Then there is multi-tasking. When did multi-tasking get elevated to an art form or some type of competition? Seriously. We are all so busy with everything that we have to get done that we all try to do as much as possible and all at one time. How often do you see a woman with a car full of kids, SUV or van loaded with groceries or sports equipment, talking on her cell phone, while driving or trying to negotiate a parking space? How often do you talk on the phone while trying to prepare dinner, get a load of laundry done, and get the family rounded up for dinner? How often do you try to do 3 or 4 things at once (or maybe 5 or 6?) then make a mistake, lose concentration, are not paying attention, and maybe make a major goof at work? At some point, the ability to multi-task became an expected part of daily life. And it does have its benefits - to a point. We all need to work more efficiently, but try to do too much at one time, and you become less efficient and a lot less effective.
Multi-tasking has a few benefits, but lately, I'm finding that it has more drawbacks. Why? Because multi-tasking makes me lose focus on the "job at hand." And when I lose focus, I get scattered, I lose concentration, I forget to do things, mistakes happen, things fall through the cracks. Perhaps it's because I'm getting a little older and my brain doesn't work as fast as it used to; or I don't retain as much information as I used to. Whatever the cause, I know that I have cut back on multi-tasking a lot in the past several months. And it has helped me to get more things accomplished in the long run.
So here are a few tips that help me stay focused, keep myself organized, and feel less frenzied and more in control of things:
- Daily To Do List - I keep a list of things that I want/need to accomplish each day. I cross things off as they get done. I also prioritize the list - if something more important comes up, then non-essential items get moved to the next day (or whenever). I also have a "weekly to do list" which helps me to keep track of some longer term projects.
- Calendar - Whether you use a wall calendar, a PDA, an organizer, a computer software program, it's important to keep important dates, appointments, meetings, etc. posted in your calendar so you know at a glance what you have going on in your life. Because of my business, and because I also work part time at a local store, I plot out my schedule at the beginning of each month so I know in advance what my schedule will be like.
- Mail - I sort through my mail when it comes in and put bills to be paid in one basket; junk mail goes into the trash or recycling bin; invitations and other things that need a response go into my in box on my desk. Because of my business I get a lot of catalogs and also subscribe to several magazines. As I get them, I put them into a basket I keep just for new catalogs and magazines and look through them when I have time.
- Set Goals - I've been a list maker and goal-setter for most of my life. I've found that if I write it down, it makes it real, and I can visualize it better and get it done. This works for little things and bigger things. Once I have a goal in mind, I can then figure out what I need to do to achieve it. I usually break it down into smaller steps first, to make a "really big goal" seem more realistic.
- Avoid Interruptions - Maybe it's not possible to totally eliminate interruptions, but sometimes, you may have to make yourself "unavailable" in order to get a specific task or project completed. Or at least, to a point where you can put it aside, do something else, then get back to it. If you work from a home office (as I do), try to screen phone calls; only check emails at specific times; don't get sidetracked by household chores that need to get done; let friends and family know that when you are working, you can't be disturbed (unless an emergency); try to keep to a schedule or a routine when working from home.
- Have a Plan - This may sound a little off beat, but in addition to setting goals for myself, I also have a business plan for my business, and I recently started to work on a "personal life plan" for myself. I review the business plan periodically and make changes as necessary. Having a plan in place helps me to put my vision to paper, keep track of where I'm going, and what I need to do to get there.
For more tips on staying focused, getting organized, and planning, check this link for a few articles. You can also visit my newly created website just for The House Therapist - still tweaking it, but my goal was to have it up and running in March. I expect to have it pretty well set by late April. You can also sign up for my newsletter and mailing list here. You'll be eligible for special offers and notified about upcoming events, specials, and get lots of tips on decorating, home improvements, home organizing, and related topics. New issue coming out next week and the focus will be on Earth Day, Arbor Day, Making a Difference, and a few more eco-friendly topics.
If you get a chance, visit Green Your Decor for tips and information on green and eco-friendly decorating and more!
Until next time! Have fun! It's Spring!
