Organize Your Time and Your Life: How to Get it All Done and Still Stay Sane

Have you ever sat at your desk and had thoughts of all the things you need to do, and felt so overwhelmed you had no idea where to begin? Do the things you "have to do" outweigh the things you "want to do?" Do you always do for others and never for yourself? Should you buy a planner to carry around, or is there an easier method? How do you make sure you don't forget something really important? If these concerns sound familiar, some simple time management tips can help you organize and prioritize.

Make a List

I'm a list maker, but if you don't like writing it down, you can do a quick list in your head. First, think of those things you HAVE to get done, like the project your boss is expecting to be finished today. This list could also have doctor visits, meeting times, interviews, etc that are today.

Procrastinate When Necessary

Next, think of those things that you don't necessarily HAVE to do today, but need to be done soon. This could be picking up the dry cleaning, cleaning the bathroom, checking the air in the tires, or cleaning up your desk at work.

Cut Out the Dead Weight

Then list those things others may have asked you to do, but you don't want to do anyway. These could include sorting and throwing away some of your craft supplies that are overtaking your bedroom and driving your husband nuts. It could be picking up the Cliff Notes for your high school son's book report because he claims to not have time to read the book. Even if you said you would, you can always bow out by claiming you ran out of time, which you will, if these things are at the bottom of the list.

Take Time for Yourself

The last, but most important part of your daily to-do list is the most important, in my opinion. These are the things you want to do for yourself. You want to take some time to finish the novel you started, get a manicure, or stop by to look over the new sports car at your local dealer. The things that make you feel good may not seem like a top priority, but I really believe each day should have at least one activity that you do for yourself just because you want to. Do it just because it makes you happy.

Say No

Now that you have your lists, you will have a better idea of what you need to do today. Do what you have to, then what you want to do for yourself, then what you can put off until tomorrow if you get too tired to do it all. Then start saying, "No" to the things others ask of you that you don't want to do. My mom gave good advice in this area. She said, "If someone has enough nerve to ask, you should have enough nerve to say no."

Do You Need a Big Leather Planner?

If this seems overwhelming and you can't remember all these things in your head, then write them down. Although some people swear by their big leather planners, I find them a pain to carry around and use. I prefer a small notebook that I can tuck into my pocket or purse, and a yearly calendar book. I keep my appointments in the calendar book and then add them to my notebook on the day they are scheduled. At the end of the day, it gives me a lot of satisfaction to rip out the day's page, and throw it away. I feel like I have accomplished a great deal this way, even when it seems much of my daily tasks were mundane and boring. At least I got them done!

Remembering Not to Forget!

Another trick I use is reminding myself of something urgent by putting a large rubber band around my wrist. If I see it there, I know I still have to do that thing, and I'm likely not to forget. At home, I keep a stretch bracelet by my coffee pot and iron. When I turn one of these on, I put on the bracelet. When I turn it off, I take it off and place it back by the appliance. If I leave the house and notice the bracelet, I know I better go back and turn off the iron!

Avoid the Distractions

In order to keep yourself on schedule, you have to avoid the distractions that tend to get us off task so easily. Depend on your voice mail to pick up calls that might stop you in the middle of finishing something important. Close the door to your office, and ask others to avoid interrupting you unless it is urgent. End long pointless conversations quickly and tactfully. When you begin to get off track, put yourself back on. This becomes more of a habit after awhile.

No More Sleepless Nights
By using these tips, I avoid the "uh-oh" moments in the middle of the night when I would wake and realize I forgot something important, and then not be able to go back to sleep because of worry. I sleep better, I feel more accomplished, and my day goes so much more smoothly.