Is your to-do list almost too long to read every day? Or have you simply given up trying to keep a current to-do list. Don’t give up; get your to-do list under control to compliment your time management strategies. To begin, you need to understand that a to-do list is a “hot list” not a planning pad, wish list or long term idea starter. Your to-do list is for tasks that must be accomplished in 48 hours or less. For anything further ahead, use advance planning list or add the items to your day planner for the appropriate due date.

Take Inventory

Start by writing down every task you need to complete on individual index cards. Arrange the cards in three piles: Must Do, Need to Do, Want to Do. The “Must Do” pile is the tasks that have to be completed in 24 hours.

The Approach

Take any “Must Do” items that could wait an extra day and place them on the next day’s to-do list. These are what some time management systems call the “A” level tasks. Next sort the “Need to Do” or “B” level tasks. These are important to do in the next day or two but not as imperative as showing up for a presentation or catching a plane.

Productivity is Yours

Finally, deal with the “Want to Do” or “C” level tasks that could be done any time in the next several days. Some time management systems suggest that you toss out the “C” tasks or add them to a “Someday” list for when you have extra time. Of course, that’s humorous since you need a time management system because you are already overscheduled. If you want to include these, just make sure they don’t serve as a distraction from necessary items. For example, you might enjoy surfing the net for collectible books but you don’t need to do that “C” item when you have an “A” list report due in four hours.

The Superhero Syndrome

How many items can you manage on a daily to-do list? It depends on whether each item is a one step process or multi-step process. With complex tasks, you may only be able to reasonably complete 3 or 4 “Must Do” items in a day. As you are adjusting to this time management technique, make a note by each item about how much time you expect to spend on this task.

Using Your Tools

You can create a paper to-do list or one on your computer, just as long as it’s easily accessible during the day. When an item is done, cross it off, make a checkmark beside it or in some way be able to see what’s done from what needs to be done. If you use an electronic to-do list, you can add color background for each level. The advantage of color-coding items is that you can quickly see how many yellow highlighted Must Do items are left compared with the green highlighted Need to Do items.

When Day is Done

At the end of the day, transfer any remaining important items to the proper category on the next day’s to-do list. When you finish the day and see most or all of the “Must Do” items finished and crossed off your list, it’s a great sense of relief and motivation to keep your time management system working for you.

About the author:   Deanna Maio, The SavvyGals Coach, teaches women business owners to stop wasting time and start making more money. With her coaching programs and speaking, she helps busy self-employed women get the information, structure, and support, they need to deal attract more clients, grow their businesses and having a fulfilling personal life at the same time. For more information on her programs and products, visit her website: www.savvygals.com or call 503-922-2688.

Is organizing in your head?  That’ depends on what you think “organizing” is about.  What a lot of people don’t realize about organizing is its relationship to what’s in your head and the systems you use to keep your space in order.  ”Stuff shifting” is only part of the deal.

Magazine articles, online websites, tips from the news – all these can help you do it yourself.  What helps you stay that way?  It’s that lovely thing between your ears…. your mind.  All the “stuff shifting”, labeling and containers are fantastic, but they are part of the solution.  Long term change comes from addressing what’s going on in your head and changing your actions.  So, what does it take to get organized?  It’s really a simple process:

1. A plan. Where will things go, how will you use your space?  This is before you lift a single piece of paper or clean out one cabinet.
2. Sort it out.  This is the organizing piece – the “stuff shifting”.  Once you have a plan in mind, it’s time to sort out the important things.
3. Keeping it that way. Maintenance is the key to staying organized long term.  That happens in your head, your calendar and in daily life.  It’s like taking a shower – it’s a great idea, but you’ve got to do it everyday (we hope!).

Only one third of those things up there is what most people think of when it comes to organizing: sorting it out.  It’s part of the process, but not all of it by itself.  You can do the sorting it out yourself – I’d be willing to bet you’ve done it at least once!

