this decision as quickly as possible. Simply decide what is shed vs what is keep.
  2. Make it Easy: If it’s paper you are sorting, have a recycling and shredding bag or box right beside you. Anything to keep is divided into FILE or ACTION.
  3. Next Steps: Once this first sort has been done, you will likely find only 10-25% of the original pile is actually left with ACTION to be taken. Take out the recycling. Set up your shredder or find a local shredding company and pick a time to get the shredding out of the house.
  4. Last Step: Take the necessary action and then FIND A HOME for the items to be kept. If you are moving, that might mean packing. Having decluttered already, you will be packing and moving much less.

Managing  Day-to-DayDesktop with keyboard, book, magazine and a sign that says To Do. If your day-to-day decluttering has to do's of less than 15 minutes, try and do them right away.

The decluttering difference with day-to-day organizing is to make sure the backlog never happens. The trick is to avoid an accumulation of belongings or paper, so that you don’t have to take the time or energy to ever clear the backlog.

  1. Key Decision: The key decision for day-to-day organizing is “What action needs to be taken?”
  2. Make it Easy: If the action to be taken requires less than 15 minutes, try and do it right away. Although this is not always possible, getting into the “do it now” attitude for those quick tasks will keep the clutter at bay. This is where “touch it once” makes sense.
  3. Next Steps: Once the action is taken, the following question is “Where does this need to live?”. Every item needs to have a home where it can be easily stored and retrieved.  Remember, however, once the action is taken, where it needs to live might be the recycling, shredding or garbage.
  4. Last Steps: Put the item in its home. This is where “don’t put it down, put it away” comes in.  You are done.

There is a decluttering difference between clearing a backlog versus maintaining a clutter free home or office on a day-to-day basis. Not all clutter is created equal. A different strategy is needed whether you are clearing the backlog to downsize or managing today’s mail. Have fun and keep going.

 

Declutter Habits Move Organizing Organizing Challenges Productivity
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orange/red full moon over leaves of forest or garden

Summer Solstice and Full Moon

Posted by Carolyn on
 July 8, 2024
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orange/red full moon over leaves of forest or gardenWith both the Summer Solstice and a Full Moon, the last weeks of spring promise renewal. The beginning of summer is a time for Mother Nature to bring rebirth to her garden.Try these three easy tips to help you take advantage of that renewal energy.

Evaluating Before Summer

Tip 1

For some people, the Summer Solstice marks the midpoint of the calendar year. This is an excellent time to reflect on what’s working, what’s not and how far have you come to the goals to which you strive for the year.

For others, the end of June marks the close of a fiscal year end. Evaluating what has worked and what has not for your business will help set you up for success during the next fiscal year.

hands cupped as in a bowl, holding ripe, red strawberries

Setting Intentions

Tip 2

This is a great time to set an intention for your own renewal. What do you bring to this auspicious time of year – the transition from spring into summer? What would you like to accomplish while the weather is warm, the days are long and the garden is plentiful?  For the jam makers and berry lovers, in the northern hemisphere Summer Solstice and the Strawberry Full Moon heralds the ripening of strawberries. For many this reminds them that eating fresh from the garden is often still available via farmers markets and self pick market gardens.

Tracking Intentions

Tip 3

two hands, right hand writing in goal tracking journalTracking your progress on intentions is equally important to setting them. We are often so grateful for a relaxed summer atmosphere that we forget we had intentions for healthier eating, more exercise, increased sales calls – or whatever your mid calendar goals might be. Setting up a weekly tracking system will help you stay on track. Is weekly too often? No. Tracking in small increments makes it easier to keep track and stay on track. It helps to keep your goals top of mind from week to week so that success is more likely. And if things are working to head you in the direction of your goals, it is easier to make a shift, tweak or full pivot to the right direction.

Summer Solstice and the Strawberry full moon provide an excellent opportunity for a check-in, have way through the year. Use these three tips of reflection, setting intentions and tracking progress to get and keep you on track. Make this year your best ever.

