I have shared this tidbit at least 6 times in the past month, so I am thinking others will benefit from this also. Time is moving and things are getting done that 'squeak'; BUT, what to do with the rest. Taper this as you need for you, but:
Take a deep breath and grab a notebook or few pieces of paper. Be determined that you WILL allot sometime EACH DAY to do something with the items you are about to write - it can be as little as 10 minutes; 30 minutes - what 'free' time do you have? USE IT!!! This is for YOU.
1. Go room to room and write down what needs to be taken care of [preferably each room on a separate piece of paper]. Use a loose-leaf binder or a notebook - when you are in that room or area, turn to that page and do something [anything] on your list - IT IS ALL GOOD.
2. You will find that you will need to give-up some time on something else to get a good start at this but, it will be worth it. The list is the key. You won't feel so overwhelmed and random thoughts will not be running through your mind - once you have done the list. You can always be doing something positive to reduce the list; whenever and wherever [work or home, anywhere].
3. Do the hardest FIRST - even if it is only a few minutes a day. Saturday and Sunday - definitely devote an hour towards 'the elephant' in the room. But, you can choose where you devote your time - from your list of necessary to-do's - IT IS ALL GOOD.
Do the hardest pieces during your best energy period - if you are a morning person: get up half hour early and tackle the "elephant" in a time space where you won't be disturbed. I do my 'most important' before the phone can ring - you never know what is needed of you - on the other end of the line when you answer. So, if it turns out that your day 'takes off' - at least, you can made a conscience dent on your project, with a clear head. If you are an afternoon/evening person: save your 'most important' until employees have left for the day [you won't be stuck in rush hour traffic!!] Or, at home - after the children have gone to bed -- perhaps, a little early. (Smiles)
4. SET maintenance systems in-place so you won't have to do this again!! Example: throw away/or shred junk mail when you bring in the mail. Have 1 designated place to place bills you need to pay (whether by check or online) - do the 'paying' weekly or setup your online automatic paying on a 2-week or monthly basis.
5. Very Important - build in time to - do nothing!! Do something fun; restful. You personally need time to re-generate. After a 'big' project or several 'small' - take a mini vacation: Night out {Dinner and movie}; a drive to the mountains or the beach; go to an exhibit you want to see or a sporting event.
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