Many times we have to address the physical space first, followed by changing our minds and habits.  A friend, confidante, mentor or Professional Organizer can help the process along – from the plan through to strategies to keep things in order.

Do you have some sorting out to do between your ears?

Ready to get organized? Want an alternative to the traditional in-person organizing or live outside the area?  Learn how we can work together to get you and keep you organized.  Learn more about my Virtual Organizing service here.

Did you know that January is “Get Organized Month“?  I went to my local chapter event over the weekend, the Pacific Northwest Organizing Expo, put on by NAPO Oregon.  Some NAPO Oregon Members were kind enough to share their favorite quick organizing tips.  Also, this week in the news is Apple’s new iPad – it’s not a laptop and it’s not a phone either.  Are you getting one?  Lastly, my happy dance for the new Google Voice mobile interface.

Show Notes:

NAPO Oregon

Organizing Giveaway

Check out Apple’s new iPad

Google Voice

Ready to organize your office? You’ve come to the right place!

Do It Yourselfer? Start with the Blog or The Home Office Podcast.
Prefer a private group learning environment? Explore the benefits of VIP Membership.
Need help today? Learn how we can work together on the Organizing & Consulting Services Page.

Oh sure, you’ve been meaning to listen to The Home Office Organizer Podcast, read the latest blog posts or even learn more about VIP Membership.  It’s ok.  You’re busy. I get it.

So, let’s make this easy: The Home Office Organizer Toolbar. Easy to install and use, and you can’t get it anywhere else!  It includes:

• A link to the site: Visit anytime, without having to remember the URL
• Customized Search: Search based on some of my favorite sites.  This will be a work in progress, starting with a handful and expanding.  Have a home office quandry?  Use the search and find some answers (including TheHomeOfficeOrganizer.com and other rockin’ sites!)
• “Coffee Talk”: Because sometimes Twitter is just too much.  1-2 messages from yours truly.  Short, sweet and at a glance.
• The Home Office Podcast Player: Not sure how to listen to the podcast?  Just click play!  Choose from the list and listen anytime.
• The Latest Blog Posts: All in one place.  Stay up to date, when it’s convenient for you.
• VIP Member Link: VIP Members can login anytime.  Just click & login.  Forget bookmarks.
• Share It: Like the tool bar?  Click on the logo and share it with a friend.  (There may be chocolate in it for you….)

I’m all about making it easier for you.  Ready to get the toolbar?  Click below and you’re on you’re way!
(Works with Firefox & Internet Explorer.  Sorry Google.)

I’ll be there!  This is a free event, so come join us!

NAPO Oregon Presents the 2010 Pacific Northwest Organizing Expo

January 30, 2010, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Montgomery Park, 2701 NW Vaughn Street, Portland Oregon 97201

Admission is free.  For more information visit their website here.

Did you know that organization (or lack of) is an internal and external issue?  Join me with guest, Peter Walsh as we talk about working in a home office, teaching our children the value of organization and using it as a tool.

Show Notes:

Peter Walsh Design

Martha Beck

Oprah’s “Live Your Best Life” Weekend Event in NYC

Peter’s Books:

Enough Already,    It’s All Too Much,   How to Organize Just About Everything

—–

Gettin’ techie with it….

Teleclass: Tech Tools & Online Tools for Organizing
Presented by: Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer

♦ For those seeking professional organizer education
♦ For those who would like to become more organized

DESCRIPTION:

Technology moves fast… sometimes too fast.
From laptops, smart phones and other gadgets, what are the available tools to keep yourself organized?
We’ll cover the latest and greatest tools to keep you organized no matter where you go, from task lists, to calendars and note-taking tools.
Come get your “geek on” & get the important things done.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• How technology tools can help simplify your life
• An Organizer’s favorite software tools
• Online organizing solutions you can use today at little or no cost
• A variety of tools available for your smart phone or iPhone

DATE: Monday January 25, 2010
TIME: 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT
DURATION: 1 hour
HANDOUTS: a link to download handouts provided with registration
RECORDING: This class will be recorded so you may listen after the live class is over.
COST:   $15 (or use the coupon code “clutter” for 10% off!)

