Author Archive for Carolyn – Page 6

scrabble pieces spell order and chaos

Mastering Clutter-Free Living: Step 1 – Achieve Clarity

Posted by Carolyn on
 March 9, 2022
  ·  No Comments

Following up last week’s blog post on Mastering Clutter-Free Living, today we are going to look a little deeper at how to achieve clarity.  You may be thinking “what does it mean to be clear on clutter-free?” or “why do I need clarity to just get rid of stuff?”

What does it mean to Achieve Clarity?

orderly clothes closet

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Getting rid of stuff and staying clutter-free can be a real challenge for some people.  For those affected by chronic disorganization, getting rid of stuff can be a huge block to moving forward with the personal or professional goals. Achieving clarity includes identifying what you want to do and why you want to do it.

  • What it is exactly you mean by clutter-free? For some people this is an almost empty closet with homogenous hangers.  Others are happy if the closet has nothing on the floor.  Some people would feel they had a clutter-free home if they are able to open the closet door because the floor around the closet is finally clear. Get a clear picture in your mind. Get committed to the outcome you want. This will be helpful when you are trying to figure out what to do next.
  • Why is being clutter-free important to you?  Why now?  What could you do if you could achieve this goal? Getting clear on your why will help when the going is tougher.  When you are faced with your favourite sweater that is now 2 sized too big, remember you wanted a clutter-free closet to make room for the new clothes.

Why is Achieving Clarity important?

woman looking at map

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  1. With clarity creating a strategy is easy. Get clear on your goals and what you want to achieve so you can create a pathway for yourself.  When you have a clear destination in mind, finding the map to get there is easy.  It is very hard to find a pathway to someone when you don’t know where or what that somewhere is.
  2. Achieving clarity also sets intention and helps you develop a “can do” mindset. When you have a clear vision of what you want the outcome of decluttering, or a lifestyle of clutter-free living, to look like, you are telling your brain to head in the direction of that outcome.  You are setting the intention for yourself to make that outcome a reality. Give your brain the direction and cheerleading it needs to believe you can accomplish clutter-free living. You can.
  3. Clarity will keep you stay focussed. When other obligations and distractions start to get in the way, being clear on the lifestyle and outcome you want for your clutter-free living will help you stay on task and on track. Having a really clear pathway increase the chances you will succeed.
Clarity Organizing Challenges Organizing Strategies

3 Steps to Mastering Clutter-Free Living

Posted by Carolyn on
 March 2, 2022
  ·  1 Comment

3 Steps to Mastering Clutter-Free Living

In my experience, there are only 3 steps to mastering clutter-free living.  With the consistent application of these three steps, applied to any decluttering project on a regular basis, clutter-free living can easily be achieved.

During March I will explore all three of these steps in more detail.  I’ll give you an understanding of how easy they can be attained and tips to apply right away.

Clutter-Free Living, A Modern Issue

books

Dear Books, What am I going to do with you…?

Mastering clutter-free living is the subject of much literature.  A quick scan at the local newspaper stand, revealed multiple publications with the words declutter, clutter free or organizer on the title page.  With the Covid 19 pandemic keeping many of us very close to home the last two years, we have become even more aware of the clutter and many have become more bothered by it.

Sure, you can spend the weekend decluttering the garage, the family room or your home office.  But then what happens the next week? Does the office become cluttered and full of papers yet again?

Step 1: Achieve ClarityLooking for focus and productivity?

If you want to know how to get somewhere, you have to know where you are going.  Get really clear on what you want to achieve with your clutter-free project.  This is probably the most important step of the three. Here are some tips to help:

  • Get clear with yourself on what you mean by declutter. What are your expectations of yourself? An empty closet or just nothing on the floor? Not everyone has the same understanding.
  • Create a picture in your mind of the decluttered space. Have a vision for what you actually want to achieve.  What does your decluttered kitchen look like?
  • Find some pictures (digital to avoid more paper clutter) of what you want your clutter-free space to look like.

Step 2. Create a Strategy

Coaching can support productivity

Coaching can support get clear on priorities, goals and increasing productivity.

With a clear vision of where you want to end up, finding a path is much easier.  Keep that vision in mind and identify the steps you need to get there. Make a plan. It does not have to be complicated.

