Overcome The Overwhelm Of All There Is To Do
Do you feel overwhelmed by all there is to do? Between getting organized, meal planning, grocery shopping, errands, appointments and everyday chores it can all feel like too much!
I’d like to share a simple technique for overcoming the overwhelm. Ready? Grab a pen, paper and your calendar and let’s get started.
**Step 1** Take a few minutes and write a long list of everything that is on your mind. Do not edit your list; do not try too hard to categorize your list. Simply write. Write down everything from what you have to do, what you have to remember, and whatever else is going on.
**Step 2** Take each item on your newly written master list and plan it out. Here’s an example of how:
**Master List**
Plan a 4th of July BBQ
Buy new swimsuits for kids
RSVP to wedding invitation
Clean out garage
**Plan it out**
BBQ plans
1. Mark off event date on calendar, back up a few days and mark off time to shop, clean and cook on calendar
2. Mark calendar with a reminder to send out evites
3. Start a manila file folder to capture party plans like invite list, menu, and other ideas
Swimsuit shopping
1. Decide if you are going with or without the kids
2. Mark your calendar for a shopping trip for swimsuits, decide where you are going and pick a budget before going.
RSVP to wedding
1. Check calendar to be sure you have the date open, if so mark off the date, include the time and where to go plus make a note of where you are placing the actual invite in case you need to refer to it
2. Back up a few weeks on your calendar from the wedding date and make a note to buy the gift
3. Fill out the reply card now
4. Place the card in your mailbox to be sent out
Clean out garage
1. Decide by what date you’d like the garage cleaned out
2. Mark on your calendar your finish deadline
3. Back up from your deadline and plan out block of time to work on the project, you might choose an entire weekend, or a few four hour blocks of time
4. Also mark on your calendar the fun thing you are going to treat yourself to once the garage project is complete
5. If you need motivation it can be helpful to create a deadline, like scheduling a charity to pick up items, that way you have a date to have the garage cleaned out by.
Once you have a plan written out on paper things feel more manageable and you are no longer trying to remember everything in your mind. You feel more in control and less overwhelmed. You can do this, start by making your list now, you’ll be glad you did! Now stop by my website http://www.JamieNovak.com for more great ideas.
Jamie Novak is an expert Professional Organizer and Time Management Coach. She’s authored two bestselling books 1,000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets and 1,000 Best Quick and Easy Time Saving Strategies. Jamie can be found demonstrating her product line on QVC, or on NBC’s iVillage where she runs the real ideas message boards. Jamie travels nationally speaking to audiences about hoe to get organized and save time. You can get more free ideas at her website http://www.JamieNovak.com
Tags: bills, clutter, disorganization, mail, organization, overwhelmed, paper, stress, time management