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:

Brandie Kajino, known as “The Home Office Organizer”, is a consultant, author, speaker and small business owner. Her specialty is empowering busy professionals resources, tools and simple organizing solutions. Her resource-packed website TheHomeOfficeOrganizer.com includes articles, a weekly podcast, downloadable products and a service menu. Some of Brandie’s media credits include Yahoo.com, WashingtonPost.com, StartupNation, television and radio.

Whether working one-on-one with a client, or speaking to a group, she loves seeing the proverbial “light go on”. She uses a mix of fun, humor and honesty to empower clients feel more productive so they can get the important things done.
$15.00

Get 10% off by entering the coupon code: “clutter”

< < < Register HERE…. > > >

Do you have guilt?  I’ll bet you’ve had it once or twice, especially if you’re a woman and a mom.  Victoria Cook joins me as we talk about how to live guilt-free.  Is it an emotion?  Come find out!

Show Notes:

TheGuiltFreeCoach.com

Learn more about VIP Membership

Tasks: Recurring, the daily list and date specific.  How to keep track of it all?  Join me as I reveal what I do, and a few tips to help you get it all done.

Show Notes:

8 Days of Resolutions

Recurring Task Planner (coming soon!)

Learn more about VIP Membership

Getting Organized in the New Year (TV segment on KOIN Keep It Local)

New Year Resolution #8:
Learn Something New

This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!

Learning goes beyond the educational halls.

Learning is part of life.  It seems too many of of stop when we leave school.  It’s understandable – you realize you can read for pleasure and not for a test the next day.  Learning seemed hard then, a struggle and a thing many choose not to do when they aren’t forced to.  But, does learning really stop when we get the diploma?

Alternative: Lifelong learning starts with curiosity.

Four years ago, I was curious about blogging.  I wanted to learn how to do it.  I liked to write, and yet couldn’t bring myself to write regularly.  I thought blogging would be a good way to get in a practice of writing on a regular basis.  So, I did some research, listened to those who had done it successfully and read up on the subject.  I didn’t know a plugin from a widget, or how it was possible for a stylesheet to cascade.  But, I started with a purpose in mind, and I plugged into the Wordpress community.  I found mentors and people who were doing what I wanted to do.  I joined in the conversation, read other blogs and took on little projects along the way.  Little by little, I learned.  It wasn’t always easy.  Blogging is much more than just producing content (who knew?).  Could I be better at it?  Of course.  There is still so much to learn, so I have time in my calendar to make sure I am moving forward.

No better time than today.

Start today, don’t wai.  Is there something you want to learn?  Is there something you need to learn?  What’s holding you back?  What would it feel like to be have that knowledge or skill?

Here’s a few organization tips to help you learn something new:

1. Pick one thing you are interested in, and write it down.
2. Research a class at your local community college or go to your local library with a notebook and pen to take notes.
3. Mark time on your calendar to continue learning and practicing your new skill.
4. Start a file or an envelope, and put your research in it.  If you have more information, use a small portable file box.  Make it easy to maintain and organized enough to find it later.

If you are ready to learn something new, when will you start?

Psst…. If you are ready to learn something new about organizing your home office, check out my NEW members only program and private website. If you need some personalized help, a group working toward the same thing and you’re ready to do the work, come see what it’s about!

New Year Resolution #7:
Help Others

This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!

How do you give back?

I remember my mother gardening, giving our extra garden bounty away, helping others with their canning and watching her teach swimming classes for special needs children.  It seemed a part of her life (and still is) to help others.