  • Break your project into bite size pieces that you can manage in the time you have available. Is this something that you can only give a few hours? Pick a series of decluttering tasks that will fit into that time frame and end with the vision you have in mind. Here are some 10 minute ideas.
  • Think of clutter-free living as a process and include in your project daily tasks that will keep the area/room or space clutter-free moving forward.
  • Keep the plan simple. Think, one step at a time e.g one box, one drawer, one closet.

Step 3. Take Action

Figure out the first step to take that will start you toward you vision.  Is it a box to empty a table to clear or a cupboard to sort.  Do you need to start just with one drawer in the kitchen in the 30 minutes you have available.  Find the first step.

Here’s the thing about taking action, it creates energy.  Once you start on your path, you will find it easier to keep going.  Once you have achieve a little success, even one old box worth, you can celebrate the achievement and use that energy to get to the next box.  Or the next drawer.

Clarity, strategy and action, together, form a simple 3 step process for mastering clutter-free living.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.  The simpler the better.

Organizing Strategies
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Gratitude: November Book Reviews

Posted by Carolyn on
 November 1, 2021
  ·  No Comments

Nov. 8, 2020

The Gratitude Diaries, Janice Kaplan

2015, Dutton

Kaplan wrote her “year in the life” account after a particularly miserable New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, experience that left her questioning her attitude towards life. Her resolution to be more grateful for life expanded to a year of practice, experiment and research on the value and impact of gratitude.

I enjoyed this book so much that I bought a copy, after originally listening to an audio version, and I look forward to reading it again. Kaplan is a journalist by training and trade and brings her journalism skills to her work. She has divided the book into four seasons and attached aspects  of our lives, for which we can be grateful, to each season. Winter includes the impact of gratitude on Marriage, Love and Family. Spring is Money, Career and The Stuff We Own. Summer includes Gratitude and Health and, finally, Autumn is Coping, Caring and Connecting.

As a journalist, Kaplan brings a commitment to research to her book. This was, in fact, the reason I ended up buying a copy. Given my work, I was particularly interested in the impact of gratitude on The Stuff We Own. Kaplan appears to have a fascinating, never-ending resource of friends, colleagues and professional connections that contribute to her research on the impact of gratitude. If for no other reason, the richness these interviews bring to Kaplan’s story makes it  worthy of the read.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book.  It’s uplifting, informative and fun. It’s not hard to read. And, by the way, it’s equally easy to listen to in the audio version.

Nov. 15, 2020

The Gratitude Prescription, Will Pye

2019, Reveal Press

Pye’s autobiography outlines his use of gratitude to manage the symptoms, side effects and treatment of a brain tumour. He calls his unique approach “radical gratitude,” or thankfulness and appreciation for everything, without preference. Using radical gratitude, the author was able to overcome the symptoms, fears and concerns associated with his brain tumour. 

I found this book difficult to read. It did not hold my attention very well as I found that his stories rambled.  I also found myself forming opinions contrary to Pye’s, which made the book difficult to finish. While his style did not engage my interest, the book still provides a good resource for meditation, affirmations and gratitude exercises.

Nov. 23, 2020

A Simple Act of Gratitude, John Kralik

2011, Hachette Books

Originally published as 365 Thank Yous, Kralik’s book is the story of a year in which he committed to writing a daily personal thank you note. He made this commitment on New Year’s Day, while walking in the mountains above his town of Pasadena. After experiencing a particularly dismal previous year, and feeling significant despondence (enough that a dear friend was checking up on him), Kralik remembered that his grandfather had been devoted to writing thank you notes. He also remembered that he had never followed up on a particular commitment that his grandfather had asked of him, to write a thank you for a coin he had received. Thinking that it was one thing over which he had control, while the rest of his life felt out of control, Kralik committed to writing a letter every day of the year.

This was a wonderful story and a thoroughly enjoyable read.  

I highly recommend this book. It is interesting, entertaining, and easy to read. I blasted through it, completely curious to find out how he ever managed to become a judge when his life, including his law career, appeared to be in ruins. Along the way, as I followed his journey, I was reminded of the power of the Thank You and intrigued by the even greater power of a written Thank You.

Nov. 29, 2020

Thanks a Thousand, A.J. Jacombs

2018, Simon & Schuster, (TEDBooks)

Who knew that a commitment to a cup of coffee could lead to writing a book about gratitude? I suppose that when one is an author/journalist by trade, training and vocation, making unusual connections  is not uncommon. Jacombs’ book, originating from his TEDTalk, recounts his attempt to thank everyone who contributes to making his morning coffee available to him. Having found himself particularly cranky one morning while trying to get his cup of java, he realizes that perhaps a little more appreciation might help his mood. And so his journey, and his story, begins. Early on, Jacobs becomes aware of the magnitude of his project. With some help from his young son, he decides to stop at one thousand thank yous. 

