Planning, Listing, Learning!

Those who know me, they will understand that I am usually organized. I have lists everywhere, a planner colored for the month ahead, a diary (digital and/or paper) reflecting what's coming up, where I need to be, what needs to be purchased and bills to be paid.

It's Important to Plan

With the busyness of life in our modern society, it is important to plan - at least have some idea of what's coming up, what bills need to be paid, and what appointments must be attended.

It's easy to say, "well, I get to that when I feel like it," and for some, I guess that works. 

However, having a plan of action helps to lower stress levels, and ensure we get to those important appointments and events on the right day and at the right time. Can you imagine missing your child's special day at a school event or forgetting an important medical appointment?

Planning can be simple, or, depending on your work, voluntary positions, and demands on your time, more complex.  By planning at least, the basics, you can find ways to free up portions of your time so that you can invest in family, learning, relaxing, spiritual growth, and assisting in the community.

Lists

Over the years, lists...yes boring lists...have been my go-to, the lists ticked off have provided reassurance and have sometimes been used to prove that certain jobs have been completed. More than once, producing my list has proven that time-sensitive deadlines were met.  

Just having a tick-and-flick list can ensure you accomplish what's necessary to be completed on a certain day or meet a deadline. Ticked-off lists help to visually show there has been movement on the given task and give a sense of accomplishment.  You can use a list to break down a large job into smaller blocks of work, so you are not overwhelmed.

Learning

Never stop learning! If you stop learning, you are not breathing! Learning is life-long.  Perhaps taking on a new role is daunting but gather around yourself trusted people to affirm and encourage you as you step out.

A positive environment where you are encouraged to experience innovative ideas and challenges can bring a spark that fans into a flame of creativity.  Imagine what your creativity can bring to a not-for-profit group or your workplace? You may just have the idea they need to progress into a new and exciting pathway of growth!

Planning, having a list, continuing to learn - living life to make a difference!

Canva 2022

Staying Organised In A Chaotic World

Have you noticed how easily you can be distracted by news, social media, messenging and general life?

We all have busy lives.  Often we are simply trying to get through the day - complete work deadlines, make the NFP meeting we've committed to, get a  meal on the table, ensure the children's homework is done.

One way I have found to stay organised in the chaos is to simply take 10 minutes every few days, sit down with my diary (online/paper/planner, whichever works for you) and check through the week.  

• What is coming up - meetings and events?
• What do I need to purchase - grocercies, gifts, etc?
• What bills are due - vehicle registration, electricity, mobile phone account?
• What deadlines do I need to meet for work or N-F-P committee?
• What jobs need to be completed around the house?

You may have other questions that need to be addressed and noted into your diary. That's what a diary or planner can assist you with. Helping to keep you focused and organised so that by the end of the week, you're not feeling completly overwhelmed.

What steps can you take to plan your week more effectively?

Don't forget to schedule some time for you!

Check Twice, Measure Once

 Have you heard the quote, "Check twice, measure once"?  I'm told that's what woodworkers do when they are working.

It's the same with planning an event.  Whether it's an event for work, community, church or family, we can use the same idea.

By "checking twice" and "measuring once" we can reduce potential situations that are created because it was overlooked or note considered.

So how can we "check twice"?

• make a list of what needs to be actioned - each job no matter how small or large;
• delegate to different team members if need be;
• make a list of items that are needed and don't just think about food but items such as tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery and even notepads and pens.  Everything you can think of.  It's easier to cross of the list than try to remember;
• think about who is attending (and ensure they are invited) and what their needs may be (access, parking, food allergies/intolerances;
• create a check list so you can tick each job/item off.

"Measure Once":

Whilst we might think, let's go with the flow, is ok and that is fine for something informal; taking the time to put pen to paper and ensure you don't forget important points in the planning will save time, stress and potential difficult situations that could have been avoided.

Planning and Preparation

 When you have a busy period, what's your "Go to"?  

For some of us it's a list (or several), scheduling tasks, a diary (paper or digital), maybe sticky notes.

I am a list person.  I make lists for all sorts of jobs.  It may be planning an event (or even a BBQ), meeting deadlines for acquittal purposes, ensuring that people are contacted for meetings, making sure that travel itineraries are submitted on time.

Whatever your reason, having some form of reminder is helpful, especially in today's fast-paced; information overload world.

Learning how to use technology to assist you and make life easier is a must.  Scheduling emails, texts and reminders can mean that your time is better utilised so that deadlines can be met, reports or documents reach the recipients on time.

You may find that a simple list, or scheduling reminders can help free up your valuable time.

A monthly planner, a few highlighters and a decent pen, plus a few minutes each week can make the difference between fluster and focus.

Have Your To Do List ready!

Break It Down, Don't be Overwhelmed

 In your daily work life, it's easy to become overwhelmed. 

Expectations are high.  Demands are constant.  People phoning, attending to the front desk (if you have a 'shop front'), everyone wants their questions they asked today answered yesterday.

How do we cope? Stress is a huge factor in today's work place.  We were told that computers and going digital would make work easier; however, many can attest this is not what has happened.

A few tips I'm learning:

Break it down.  What has to be accomplished first? Is there a few small jobs on your list that can be done easily and quickly? Which jobs will take longer and do they need to be done today or later in the week?

Plan your day.  Some people find daily planners helpful or creating tasks with deadlines.  Some may find a list for each day helpful or notes in their diary.  Whatever works best for you.

List.  I am a 'lists' person.  I love lists.  Probably drives everyone around me crazy.  I love routine and planning what needs to be accomplished.  However, life and work life don't usually run naturally on lists. You will need to account for sudden change and the upending of your plans.

Breathe!  Take a moment and just breathe.

Complete a task that helps you calm down.  For me, its digital filing - crazy I know, however it's a routine of doing the same actions.  You may find making a pot of tea or taking a 5 minute walk helps.

Move!  Don't sit in one place.  You need to move.  Have your printer or photocopier away from your desk so you must move.  Administration and secretarial roles are often sedentary.  Lack of movement, or routinely doing the same movements can lead to muscle aches and pain.

Remember, today is just one day.  

Breathe...just breathe