When I was in high school, I had the distinct honor of being selected to study abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange student.  I grew up in a small town of 14,000, and had never been on a commercial jet until I flew across the Pacific to the Land of the Rising Sun.  It was  a year of excitement, frustration, happiness, sadness and a year of growth experienced by few.  It changed who I was, and what path my life took.  I knew at some point, it would be my turn to give back to an organization that did so much for this young naive country girl.

What is burning in your heart?

I don’t mean to sound contrite or like a line in a made- for-TV-movie,  but really, what are you passionate about?  Is there an organization that did something for you in your time of need?  Were you afforded an opportunity you would not have had otherwise?

Make time, make a choice

There’s never a perfect time to give back, and there may never be a perfect financial situation to give all you would like to.  But, we can make time to give back, volunteer and help make our corner of the world a better place.

Around five years ago, I wanted to start helping out with Rotary Youth Exchange in my area.  I was lucky enough to seek out a connection I had in the area and ask how I could help.  I was greeted with open arms and encouragement to give what I could at that point.  I had a young toddler and a fledgling business, so my time was limited.  I gave what I could.

Last year, I decided to join Rotary as a full-fledged member, and to involve myself with the Youth Exchange program in our district.  Before making the jump, I had to give some other things up, rearrange and rethink commitments.  It is a decision I haven’t regretted since.

If you want to volunteer or participate in a charity, here’s a few tips to get started:

1. Be real about your schedule.  How much time do you have to give?

2. Find a good fit.  Ask a lot of questions about the commitment expected, the time involved and if you are expected to cover your own expenses.  Know what you are getting into so there are few surprises.

3. Start saying “no” more. You may have to juggle your schedule around, even eliminating something to ensure you’re not overextending yourself.  Don’t overdo it.  No organization wants an unhappy, burnt out volunteer.

How can you give back this year?

Psst…. If you like this series & the site, check out my NEW members only program and private website. If you need some personalized help, a group working toward the same thing and you’re ready to do the work, come see what it’s about!

Ready to get organized in the New Year? Take baby steps, use what you have and start with the thing that’s bothering you most. Here’s how to do that from my latest segment on KOIN Keep It Local:

New Year Resolution #6:
Spend More Time with Loved Ones

This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!

Title

Spending time with those we love is something to strive for.  It never seems to be enough, even when we make it a priority.  Extra appointments on the schedule, events we’ve committed to and other things get in the way.  Or do they?

It’s not the quantity, but rather the quality.

How do you remember your childhood?  I remember moments of happiness:  seeing my parents in the stands at a volleyball game, sharing a holiday meal or tearfully hugging my little sister at the airport when I left for a year abroad as an exchange student.  I’ll bet you can remember some of those things too.  I believe in making moments special, and being truely engaged in that moment. Here’s some ways to spend some quality time, and really being “in the moment”:

1.  Plan for it.  Get chores done, wash the clothes, put things away, whatever.  If it’s on your mind, and you can do it quickly, take care of it.

2.  Turn off distractions. The “always on” cell phone can be really distracting (I get it, really I do) so put it on vibrate in another room for a period of time.

3.  Quit procrastinating and start acting.  If you can’t spend time with those you love because life is out of control, take action.  Get control of your action paper, find a way to focus each day or discover and address what is really bothering you.  Get to the heart of the matter, so you can breathe and enjoy life.

What can you do so you can spend more time with your loved ones?

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Want to win the ButtonedUP Birthday.book &-Greetings.stash? Leave a comment below, sharing your resolution and how you could use organization to help you achieve it. Enter by 1/10/2010! (Read the ButtonedUP giveaway & special reader discount details here.)

Psst…. If you like this series & the site, check out my NEW members only program and private website. If you need some personalized help, a group working toward the same thing and you’re ready to do the work, come see what it’s about!

New Year Resolution #5:
Enjoy Life More

This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!

Is it really so hard to enjoy life?

