Organization and Time Management

**DivaJen** · 04-24-2005, 01:44 PM

Re: Organization and Time Management

A book on organization that I find really helpful is Organizing from the Inside Out, by Julie Morgenstern - I wrote a review of it here. Basically, it helps you work with your natural tendencies, instead of imposing a structure on you.

Some people really like FlyLady as well (flylady.net) I have subscribed to that list, take what I like and leave the rest.

**terry1156** · 04-24-2005, 01:53 PM

Re: Organization and Time Management

The biggest thing that has helped me in this area is the one touch rule. Once I touch something, I have to take care of it right then and there - no putting it into a pile or saying I'll get back to it later. I used to waste so much time delaying doing things and the one touch rule has helped me a lot.

**PennyPincher** · 04-25-2005, 08:31 AM

Re: Organization and Time Management

I find good tips and motivation online. This is a great forum, and I additionally recommend the site www.lifeorganizers.com. Every month they put together a checklist of something to work on each day, and offer advice in all areas of organization ~ home, spiritual, office, etc...

**Susapalooza** · 04-25-2005, 04:05 PM

Re: Organization and Time Management

Thanks for this link, Penny. It's an excellent site, a real "keeper." I also like the Julie Morgenstern book that DivaJen mentioned, although I doubt I'll ever be able to implement many of her well-considered ideas. What I particularly loved about the lifeorganizers site was this suggestion:

1. STOP leaving papers and other stuff on tables, desks and countertops. The more things you leave laying around

Every evening, I make sure the flat surfaces in the rooms we use most - the living room, computer room, and kitchen - are completely clear. And I follow Fly Lady's suggestion to shine the sink (corny, but it works for me

). So when I'm up (early) every morning, it's serene and pleasant.

**DivaJen** · 04-25-2005, 05:02 PM

Re: Organization and Time Management

Originally posted by terry1156

The biggest thing that has helped me in this area is the one touch rule. Once I touch something, I have to take care of it right then and there - no putting it into a pile or saying I'll get back to it later. I used to waste so much time delaying doing things and the one touch rule has helped me a lot.

This is a good tip. I started using this rule when I was teaching, and I try to remember it at home now, too. My husband rules at using this rule, lol!

**skipper** · 04-25-2005, 06:51 PM

Re: Organization and Time Management

I have a cleaning schedule it works for me. I can clean my house top to bottom each morning in about an hour. I have to do one big task each day so that it doesnt all stack up on me. I to love the FlyLady and the one touch rule.

**miclason** · 04-26-2005, 09:52 AM

Re: Organization and Time Management

The two things that have helped me the most are:
1. "map" your biorythms and leave the most important things for the times when you are most energetic
2. Use the value-matrix to realize if something is important or just urgent...

**jmjj215** · 04-26-2005, 09:55 AM

Re: Organization and Time Management

This might be weird, but the thing that helps me stay organized is to stay on a plan with going to the gym. It seems that when that's in sync, everything else is also? I know - weird.

**Susapalooza** · 04-26-2005, 01:28 PM

Re: Organization and Time Management

Jesse, I've got to have my exercise...six days a week. I use the morning for tasks which involve critical thinking/mental alertness and do housework, errands, etc., later on.

**jmjj215** · 04-26-2005, 06:14 PM

Re: Organization and Time Management

Working out is to my brain, what cleaning out my closet is, well, to my closet.

**Susapalooza** · 04-27-2005, 09:07 AM

Re: Organization and Time Management

It seems that body, brain, and closet have a "minimum daily requirement" of attention and care, doesn't it? And I definitely feel more alert and energetic after exercising, too.

**PrincessPerky** · 04-28-2005, 04:48 AM

Re: Organization and Time Management

Decluttering, the less 'stuff' in the house the easier it is to keep clean and neat. (www.flylady.net taught me that)

Also simplifying. I no longer sort bills, well actually I never did, I just felt guilty as the stack piled up. Now I put all the bills each month in a folder, with a seperate folder for medical bills and tax deductions, makes life much easier. (I have a 'black book' that holds my calendar and checkbook and bills, the back I dump all the bills till I go get a folder, the pocket for a notpad I put all the medical and charity stuff. grab one thing and I can pay bills anywhere, not that I ever go farther than my kitchen table

.)

**Julianna Wolfe** · 04-28-2005, 09:50 AM

Re: Organization and Time Management

What I found best for me was the forums at organizedhome.com. It is a great site that fits hand in glove with this one for help (both practical and emotional), information, hints, tips, and most importantly nice people that HELP rather than putting you down.

*if I am not permitted to post re: other forums, please let me know*

**jacquelynrose** · 04-28-2005, 12:17 PM

Re: Organization and Time Management

I really think you could be really effective with Business and in Life with Organization and Exercise.

Jacquelyn

Organization and Time Management