Gratitude Habits Mindfully I AM Evolving Coaching Organizing Strategies Planning Productivity
orange sunflowers in blue vase showing calendar to July. show time to plan the second half of 2024

The Power of Process and Outcome Goals

Posted by Carolyn on
 May 15, 2024
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orange sunflowers in blue vase showing calendar to July. show time to plan the second half of 2024. time to evaluate progress on our goalsCreating both process and outcome goals for your business can take energy and time. You will be glad you did and here is why.

Introduction

When it comes to planning for our business, many of us focus on the end result – the outcome we want to achieve; the destination to which we are headed. But what about the journey itself? The steps we take to get there? That’s where process goals come in. In this post, we’ll explore the difference between process and outcome goals, and why both are crucial for a successful plan and achieving success.

Outcome Goals

Outcome goals are the specific, measurable results we want to achieve. They’re the destinations we’re heading towards. Examples of include:

  • Increasing sales by 20% in the next quarter
  • Landing a major client
  • Publishing a book

Outcome goals give us direction and motivation. They help us stay focused on what we want to achieve and give us a sense of accomplishment when we reach them.

Process Goals

woman reading map. process goals are like a map to our outcome goals.

Process goals, on the other hand, are the actions we take to achieve our outcome goals. They’re the steps we need to take to get to our destination. Examples include:

  • Spending 2 hours each day prospecting for new clients
  • Writing 500 words each day to meet a book deadline
  • Implementing a new marketing strategy to increase sales

Process goals help us stay on track and make progress towards our outcome goals. They give us a sense of control and agency, and help us develop new skills and habits.

Why Both are Important

So, why do we need both process and outcome goals? Here are a few reasons:

  1. Outcome goals give us direction, but don’t define the task to get there.
  2. Process goals give us momentum. Without them, we can get stuck in analysis paralysis or procrastination.
  3. Process goals help us take action and make progress.
  4. Process goals help us develop new skills and habits: By focusing on the actions we need to take, we can develop new skills and habits that help us achieve our outcome goals.
  5. Outcome goals can be outside of our control, but process goals are within our control: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we can’t control the result. But we can always control the actions we take to get there.

Conclusionwoman raising arms in success at tope of hill. both the journey and destination are important.

In conclusion, accomplishing our goals and a successful plan requires focussing on both the journey and the destination. Knowing our destination gives us direction and motivation. Enjoying and focussing on the journey helps us take action and make progress. By setting both types of goals, we can stay focused, motivated, and in control of our journey to success. Remember, it’s not just about the destination – it’s about the journey itself.

 

Planning Productivity
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Carolyn Caldwell helming a sailboat to show online courses can get you moving in the right direction.

Who is Carolyn Caldwell?

Posted by Carolyn on
 February 29, 2024
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Carolyn Caldwell at the helm of a sailboatWho is Carolyn Caldwell? It seemed like a simple enough request. In a recent content coaching session. Leigh Fowler, pointed out that I had not introduced myself to my followers in a very long time. If ever.

Hmmmm….well that got me thinking.

I started my organizing business in 2005. This coming July I will celebrate 19 years in business. Much has changed in 19 years with the world around me, in my business and in me. My client base has changed as my business focus as evolved and my skill set has developed.

So here goes – a reintroduction of Carolyn Caldwell.

Who was I before my entry into the organizing industry?

My original career was in healthcare where I trained as a nurse. Then there was a stint working in Bella Coola on the northwest coast of Canada then overseas with CUSO in Kimadan, Papua New Guinea.

Dr. Caldwell and Nurse Caldwell on pathway outside health centre Papua New Guinea.

When Dad (Dr. Caldwell) and Mom came to visit Kimadan, Papua New Guinea.

In PNG I supervised two rural health centres and was responsible for connection with ten outpost first aid stations.

I was 25 years old when I arrived, 27 when I left and aged a few decades while there. It was crazy wonderful and sometimes just plain crazy. Yes, I had malaria, almost got myself deported and learned one of my still favourite Christian songs.

Back in Canada I lucked into a spot at the University of Alberta for a Masters degree in health administration. By the time a graduated I was certain I wanted to complete a Phd. I still am certain,  however, after over 30 years and two careers the subject matter has changed dramatically. My time in health care admin lasted only 8 years before the toils of the 80’s and 90’s in health care in Ontario wore me down.

With two small children, a house, husband and mortgage, the days of travelling the country with all my worldly belongings on my back in a knapsack were over.