All this week, I’m discussing how we can make New Year Resolutions a reality, using organization as a tool.  One of the resolutions is “Enjoy Life More”.  This means various things to different people.  I happen to be in the camp of “bloom where you are planted”.  No one’s life is perfection.  That’s the way it is.  I think life is more about our attitude toward it, and less about what we do in it.  It really comes down to being a choice whether we enjoy life.  Gratitude for what you have will improve your attitude.

Is there so much in it, that it’s hard to notice the good things?

I’m subject to having too much going on, and too many belongings in my life.  I use organization to help me weed it out and keep things under control for my own sanity.  I also listen to my inner voice when I know I am reaching a breaking point.  I say “no” a lot.  I think if we say “no” more than “yes”, our commitments and “yeses” mean more.  It’s about being real, recognizing how much we can really handle and staying true to the boundaries we set up.  When there’s too much in your life, there’s not a lot of time to stop and enjoy the ride.  All you feel is the rush of the wind, and all you see is a blur as you barrel down the road of life at 100 mph.

Packing light for the journey.

Peter Walsh spoke at a conference I attended two years ago.  He told a compelling story of how organizers work for clients, and what we help them with.  Picture yourself on a road, walking, with lots of baggage you must carry yourself.  In your mind, take one bag away at a time.  How do you feel when your load is lighter?  If you’ve ever traveled with a lot of baggage, you know how stressful (and expensive with bag fees) it can be.  You’re more focused on all the belongings you have to keep track of and less about the views, people, places and experiences around you on the journey.

Less stuff = more time to enjoy life.

Ready to enjoy life more?  Here’s a few tips to get started:

1.  Today, pick three things you don’t use, and can pass on to someone else.   Make this a regular exercise.

2.  Look at your calendar and see if there is anything you can stop doing.

3.  Is there something intangible in your life that needs to go?  How can you make that happen?

How will you enjoy life more this year?

Psst…. If you like this series & the site, check out my NEW membership program. If you need some personalized help, a group working toward the same thing and you’re ready to do the work, come see what it’s about!

New Year Resolution #4:
Reduce Stress

This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!

What stresses you out?

What’s for dinner?  Wasn’t my best client’s birthday yesterday?  Did I have a meeting today?  What was the thing I wasn’t supposed to forget to do today?

How can you reduce stress?  Here’s three tips:

1. “Will this matter in 5 years?”

As a young newlywed, I had a great more “experienced” friend who helped me with some perspective on stress.  I admired her ability to remain cool under pressure (she had 5 grown children & several grandchildren who frequented her home and an aging parent living with her at the time).  When I asked her how she she seemed to keep a cool head when things got crazy, she replied, “I ask myself, ‘Will this matter in 5 years?’ “  If the answer was “no” she didn’t worry to much about it.  Wise words, and they still ring in my ears today.

2. Structure isn’t a four letter word.

I recently heard a quote by T.S. Elliott:  “When forced to work within a strict framework the imagination is taxed to its utmost–and will produce its richest ideas.  Given total freedom the work is likely to sprawl.”

When I talk to people at my workshops or presentations, many of them are afraid of structure.  I get it, I really do.  I am not a very linear person, and I used to poo-poo the idea of structuring my day.

When I had my son, I learned that children need and crave structure.  Breakfast at 8am, nap at 10:30, lunch at 12:30, nap at 3:00, dinner at 6:30, bed at 8:00.  I learned that my son was happier, well adjusted and just plain more enjoyable to be around when we stuck to the schedule.  Now, of course we took side trips, went to special events and did other activities that called for flexibility in our schedule.  However, we soon eased back into the routine when things got back to normal.

I found when I structured my day, planned out tasks and arranged my calendar, it was easier to get the important things done.  I didn’t worry about what I needed to do, because I had already planned it out and had some flexibility when other matters came up.  I know when things start to slip and get out of control, it was time for a check-in to see what needs to improve.  Guess what?  When I stick (sometimes somewhat loosely) to a schedule, I’m a happier, well adjusted, less stressed and just plain more enjoyable to be around…  Go figure.