This gratitude journey covers some serious geographic territory. While following along, I developed an appreciation for the commitment of authors to the depth of their research. Without question, the book would not have been as powerful without the travel details. There is a richness of authenticity that, for example, a trip to a coffee bean farm in Colombia brings to the read.

This is another selection that I highly recommend. Like some of the other books in this gratitude group, it is easy, enjoyable, and entertaining. Frankly, I started the book with curiosity along the lines of “Really? A cup of coffee? This ought to be interesting.” And it was; really interesting and frankly informative. I have a brand-new appreciation for my morning cup of coffee in addition to the value of gratitude.

Book Reviews Gratitude
desktop with keyboard, book and magazine

3 Steps for Creating a To Do List That Works

Posted by Carolyn on
 July 27, 2021
  ·  No Comments

Is your To Do List not getting things done for you? Are you struggling to create a To Do List that works? Many of my clients are frustrated that they have created many lists over and over and over again and none work. None of their lists help them get stuff done.

To Do Lists are not all equal. Some work better than others. Let’s get yours working for you. Here are 3 steps for creating one that works:


1. Write only 3 Items on your To Do List

While you may feel that you have dozens and dozens of items to accomplish for the time you are planning, the reality is the most people only get one or two items done. I recommend focussing on only three items: the top three priority items that will accomplish your goals for the day. Everything else can sit on a parking lot list. Focus your List with tasks; don’t distract it with wishes dreams and wishes.


2. “Verb Up” your To Do List

Start each of the three items on the To Do List with an action verb. An action verb is a clear direction to your brain; do something, action is required. Even the exact action is clear.  Many people make the mistake of writing their list with nouns. Your brain sees the noun and knows something needs to be done. But what? Your brain has to work harder to remember what desired “to do” actually is. Giving your brain a clear action verb makes it crystal clear what needs to be done. You and your brain can both focus the task.

For example, rather than writing “Cake”, write “bake Cathy’s birthday cake”. If you plan to ice the cake as well, “Ice Cathy’s birthday cake” would be a separate item.


3. Complete Item 1 Before Moving to the Next Item.

Focus on the top priority until it is finished.  Keep working on the top priority item on your list until it is actually completed. Then, and only then, move onto the second item.  Use this key ingredient and make sure your To Do’s are finished and your List is working.  If the item is too big to finish in the time allotted, break it into smaller task and schedule the tasks for when there is time.

Using these three steps will strengthen your list’s ability to work for you. And hey, you want it working hard for you right? Finish your priorities; your To Do List is working for you.

Productivity
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notebook on desk with clover leaf

Planning and Luck Meet Each Other

Posted by Carolyn on
 March 17, 2021
  ·  No Comments

notebook on desk with clover leafI had a feeling this would be quite a week. Last week was National Procrastination Week. The daylight savings switcheroo always creates a hiccup. St. Patrick’s Day and Small Business Development Day are both March 17. March 20 brings in the first day of spring. Meanwhile, Twitter Day is March 21 and Passover and Easter are right behind. So naturally, it was time to write about planning and luck and their relationship.

Struggling with this blog post, I headed out for a mind-clearing, fat-burning, sunshine-worshipping walk. Then I saw the hawk. He soared high overhead then swooped in so close that I thought I might be breakfast. His graceful dive was awe-inspiring. He reminded me of Lori, my university residence door-mate. We would dress up in white coveralls and she would swoop around, arms spread wide in wing formation, reminding me to soar, to be as free as an eagle. Suddenly, I was transposed to those heady university days and I knew exactly how to write this blog.

In early August 1985, Lori offered me a trip to Vancouver. I was just three months home from living more than two years in Papua New Guinea—and floundering. I said that I would accompany her as far as Edmonton, then called the Director of the Master’s Program to which I had just applied and told him I needed an interview with him. He thought I was crazy to TELL him I wanted an interview, so he agreed. Five days later, I was sitting in his office following an adventure that only Lori could have arranged: station wagon arranged; sleeping in tents in fields; cassette tape playlist created specially for the trip; seeds, sprouts and bagels in the cooler.