How did I get started in the organizing and productivity industry?

About that time my daughter learned to channel surf with our new digital TV box. She landed on Peter Walsh‘s Clean Sweep and I was smitten. I was fascinated with the marriage of organizing as a profession and the psychological issues of being disorganized. While watching every episode I could find, I also came face to face with the reality I was keeping way too many baby clothes and supplies. I was 44; the likelihood of more children was slim. So, I watched and purged. Bags and bags of gear left our house. While auditing a coaching program for a friend, I realized there might be a business venture for me.

Thus, in 2005 Wellrich Organizers was born. I found the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, now the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). I joined the Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). Having been socialized by the health care system that credentialing protects the public, I worked hard to achieve my Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization and my Certified Professional Organizer designations. I subsequently went on to earn my Master Trainer designation with ICD.

Having volunteered in leadership since university, jumping into the volunteer leadership track was a natural step. By 2009 I was a Director on the POC Board of Directors and currently have been honoured to serve as President of the Board of Directors for ICD.

Carolyn Caldwell as Coach

Carolyn Caldwell in skis, helmet and red ski coaching uniform at top of ski hill.

I get the best views at the top of the ski hill.

Before long in, it was clear that coaching was an obvious skill to add to my tool box. I credentialed as a Certified Organizer Coach and subsequently transitioned to a Certified Productivity Coach. The addition of coach training has probably been one of the most influential parts of both my organizing career and training. Coaches learn to support and hold space for their clients. They believe their clients and knowledgeable, competent, resourceful and whole. Stepping back as the expert and holding space for clients completely changed my approach as an organizing professional. As my practice has evolved, I have developed a proprietary coaching model Mindfully, I AM Evolving.

Carolyn Caldwell as Teacher

I taught sailing as a teenager and have taught skiing professionally, as a CSIA member and ACA coach since my children could carry their own skis and ski better than me. It seems only natural to add teaching to my career in the organizing and productivity world. I’ve created courses on marketing, planning and kickstarting a new service-based business. Having made many, many mistakes as an entrepreneur, and invested heavily in my personal development, I realized I could shorten the learning curve for others.

Caldwell Evolution Inc TodayAqua wing over dark blue wave in Caldwell Evolution Inc. logo

The word Evolution came from a mentored coaching session with other coaches seeking recertification. It was perfect. Evolution describes my exact understanding of the decluttering, learning, coaching and getting things done process. I incorporated the business in 2015 and launched the new company in 2016. In 2020 a rebranded to the look, touch, feel you see today. The wing over wave represents the freedom of flying and the nourishment of water. My goal is that clients would achieve that sense of freedom by mastering clutter-free living for a calm and powerfully productive life.

I love the work that I do coaching and teaching. I especially love that I specialized in working with individuals managing chronic disorganization. Most of my clients have been diagnosed with ADHD, regardless of whether they seek my out because they are overwhelmed with clutter, frustrated trying to get stuff done or discouraged at not getting their business up and running.

Watching clients achieve those AH HA moments makes it all worthwhile. When they tell me they are becoming, evolving, to the best version of themselves, the version that THEY want to be, are goosebump moments for me.

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child in yellow and blue rain coat looking a yellow-painted brick wall with scripted writing "believe in yourself"

When Mindset Matters, and What to Do

Posted by Carolyn on
 February 15, 2024
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child in yellow and blue rain coat looking a yellow-painted brick wall with scripted writing "believe in yourself"Our minds are not easy to manage. There are times when mindset matters more than others.

Reality Check

Harsh reality greeted my 5 am routine this morning. One of the boats had dismasted in the southern Atlantic.

I am mesmerized, like thousands of other sailors around the globe, by the progress of the boats in the 2023-2024 Global Solo Challenge. The sailing event is a single handed, non-stop, around-the-world race passing by all three of the major capes: Cape of Good Hope (South Africa), Cape Leeuwin (Australia) and Cape Horn (Chile). A seasoned sailor, I can confirm this event is not for the faint of heart, will or nerve.