3. Find an outlet.

I love to read.  I love self-improvement books, but I also love period fiction (like Memoirs of a Geisha).  A friend asked me once, “Where do you find the time to read so much?”  I responded, “I make time.”  Reading is an escape, a chance for me to go into another world and watch a story unfold.  I wonder what the characters will do, say or experience next.  I think about what I would do in that situation and what I can learn and apply to my own life and mind.

24 hours might not seem like a lot, but it really is.  It’s amazing how much time I can fritter away without even thinking about it.  But, I always make time for things I like to do.  I believe it’s essential to reducing stress.  If we don’t give ourselves little pockets of time to do what we like, we’ll soon have nothing to give to others or our business.  Make time for an outlet of enjoyment, and see how you feel.

How are you going to reduce stress this year?

Psst…. If you like this series & the site, check out my NEW membership program launching this month. If you need some personalized help, a group working toward the same thing and you’re ready to do the work, come see what it’s about!

Come On In!

I’m excited to finally share this program with you. It’s been in the works for over a year…

This NEW Membership Program will help you maintain your home office easily with the help and support of a professional organizer and others just like you!

For a low investment in time, money and effort, I’ll be your guide. I’ve been there, and I’ll show you how I organized my home office and how I’ve helped hundreds of others do the same.

Learn more about the benefits of VIP Membership →

New Year Resolution #3:
Better Money Management

This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”.  Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th?  Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire.  You may surprise yourself!

Procrastinating won’t improve matters.

My husband is a great teacher.  When we were first married, he taught me how to think about managing money in a new way.  I used to hide my eyes, bury my head and pretend things weren’t happening.  It didn’t work.  Knowledge and keeping your eyes open is power, baby.  The first way to improve your money management is to keep your eyes open, and use the right tools.

Sometimes good intentions aren’t good enough.

I love technology and useful gadgets.  So, on the advice of a friend, I started using a well known financial register software, and I was frustrated.  I couldn’t get it to do what I wanted, and messed it up so badly that I finally broke down and called in an accountant to help me sort it out.  Let’s just say she was a little confounded as well.  At that point, she strongly recommended I start using Quickbooks.

Get help and do it right.

A few months later, I called her back to help me understand how to customize Quickbooks for my business.  She set some things up for me and left me with a “maintenance” tasks.  I now look FORWARD to doing my bookkeeping.  Crazy, right?

If your resolution is to stick to a budget, get out of debt or keep better track of your finances, go for it!  Here’s how to get started:

1. Open your eyes to the reality of your situation

2. Get help if you need it

3. Get and use the right tools

4.  Set up a simple system to make it easy on yourself

How are you going to better manage your money this year?

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Want to win the ButtonedUP Tax.filer? Leave a comment below, sharing your resolution and how you could use organization to help you achieve it. Enter by 1/10/2010! (Read the ButtonedUP giveaway & special reader discount details here.)

Psst…. If you like this series & the site, check out my NEW Members Only Program & Private Website. If you need some personalized help, a group working toward the same thing and you’re ready to get organized this year, come see what it’s about!

New Year Resolution #2:
Get Fit… and back into the skinny jeans

This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!

I’m not really a runner.  One year of middle school cross country may have turned me off for a lifetime.  But, several years ago, I took up racewalking… and learned a lot about myself and what it takes to get to the finish line.

It’s crazy, but I just did it.

A few years ago I did something crazy:  Portland to Coast Relay.  Then, I did it two more times after that and actually finished the race.  Then, I did something even further out of my comfort zone: a half marathon.  Then, this year, I did it again…. only this time I actually trained for it and improved my total time by quite a bit…. and I didn’t have crippling blisters on my heels… and I didn’t sleep for three days afterward… or feel like I wanted to cut off my own feet…

Training & a coach was way better than going it alone.

