New Feature -
Recycling Resources!
One reason many people hesitate to get rid of things is that they want to be sure they go to a "good home" where someone else will use them.
Each month I will list one resource for recycling used items where they can do the most good (for you AND for others)!
Since Prom season is coming up, consider giving your gently worn prom, bridesmaid or other formal wear (jewelry, purses gloves) to the Northshore Fairy Godmother Project. Help high school girls attend their school dances. Go to www.northshorefairygodmother.org for more information on how to donate. |
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Upcoming Classes
Upcoming classes I will be teaching on time management in the next month are:
TIME MANAGEMENT
DURING THE JOB SEARCH
Tuesday, March 16
11 am - noon
WIND West
Westborough, MA
TIME MANAGEMENT
2 sessions
Mondays, 3/22+3/29
6:30 - 8:30 pm
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| Dear ,
The Organizing profession really wants you to get organized this month:
- March 1st to 7th was National Procrastination Week (and in observance of the occasion, I did not send this newsletter out until it was over)!
- March 9th was National Organize Your Home Office Day
- March 14th restarted Daylight Savings Time, and of course
- March 17th is St. Patrick's Day (I figure his driving the snakes out of Ireland was the ultimate exercise in de-cluttering)!
Since Spring also begins this coming Saturday (Spring Cleaning, anyone?) clearly this is the perfect month to get re-organized! See below for more monthly tips on managing your time and organizing your space, and have a happy March!
- Maryann |
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Schedule It to Make It Happen!
"To Do" lists are helpful at reminding us of little things we need to accomplish, but if you really want to get things done, you need to schedule them in writing or on your computer. To make it work:
- Start with a blank weekly calendar and fill in the appointments, meetings, classes, and anything you are committed to doing which takes place at a specified time.
- Now extend the time for each item to include the time it takes you to get ready, get there, and get home. That one-hour dentist appointment may actually take 3 hours when you factor in your time to brush and floss your teeth, drive to the office, wait because the dentist had an emergency, and get back home after. Schedule it ALL in to get a realistic picture of how much time you have left in the week to work on your "To Do" list. You may be surprised at how little time is left available!
- Now schedule in blocks of uninterrupted time to work on your highest priority projects. Treat those appointments with yourself as seriously as your other appointments if you want to get those projects completed!
- Where you can, schedule like things together for maximum efficiency (e.g. make the trip to the post office on your way home from the dentist, since you'll already be out), and be sure to bring easy-to-accomplish tasks with you to do while you're waiting in lines or before meetings.
- Build in some unscheduled time (at lest 20% of your day) to allow for unexpected things that may come up and need to be done, but try to stick to your schedule, and you'll find you get a lot more done than if you just keep adding things to your "Things to Do" list!
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Do you have a "Clutter Cemetery?"
Lorie Marrero, a Professional Organizer, and author of the book "The Clutter Diet" coined the phrase "Clutter Cemetery" to describe the places in our homes and offices "where things go to die". I think it presents a powerful image of what happens to things we don't really want or need anymore.
Rather than give away that strange-looking vase that doesn't match anything in our home (but that we got as a present so we can't throw it away), we bury it down in the basement, up in the attic, or in the back of a cabinet somewhere. We're never going to use it, but we're afraid to make the decision to pass it on, so instead of it being useful to anyone, it goes unused and unloved, taking up space in our lives, and nagging at our minds a little every time we see it there.
Bring new life into your home or office by getting rid of the old papers, clothing and household items that take up space but no longer work for you, and give them new life by passing them on to someone who will use them. Just as we rake out the old leaves to make way for the new plants each spring, clear out your "Clutter Cemetery" to make room for your current life! | |
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Please call me if you need additional help organizing your home, your office, or your schedule. I can come to your home or office and help you there, or do coaching by phone.
I also conduct trainings and do public speaking for corporations and community groups on Organizing, Time Management and Public Speaking.
My business relies on referrals, so please forward this to anyone you think might benefit from it. Thanks! |
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Sincerely,
Maryann Murphy, MSW
Professional Organizer, Speaker, Trainer
(508) 292-6706
Director of Professional Development, NAPO-NE
Chronic Disorganization Specialist, NSGCD
Area Governor,Toastmasters International Area F2, District 31
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