Today's topic is probably the topic most on my mind these days. I will definitely be reading Carole's blog for everyone's tips. Here's what I've been trying or think I need to try:
1. Look ahead - Just a few weeks ago I noticed that Steve unconsciously asks himself "What's tomorrow?" when he gets up in the morning. I've started looking ahead a few days, too.
2. Calendar / planner - The best way for me to look ahead is to use a calendar or planner. Google has a calendar that works well for me and I put it on my iPhone, too. I have several different calendars (youth group, acting group, etc.) merged with mine and it all shows up together. Now I just add something electronically instead of writing it in my planner. I do miss holding my pretty green planner but this is a lot better system for me.
3. Toodledo - Speaking of iPhone apps, this one is great! Carole recommended it to me and I love it. I add tasks as they pop into my brain, organize them into folders and assign due dates. When I check my calendar, I check Toodledo, too. I think there is a way to merge them but for now I don't mind them being separate. One of the best things: I set up a folder called "To buy" and now I check that list when I'm out. This has helped a lot!
4. Old fashioned to-do lists - I stopped making to-do lists when I got my phone but I'm going to go back to them. It is more satisfying to cross things off a sheet of paper than to delete them from Toodledo. Plus the visual reminder will help me. If I can figure out how to link my iPhone with the Toodledo online feature, I think I should be able to print out tasks from there.
5. Purge - There is less to organize when there is less sitting there.
6. Find a place for everything - I think it was my grandma who always told me "A place for everything and everything in its place." It's true. If I don't stop and ask myself "Where is the best place to put this?" I end up having piles of stuff everywhere.
7. Use a system - Though Getting Things Done has been around for a while, I've just recently learned of it. Using a system like this could be the key for me to finally get things whipped into shape. What system do you like?
8. Do things right away when possible - When I don't do this, I tend to put things off more. Example: Right after I get home from band practice, I send the practice notes out to the group. If I don't do it right away, I find myself typing them up Saturday evening - that's a little late for our Sunday morning service!
9. Make an appointment with yourself - Schedule in some fun time and that can help keep you on track with the things you don't want to do quite so much.
10. Ask for divine intervention - A few years ago our pastor preached about asking God to organize our days. He suggested praying that in the morning before you get out of bed. When I do that, my days do go better.
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Great list! I think I'll pray for Dale. Nothing else seems to work. hahahahaha
Posted by: Carole | January 11, 2011 at 10:19 AM
mine will be very similar-organized = efficient ( i LOVE LOVE that!)
Posted by: lydia | January 11, 2011 at 01:25 PM
I can't think of anything to add...except maybe to hold yourself accountable to actually DO these things! (and I hadn't heard of GTD - I don't think I use a "system" :-)
Posted by: Mary | January 11, 2011 at 05:53 PM
great list! i've been meaning to make an appointment with myself for months! :)
Posted by: vanessa | January 12, 2011 at 04:26 PM