In the months since the event started, there have been many breakages of varying severity. Boats have resigned from the race for a variety of reasons and pulled into safe harbour. Other than severe personal injury, or a hole in the hull, the dismasting of a sailboat is probably one of the most severe of potential damages. Without the mast and even a small amount of sail in place, sailboats become unstable in wind and high seas.  A small amount of sail can stabilize the boat, moving it forward to run with the wind.

Back to this morning; news of a dismast was bad enough. Making matters worse, a major weather depression with high winds and seas would arrive within 30 hours at the vessel’s location. The sailor made the extremely difficult and heart wrenching decision to seek assistant for a rescue. The coast guard was alerted, nearby boats were notified; one nearby ship has turned around. Rescue is expected, hopefully before sunset.

view of setting sun over leeward deck of sailing yacht.Why Mindset Matters

I can’t imagine what would be going through the mind of the skipper. Options? Resources? Panic?

Sailing solo requires the ability to think clearly under the most pressing of conditions. Alone, it is essential to maintaining a calm, composed brain that can keep identifying challenges and solutions. Most importantly, you have to believe that the solutions will work or that there even is a solution.

I noticed the similarity between this skipper’s mindset and that of clients and colleagues who were successful in their goals. Most of us don’t fear for our safety in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes however, we can feel quite adrift in the personal or entrepreneurial ocean of challenges.

Managing Our Mindset

Do you believe that things will go well? If they don’t go well, do you believe you can find a solution?

Can you stay positive in the face of challenges? Can you say you will be successful?

These skills, and I do believe they are skills, take time to develop. High performance athletes work with mental performance coaches to train themselves for mental toughness. Mental strength helps them manage through fear and the weight of expectations. A “can do” mindset promotes creativity to find solutions under pressure. Faith in one’s abilities provides confidence when making decisions under pressure.

woman sitting on hill cross-legged looking out over valley in peaceful environmentStrategies for Mental Toughness

You may not have access to a mental performance coach, however, you can still strengthen you mindset to support your goals and dreams. Here are some strategies to try. Use whichever works for you. There is no right or wrong choice.

  1. Practice meditation. Meditation requires mindfulness which promotes awareness. Awareness helps us notice what is working and what isn’t. With this awareness one can focus on doing more of what leads to solutions and less anything else. Meanwhile, the meditation keeps us grounded in the here and now, rather than living in fear of the future or regrets of the past. Meditation can be as simple as a walk in a forest, noticing what is happening now: birds singing, a wind blowing, the colour of the sky.
  2. Write down your goals, both short term and long term. When written, ambitions become tangible and real. A tangible challenge is far easier for which to create a solution than a nebulous, unclear dream.
  3. Break it down. Whenever something is unclear, overwhelming or frustrating, write it down and then break it down. Breaking a task, project or challenging situation into its smaller parts, helps us find a place to start. Keep breaking steps down until you find one that you can accomplish with 100% certainty.
  4. Read books that discuss strategies for success especially around mental toughness and a positive mindset. One of my favourites, and a simple, easy read, is Who Moved My Cheese by Sr. Spencer Johnson. I especially recommend the follow up books Out of the Maze and The Present.

Back to Reality Checkup

With a “can do” mindset and strategies that have a tried and true track record for success, most tough situations can be managed. You will find yourself committed to finding a solution and achieving success. You may also find yourself less stressed and enjoying the challenges of your entrepreneurial, other career or personal life.

Update: The sailor was rescued within 24 hours, before dark and before the storm arrived at his location.

Clarity Mindfully I AM Evolving Coaching Productivity
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Habits: Tripping vs Thriving

Posted by Carolyn on
 February 5, 2024
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woman in brown sweater and scarf sitting on log an looking out over body of waterHabits can sometimes be very helpful. Other times they trip us up and get in the way of accomplishing our goals. In the Mindfully, I AM Evolving coaching program I support clients to recognized both and learn how to use, or modify them.

What is a Habit?

A habit is behaviour we do without thinking. It is an unconscious response to something. Habits are part of a triad identified by behaviour researchers such as Charles Duhigg. Our minds perceive a stimulus which creates a reaction and that in turn creates behaviour which we understand to be the habit. In his book, The Power of Habit, Duhigg identifies the cue, routine, reward loop which represents our habits. Our mind perceives a cue, we respond with a routine reaction and receive the reward that the mind has learned will be produced. A habit is a learned reaction to a cue which results in us receiving a reward.

