Studies have proven that clutter is de-energizing, distracting, depressing and causes extra work.
But what about the clutter we carry in our head?
Do you ever get the overwhelming feeling that you have so much to do and so little time and you've got so much on your mind? All those unfinished projects, or future projects mingled with the everyday projects and things to do or buy, people to call or emails to answer back. It makes your head spin. You've captured some on your to do lists, but still, it's all too overwhelming? So, you just do as much as you can some days, and sometimes you even feel like you're on top of things, but little seems clear for very long anymore.
In order for us to deal with all of that clearly and effectively we require the implementation of some basic habits. We were never taught that we have to think in a concentrated manner about our work before we can do it.
1- If it's on your mind, your mind isn't clear. Capture it!
David Allen in "Getting things Done" calls his master to do list: "A collection bucket" and for him it is "a way for us to capture all the things that need to be done; now, later, someday, big, little or in between, into a logical and trusted system outside of your head". Ziegler calls it a "Master List". Anything that you consider unfinished in any way or form needs to be on it. You can use a notebook, an app, just make sure there's enough space in between each entry or a space for note taking.
Your mind will remind you of things when there's nothing you can do about it. So have a pad of paper or a recording app everywhere you go.
2- Think! Clarify!
Writing down a task on your "to do" list is not necessarily enough for you to have it off your mind.
What is your commitment and what do you have to do to go forwards? Have you clarified what would need to happen for you to check this off your list. Describe in a simple sentence your successful outcome for this problem or project, what would need to happen for you to check this project as done. So what is the next action? Write it down.
3- Plan!
Once you have decided on the actions that are needed to be accomplished, you must put reminders in place for the actions that are needed to be taken. Plan your week accordingly.
And don't forget to empty your "Collection Bucket" or Master list often and rewrite/refill a new one. You can do that every week so that you can plan for the week ahead...
Happy Organizing! :-)
But what about the clutter we carry in our head?
Do you ever get the overwhelming feeling that you have so much to do and so little time and you've got so much on your mind? All those unfinished projects, or future projects mingled with the everyday projects and things to do or buy, people to call or emails to answer back. It makes your head spin. You've captured some on your to do lists, but still, it's all too overwhelming? So, you just do as much as you can some days, and sometimes you even feel like you're on top of things, but little seems clear for very long anymore.
In order for us to deal with all of that clearly and effectively we require the implementation of some basic habits. We were never taught that we have to think in a concentrated manner about our work before we can do it.
1- If it's on your mind, your mind isn't clear. Capture it!
David Allen in "Getting things Done" calls his master to do list: "A collection bucket" and for him it is "a way for us to capture all the things that need to be done; now, later, someday, big, little or in between, into a logical and trusted system outside of your head". Ziegler calls it a "Master List". Anything that you consider unfinished in any way or form needs to be on it. You can use a notebook, an app, just make sure there's enough space in between each entry or a space for note taking.
Your mind will remind you of things when there's nothing you can do about it. So have a pad of paper or a recording app everywhere you go.
2- Think! Clarify!
Writing down a task on your "to do" list is not necessarily enough for you to have it off your mind.
What is your commitment and what do you have to do to go forwards? Have you clarified what would need to happen for you to check this off your list. Describe in a simple sentence your successful outcome for this problem or project, what would need to happen for you to check this project as done. So what is the next action? Write it down.
3- Plan!
Once you have decided on the actions that are needed to be accomplished, you must put reminders in place for the actions that are needed to be taken. Plan your week accordingly.
And don't forget to empty your "Collection Bucket" or Master list often and rewrite/refill a new one. You can do that every week so that you can plan for the week ahead...
Happy Organizing! :-)
Author
Sophie Bent is a Professional Organizer & Productivity Consultant @Bent On Organizing, LLC. She is a NAPO Specialist in Residential Organizing in South Florida and has been organizing businesses and homes since 2008. Contact her at 561-404-7181 or www.bentonorganizing.com
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