I was sitting in his office having announced that I needed to be in his program. He asked me if I planned to hang around until he decided to accept me, IF he decided to accept me. Then he announced that I was completely crazy when I said that I was bussing back to Toronto and needed just 24 hours of banking time and I would be on a flight back for the first day of school. I only had two hours between that interview and the bus departure in which to check out two potential places to live that were miraculously still available two weeks before school started in the busy university/government town.

Within a week, I had received his phone call telling me to book my flight. I landed at 6 am for class at 8:30 and rolled in with my suitcase in tow. As Director, he was first on the agenda of the first day of first year. And he told the entire class how crazy I was. The program was on the 13th floor of the building. I had sat in seat 13 on the flight. I’d committed to renting a room in a house with 13 in the address. Planning and luck?

Even St. Patrick might have applauded my crazy luck.

Before you, too, jump to the conclusion that “She’s just plain lucky,” consider another option—one you can use so that when your own call comes in, people will claim you are just as lucky. Only you will know the planning and action that you put in place behind that luck.

You see, when I got wind of the fact that there might be a spot in that Master’s Program, from an astute and very clever Admin Assistant, Sarah, who answered my first phone call, I made sure that I would be ready. If there was going to be a lottery draw for who got it, I would have a ticket. I hustled around the province (this was before the internet, cell phones and Zoom remember) and arranged my transcripts, wrote the GMAT test hundreds of miles away, and assembled letters of recommendation and all the other items the school required. All the requirement were sent off to the Director within two weeks of my phone call to super helpful Sarah.

I worked hard, but mostly I stayed on top of implementation. Focussed on action, I created a task list and I knew that I just had to tick off every item on the list. If I could get the package to him within two  weeks, it would be on his desk when the intake committee had to decide how to handle a slightly higher than average decline of admission rate. That’s when Lori called. So off I went to Edmonton.

I completed my Master’s in Health Services Administration and convocated in November 1987.  Only a handful of us did. Perhaps there was an element of luck, but I maintain that the secret of my success was that I stayed focussed on implementation and action. Ruminating on problems wasn’t going to get me that spot on the dais in front of the Dean as he held my hood and my certificate of completion in his hand.

I offer you the same strategy. Where planning meets opportunity is where luck shows up.

Mindfully I AM Evolving Coaching Organizing Strategies Organizing Time
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30 Tips in 30 Days Productivity Book Reviews

Posted by Carolyn on
 February 12, 2021
  ·  No Comments

Since many of us are planning out for 2021 (despite Covid restrictions!) and looking at how we can accomplish our personal or professional goals for the year, I decided to revisit two book recommendations I made in June 2020 as part of 30 Productivity Tips in 30 Days. (Look for these on my Mastering Clutterfree Living Facebook Group.) You may find the books helpful in tackling your goals and setting up for success.

Book jacket for Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. More productivity with less procrastinating.

Eat That Frog, Brian Tracy

Eat That Frog 3rd ed, Brian Tracy

Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.

Brian Tracy is well known in the productivity and “get stuff done” circles. His 21 other published works take up a full page of the introductory information at the beginning of this book. There is no doubt that he is a master of logical and linear thinking on how to get things done, create goals and plan one’s life.

The Pros

Being a logical thinker myself, I lapped up this short, easy to read book in no time. Tracy’s subtitle “21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time” makes a big promise. It does not disappoint. Tracy uses the analogy of a dinner table and food to be consumed throughout the book.

The basic premise of the book is to first tackle the most difficult or least attractive item on your list of things to do (i.e. eat your least favourite food first). With that out of the way, the rest is easier to swallow. Tracy’s book is 21 ways to help you accomplish this “eat the frog first” strategy.

This is a simple, useful addition to the library of any  relatively productive, organized individual looking for a tuneup or reminder of how to get stuff done. However, it’s everyone else that I worry about—the folks who are most likely to reach out for my coaching or organizing support.

The Cons

While helpful, this book is perhaps a little too linear and logical for many people. I would have liked more support for those of you who are facing a task or project that is beyond overwhelming and causes you to either hyperventilate or run to the vacuum to procrastinate by cleaning the house (again). If that happens, please remember to breathe. Just breathe. A path forward will present itself if enough oxygen gets to your brain. Try going out for a short walk to exercise the large muscle groups in your body, get the circulation going and get that oxygen to the grey matter upstairs. Nature has a way of calming, grounding, and providing clarity.

Book Jacket Inspired Action by Erin Elizabeth Wells. More productivity, more purpose.