Tripping Habitsyellow caution tape wrapped around yellow barricade.

Unfortunately, as we all know, not all habits help us get to where we want to go.  Anyone with a sweet tooth knows how hard it is to break the habit of eating the free candy of the hostess desk in a restaurant. For many it’s picking up their smart phone and finding themselves mindlessly scrolling a social platform without even realizing they are using up work, play or study time.

Thriving Habits

On the other hand, some habits help us to reach our goals or to stay safe or become a better version of ourselves. The habit of checking that the door is locked when leaving keeps us safe. Looking left then right then left again before crossing the road keeps us safe.  For members of the Robin Sharma 5 am Club, getting up early helps them move forward in personal and professional development.

Mindfulness, Awareness and Habitswoman raising hands in triumph looking our over lake

The Mindfully, I AM Evolving coaching program is a proprietary coaching program.  The program helps clients self-coach using a four step model. Mindfully, refers to developing awareness. I stands for Intention, identifying who they would be as their best self. The A refers to Attention or where to place their energy, what strategy is required, to become that person. Finally, M stands for Mindset; what do you need to know, understand or believe in order to make that Intention a reality.

When it comes to habit, the first challenge is to identify that a habit exists. Using mindfulness – defined as paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment without judgement – one starts to develop awareness of one’s unconscious actions, behaviours or thoughts. Unconscious actions, behaviours or thoughts are, in fact, habits.

So What? Now What?

That’s great Carolyn but what do I do with all this?

With awareness, we can decide if we like how the habit impacts our life. If you like the outcome, great, do more of it. If you don’t like the outcome, modify, manage or eliminate the habit to get a better result. Awareness allow us to decide what to do. When we don’t even notice we are doing something, its impossible to change it.

To help yourself become more aware of your habits, try an experiment. See if you can develop the awareness to catch yourself using a habit. Reserve judgement, just be aware.

What did you notice?

How does it impact your ability to be successful?

Is it causing you to trip or to thrive?

What would be a better action or what can you do instead?

What will you do next time? How will you catch yourself?

Using these few questions you will develop the mindfulness to catch yourself in a habit which you can then arrange to modify if need be.

 

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person's legs with red running shoes lying on white hammock

Delay and Procrastination: Same or Different?

Posted by Carolyn on
 January 31, 2024
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How does one determine whether not doing something is delay and procrastination?

Procrastination is a one of the most common complaints and issues for all my clients whether they are seeking my support for decluttering, down sizing, business or life coaching. Curiously it all looks the same and the concerns are expressed the same way.

“Why do I keep procrastinating when I know I should be doing this (filling the blank with desired goal to accomplish)? Why can’t I just do it?”

Delay vs Procrastination: The Differencewhite balance scale with apples on one weigh plate.

Timothy Pychyl is one of my favourite resources on procrastination. His book Solving the Procrastination Puzzle has been a great resource and provided extremely helpful information.

Pychyl defines procrastination as “needless voluntary delay”. In other words an individual is choosing to delay action on an item, unnecessarily. He points out that other delay may be caused by factors outside of our control, resulting in a frustrating delay. For example we may need to wait for a supply back order to be available before starting on that fabulous DIY project. A delay may be caused by a shift in priorities. Instead of working on the project the weekend the supplies are available, you time is redirected to caring for a sick child. Balancing and juggling priorities is a day to day challenge for most people.

According to Pychyl all procrastination is delay but not all delay is procrastination. Some delay is waiting on another thing to be completed. Delay could activities out of our control.

Someday I Will Syndrome

Then there is the someday syndrome. Goals we have are unspecific. It is hard to accomplish something that is vague. When there isn’t an clear outcome, date and deliverable in place, often there is a lack of accomplishment that goes with the vagueness.

Solutionscalendar open to days of week with blue and orange market sitting on top.

Here are four key solutions that may helping with your delay and something thinking:

  • Write it down. Whatever it is you want to accomplish, get it writing down to make it real and tangible.
  • Break it down. Large vague project are really hard to move forward on. Make the project or item smaller and smaller into pieces and until you are guaranteed to e successful.
  • Schedule the action or project. Most likely unless it is a very small project, you will be scheduling pieces of activity that lead to completion.

