Organization

Yesterday I went out and bought a desk-size Day-Timer (see photo above!). I has everything I need to stay laser-focused during my day to insure not a minute is wasted. My work takes me out in the afternoons and evenings, while my days are spent at home. This schedule works for me since I am home for my son when he leaves for school and comes home, and when he is home during school vacations and summers. Also, my father is never alone except for when I run errands here and there. I'm sure you've figured out by now that I have no husband; otherwise, none of the issues in my life would be issues at all. The only thing is, I'd have different issues!

As a result, I can't afford to waste a minute of my time. This Day-Timer allows me to plan everything in advance. For each day there is an area to write down my to-do list (I've always used a to-do list, but it was disorganized and kind of chaotic), and lines to write appointments from 8 am to 5 pm. Then I check off each task as I do it. So each evening in advance, I plan out (based on my to-do list) what I will do at what time. If it turns out that I can't get to something, I just add it to tomorrow's to-do list, and it gets planned into that day. I don't need to spend time thinking of what I should be doing next, or bouncing aimlessly from one "fire" to another.

I can't stress to you enough the importance of taking charge of your time in this way. So many people need you, and if you try to be accomodating as I am, no one in your life actually cares about your needs...you have trained them to care only about themselves and what to expect from you.

You must help them to understand that this is what you need to accomplish today. I think it's a good idea to ask at the minimum 1 day ahead if anyone will be needing you for anything tomorrow; give them the times that are available.

If someone then makes demands on you that are not an emergency, as I tell my son, "Don't come cryin' to me!"

These days, "nice" is not a helpful state of mind, for you or your family. They need to learn your boundaries and limits, and respect them.

I had allotted until 1:00 for my blog, and it is only 12:45. Now I can start my next task (the one scheduled for 1:00) sooner. Let's see...that will be...go for a walk and type up some student bills for April. It's very freeing to not have to think anymore.

Junie