Ispired Action, Erin Elizabeth Wells

Inspired Action: Create more Purpose, Productivity, & Peace in Your Life, Erin Elizabeth Wells

2016, Chosen Course Press

I love this book and highly recommend it to my clients. Is it because Wells uses a sailing analogy and I am a lifelong sailor? Maybe. More likely it is because this productivity guide is an easy read and addresses the breath stopping sense of being overwhelmed that my clients often experience. It sets up in easy sound bites that can be absorbed one tiny bit at a time.

Wells handles all the usual productivity strategies that one would expect to see in a book about getting more done and reaching one’s objectives: vision, tools, goals, and lists. In addition, however, she sets her readers up for success by addressing purpose, one’s great “Why?”. While some people might find her theories a little “woo woo” for their taste, after 15-plus years in the organizing and productivity industry, I am a firm believer that managing energy supports managing productivity, and Wells is too. She has dedicated an entire section of the book to Mending Your Sails: Energy Management. In addition, Wells addresses everyday activities that can support productivity success. She also includes a section on Life Planning and Yearly Planning.

The result of this comprehensive and compassionate approach to productivity?; a recipe book to help you get on top of your goals and life in general. I highly recommend you add to your library whether you are generally organized or struggling everyday to get stuff done. You will likely read it again and again for instruction or a refresher. It’s easy to read, easy to digest and easy to follow. Boom. That’s a book we could all use.

Mindfully I AM Evolving Coaching Productivity

Digital Declutter For a Clutterfree Business

Posted by Carolyn on
 September 27, 2020
  ·  No Comments

With the world in the grip of a global pandemic, I hope that you have stayed well.

Like many people, lockdown during the pandemic has offered me a time for reflection.  Like many people, I have revised my business to make more sense in the increasingly digital world in which we live.

With changes afoot, it was time to give my audience an update. Here is a digital declutter and a clutterfree business update from 2020 thus far.

Too Much Stuff! Time to Declutter

Following the establishment of Caldwell Evolution Inc in 2016, I used the brand Altered Organization to represent the organizing side of the business. Caldwell Evolution became the brand for coaching, productivity and all my other professional work.  A good idea at the time. Instead, however, I had created a lot of digital assets to be managed. They included a couple of Facebook pages, groups and Instagram accounts. The result was a lot to look after and it wasn’t being handled very well.  There was more to schedule.  There was more to post. Nothing was getting done.

Simplifying and Decluttering

What then, does a productivity coach and professional organizer do when looking for  digital declutter and clutter free business?

Declutter

It was time for digital and brand decluttering.

Taking a page out of my own client handbook, I have spent 2020 decluttering the business and online presence of Caldwell Evolution Inc.  Here are some changes that you may have noticed:

1. Caldwell Evolution Inc services are all consolidated under one brand.  Altered Organization as a brand has been retired. You can find information on all services one website www.caldwellevolution.com. 

2. Instagram has a new look. It is rebranded.  You can find Instagram stories and Instagram posts all under the one brand Caldwell Evolution.

3. The @wellrich Twitter account is up to date with the Caldwell Evolution branding.  You can find me there @CaldwellEvolutn.

4. The Altered Organization Facebook is now Caldwell Evolution Organizing and Productivity. I invite you to join us in the new Caldwell Evolution Facebook group, Mastering Clutterfree Living.  Here you can find tips, strategies, challenges and conversation with other individuals seeking a more clutterfree, productive life.

5. On Pinterest, you can find me @caldwellevolution
Check out my LinkedIn profile which has also had a declutter fresh look.

Hopefully, these changes make resources and information easier to find. This will help your efforts to create clarity, create space and accelerate your evolution to the best version of you. My intention is that you find this simplified, decluttered digital presence helpful.  I would love you hear your comments.

Caldwell Evolution News Declutter
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Done in ’20 Offer

Posted by Carolyn on
 November 27, 2019
  ·  No Comments

For your Done in ’20 offer, use Promo Code SMALLBIZSAT at checkout for $100 off.

Done is 20 with Certified Professional Organizer and productivity coach Carolyn Caldwell is the 55 minute coaching that will turn 2020 into the year  you get stuff done and see your To Do’s become Done’s.

Booked in December 2019, Carolyn will walk you through creation of a dynamic, get it done To Do List. Done in 20 includes a work sheet, a recorded Zoom call and sample lists to ensure your success in getting things done in 2020. From brain dumps to time deepening, you will be planning like a productivity pro.  Done in 20 provides the direct support and encouragement available with a live coaching call.