Conquer Procrastination Cheat Sheet cover

 

 

For more help with procrastination strategies, pick up a free copy of the Conquer Procrastination Cheat Sheet.

 

Mindfully I AM Evolving Coaching Organizing Challenges Organizing Time Productivity
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red sand draining through clear hour glass

We Manage Tasks, Not Time

Posted by Carolyn on
 January 25, 2024
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hands holding up analogue clock with red face and white numbersTime management is likely the number two complaint of my clients, right behind clutter. The reality is, we don’t manage time we manage tasks and ourselves.

Time Explained

We all have exactly the same amount of time. Time ticks by at exactly the same speed for everyone. Each second, minute, hour and day goes past the same for both you and I. While it might seem like some days fly by, time ticks along at the same pace regardless of our age, stage or needs.

The Uber Productive

So how is it then that some people just seem to manage time so much better than the rest of us? They get stuff done, accomplish goals and they seem unstoppable.

The answer is that these people have learned to manage tasks really, really well.

Manage Tasks, Not TimeManage tasks woman in black juggling blue balls

Do yourself a favour; stop trying to manage time. Time is out of your control and can’t be managed. Tasks can be managed and that you mostly have control over. Try these tips to get you jump started on managing your tasks. Then sit back and enjoy your accomplishments and goals become reality.

  1. Write down all the things you think you should be doing. Writing things down makes them tangible and more realistic. Always start the task with a verb when you write them down. The verb tells your brain that action is required and what action to take.
  2. Next, identify the top 3 items that will move your goals forward faster than anything else.
  3. Create a task list for your day with only these three items on the list, listed by priority. Not sure what priority to place them in? Ask yourself, if only one task was accomplished today, which one does it have to be to move your life, business, career, family or project forward?
  4. Book the first task into your day. If there isn’t time booked, the day will eventually slip away without those most important tasks getting accomplished.
  5. If the task doesn’t fit, break it down. Make sure each part of the task is small enough that you are guaranteed to be successful with the time that you have.
  6. Keep working on the task until it is finished. Have to move on to another commitment? Take that unfinished task and put it top of your list for tomorrow, before any other task gets on your to do list for tomorrow.

Use these to help you manage your tasks. Meanwhile, look like a pro at time management.

Organizing Challenges Organizing Strategies Organizing Time Productivity
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view of setting sun over leeward deck of sailing yacht.

Take a Break

Posted by Carolyn on
 January 18, 2024
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Sail boat in choppy waters facing sunsetWhen Life throws us rough waters, we may need to step away or take a break from our business for a short time. An annual plan can support you to get back on course faster and easier.

Life’s Hiccups

They say that Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.

It might be events over which you have no control. Or the consequences of something you did or decided days, weeks or months ago.

Maybe you aren’t getting the business results you had hoped for and you don’t know why.

Perhaps the weather has you down or a relationship or loved one needs your attention.

Or, as I sometimes say, “The moon may simply be sitting on the wrong side of the sky today”.

Regardless of the reason, when Life turns calm waters to rough, we have to respond.

Take a Breaktwo stones in sand with curves in sand around them

Stepping away or stepping back may be the best solution. Rough waters may mean a timing change or detour from your plan. If the original plan didn’t work out, stepping back to reassess can provide insight.

When an expected result shows up, slowing things down to check your assumptions can lead to a better decision and better result the next time.

If and when you are tired, anxious or find yourself not eating or sleeping well, taking a step back may provide your body and mind a rest it needs. Taking a short break gives you time to refresh. You will return able to make better decisions and more resilient to challenges.

Have a Plan

When you have an annual plan, coming back after a short break goes smoother. Recovery is faster.

When the seas get rough, don’t change the goal, change the strategy.

A good annual plan has a four steps to help you step out of your comfort zone, step up to the work, step in to the tasks and step through the inevitable challenges.

Ship's compass with calm waters to get back on course.Step one is a compelling vision that keeps you focussed and reminds you of why you are pursuing goals in the first place. Next the plan needs a break down of the year to show where the revenue opportunities sit and where the expense obligations lie. Step three is a set of detailed process and outcome goals by quarter and month to identify what work needs to be done and when. Final step is a set of tools to which you can resort when the procrastination, perfectionist, and fear of failure – or success – gremlins show up.

With this four step plan in place returning from a break will keep you focussed on your compelling vision and why it is important. The goals don’t change; the timing may need to be adjusted. It’s easier to get back on course even if a detour or delay was necessary.

Taking a break is sometimes the smartest solution when life churns the seas and unexpected challenges show up. With a solid plan getting back on track is faster and easier.

Clarity Mindfully I AM Evolving Coaching Organizing Challenges Planning Productivity
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green journal book, key board rose and computer mouse on white desk top

4 Steps to Planning a Prosperous Year

Posted by Carolyn on
 January 7, 2024
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green journal book, key board rose and computer mouse on white desk topSetting up for a prosperous year can be an exciting task. You are at the beginning of another new year and planning is on the brain. Setting up New Year’s resolutions? Have a project you want to accomplish? Is there a particular goal that you are committed to? Or, like my mentoring clients, are you setting up a plan for your business for the coming year?

Ensuring yours is a prosperous year, takes time and a process. Here is a 4-step process from my Planning for Prosperity course that will help you accomplish your goals and projects.

1. Step Out – Of Your Comfort Zone

A prosperous year starts with a compelling vision. A compelling vision keeps you motivated when the going gets tough. It keeps the taste and benefits of success front and centre while you are working through the hard parts of a project or the ups and downs of reaching a goal.  Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does your project take you out of your comfort zone?
  • What would be the benefit to you of completing the project, task or goals for your year?
  • What will you be able to do when your goal is accomplished?

2. Step Up – To What You have to Do and Whom You must Becomeperson's feet in black running shoes taking step on stairs

For a prosperous year to materialize, we have to be really clear what we have to do and when to do it. In this step, identify exactly when in the year the project or goal activity will take place. Clarify the months, weeks and portion of any day where the activity for this goal or project will take place. This helps you understand what is realistic and what is a “pie in the sky” dream.

Frequently, this is a big “Ah ha” moment for my clients. At this point they realize their income goal is realistic when they can only work billable hours during 42 weeks of the year.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Where in your calendar will this happen.
  • How much of each day will I have to earn income, go to the gym or work on my book?
  • How many days a year?
  • How many weeks a year?
  • How many clients are required to earn the income in your goal?

3. Step In – To Identify the Work to be Donecalendar open to days of week with blue and orange market sitting on top.

This step identifies the real clarity of work to be done for your prosperous year. Regardless of your goal or project, what are the milestone accomplishments that you will target? I am a strong advocate for the 12 Week Year by Brian F. Moran and Michael Lemmington. Breaking the goals or project into check in points helps you to see your progress. It also reminds us that each goals or project is best accomplished when broken into steps.

If working on an annual goal, break the year into four, 12 week or 84 day sprints with a 13th week to evaluate your progress and set the next 12 week goals. To help with Step 3, ask yourself these questions:

  • How will I know when the goal or project is accomplished and when?
  • What does one quarter look like?
  • What does one half look like?
  • What does three quarters look like?
  • What metrics will I use to track my progress?

4. Step Through – The Challenges that Hamper Successwoman raising arms in success at tope of hill

A prosperous year is not without its challenges. It’s not a question of IF procrastination, perfectionism, and fear will show up but WHEN. Life will show up and through unpredictable barriers in our way. Having a toolbox of tips and tricks that you KNOW will work for you, will strengthen you ability to accomplish your goals and see your project through to completion.

Ask yourself these questions to help you Step Through life’s challenges:

  • What works for me when fear of failure shows up?
  • Is my vision or image of success compelling enough to keep me motivated?
  • How will I handle criticism from people who don’t share my goals, ambitions, dreams or even understand how important my project is?
  • Is perfectionism standing in my way of success?
  • Can I actually get this goal or project done? Are the pieces or steps small enough?

How you define your prosperous year is up to you. These four steps will help you get and stay motivated, get clarity on the work to be done, what needs to be done and who you have to become to do it. Finally, give yourself some tips and tricks and strategies for when those curve balls get thrown our way.

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