Take advantage of Black Friday weekend offer; save $100 if booked by December 2, 2019.

Use Promo Code SMALLBIZSAT at checkout for $100 off.

Caldwell Evolution News Mindfully I AM Evolving Coaching
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woman reading map. process goals are like a map to our outcome goals.

The Clutter-free Journey

Posted by Carolyn on
 November 25, 2019
  ·  No Comments
woman reading map. process goals are like a map to our outcome goals.

nick-seagrave-1tpLdmxki-c-unsplash

The Clutter-free Journey Begins

To be organized is like taking a clutter-free journey. When I first meet a new client, they frequently talk about “getting organized”.  Often, clients are looking for that perfect organized state that will never need any further work..

“What do I need to do to get organized?” they often ask. They look for that perfect tool or piece of furniture or perhaps the perfect filing system for their office. There is one organized way to set up a wardrobe or closet and if they could just figure out what it is, they would never again be disorganized.

My experience demonstrates that in fact, getting organized is a journey.  It’s not the perfect closet set up from the magazine or the perfectly labelled jars from a social media platform.  Labelled jars and beautiful closets might be a stage of the journey. 

Ebb and Flow of Your Clutter-free JourneyLooking for focus and productivity?

There is a natural ebb and flow of things throughout our life . Objects come into our life, they spend some time with us and us with them. Their role in our life is complete at some point. As a result, objects naturally move on to another life with another individual when we no longer need them.

For some that Journey is one that twists and turns with many hills, valley, mountains and bridges.  Objects vary in when they show up and how they are used. As a result, the  Journey is sometimes harder than other times. For example, some mothers have alot of trouble parting with their babies clothes or toys. Some individuals have more difficulty avoiding accumulation than others. Some individuals have more trouble parting with objects.  Even those living a minimlaist lifestyle have a Journey with twists and turns.  Sometimes the journey take alot of concentration and othertimes, hardly any attention at all.

Thoughts and Actions Can be Clutter-freewoman with back to camera sitting on yoga mat beside a body of water on a beach.

It isn’t just the objects that make up clutter. Our thoughts can have clutter. Our activities can have clutter. Ever get to the end of a busy, exhausting day and wonder why your top priority for the day didn’t get done? Hmmm, maybe some clutter got in the way on your To Do List! A Clutter-free Journey can include an action-oriented List. Get stuff done with an action-oriented To Do list.

More Information, Tips and Strategies

I invite you to come back and share your Clutterfree Journey. This blog provides resources to help you navigate it successfully. You can look forward to information, tips and strategies and some company on your Journey.

Declutter Mindfully I AM Evolving Coaching Organizing Strategies
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How to Stay Sane and Organized for the Holidays!

Posted by Carolyn on
 October 29, 2018
  ·  No Comments

Enjoy Organized Holidays

The Holidays are Coming!

Wow, how did we get here so fast? It”s almost Hallowe’en and right behind that is the Holidays.  Overwhelmed?  Totally normal.  Staying organized for the holidays is challenging and overwhelm is common for many people.

Don’t panic.  An organized holiday  schedule and plan is possible.

Organize the Holidays using the Breaking Down Solution

Try the breaking down solution. Do you have an overwhelming job at hand? Grab a piece of paper and pen/pencil and start writing down, in no particular order, all the small tasks that go into the larger project

Organize the Holidays with Verbs

Verb up your list of To Do’s. If your children will be trick or treating, it might include: buy children costume, brainstorm costume ideas with kids, schedule trip to thrift store to buy costume pieces, buy candy, rebook meeting for Oct. 31 evening, decide on supper for Oct. 31.

Stay Organized by Ordering

Next, give a number to each task depending upon the importance and order that each needs to be done. For example, scheduling the trip to the thrift store and rebooking your appointment for the evening of Oct. 31 might need to come before brainstorming with the children.

Stay Organized by Estimating Time

Finally, estimate and assign an approximate time to each task. It doesn’t matter if the estimate is perfectly accurate it just has to be close to accurate. This will help you recognize how your time will be used by the items on your list.

Staying organized for the holidays is achievable. With just a few small tweaks to what you are already doing, you can stay on top of the activity and to do’s. You deserve to celebrate with your family and friends. Use these easy tips to stay on track with your plans, sane, smiling and celebrating!

 

Holiday Organizing Organizing Challenges
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