My lovely friend talked me into doing the Portland to Coast Relay the first time.  I thought, “Oh sure, I can do that.”  The first time I did it, I could count on one hand how many times I went on a training walk.  Let’s just say I did one leg (I was supposed to do three), and then had incredible nausea and fatigue and couldn’t continue.  Yeah, nice teamwork (my teammates had to pick up my slack… *insert intense guilt here*).

The second time I did it, I decided to train (a little) more and felt better afterward.  The third time I hired a racewalking coach and my body thanked me due to much improved form.

Then came the half marathon… There’s strawberry shortcake at the end?  And a shiny medal?  Oh, alright.

I convinced two of the Portland to Coast friends to do it with me.  They obliged, and we set off to do it.  Because I’m a bit of a slow learner, I only did about a handful of training walks preparing for the race.  If  you only walk about 5 times, you FEEL every inch of that 13.1 miles.  Even if it is all flat terrain.  I “hit the wall” at 8 miles.  I had to practically crawl the last 5.1.  And they were out of that luscious strawberry shortcake when we finally arrived at the end.  Great.

Then I made the commitment, on my calendar.

So, this year, I decided I was going to do the half marathon right.  I found a real training schedule, put it in my calendar, sweet talked my neighbor into doing it with me and started a Facebook group to hold me accountable.  You know what?  It worked.  Did I do all the walks?  No.  Did I do most of them?  Yes.  Did I do them all on the exact days they were on my calendar?  No, but I got about 85% of it in.  That felt really good.

Then, we did the race, and I took 25 minutes off my total race time.  I felt like a million bucks when I was done!  It wasn’t perfect, but I made progress over my last race time.  The race wasn’t about the race.  It was about the commitment it took to GET to the race and finish to the best of my ability.  The hard work, organized effort and determination to be better got me there to receive my second finisher’s medal.

It doesn’t take a half marathon, but it will take commitment.

If you’re making a resolution to “get fit” this year, you don’t have to do a half marathon or go on a reality weight loss show.  What I learned was to commit to something that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and then mark it in pen on my calendar.  When it’s in front of you everyday, there’s no guessing and no getting out of it.  Does that mean you’ll do it perfectly?  Probably not.  But that doesn’t mean you to fall off the wagon and lay there in the mud.  Get back up, check the calendar in the morning and get moving.

Get fit in the New Year:

1.  Set a goal

2.  Get on a schedule

3.  Set up reminders in your calendar

Make a commitment to yourself and follow through, however imperfectly.  Just get moving!

Psst…. If you like this series & the site, check out my NEW Members Only Program & Private Website. If you need some personalized help, a group working toward the same thing and you’re ready to get organized this year, come see what it’s about!

New Year Resolution #1:
Get Organized

This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!

Organization helps you identify and honor the “big rocks”.

Organizing is a tool, for living and for working.  Getting things done requires us to identify the important things and giving them a space in our regular schedule.  To illustrate, here’s a “Big Rocks” video from Franklin Covey:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Organize your calendar.

Let’s take using a calendar as the first step to getting organized.  Put in the “big rocks” first, assigning a specific time, or just marking the day you will do your task.  Paper or electronic, it matters not: choose one and try it out for 30 days.  Make sure you know where it is.  If it’s paper, be sure it’s a size you can carry with you at all times.  An electronic calendar integrated into smart phones or an online solution like Google Apps is easy to carry around and access anytime (with the added benefit of automatic backup). Always put it in the same place, and review it at the start and end of the day.  This will help you keep on track.

Tips to get organized this year:

1. Use organization as a tool

2. Remember the “big rocks” first, and “fill in” later

3. Use a calendar to make sure the important things get done

How will you use your calendar to help you get organized, making room for the “big rocks”?

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Want to win the ButtonedUP File.starter? Leave a comment below, telling us your resolution and how you could use organization to help you achieve it.    Enter by 1/10/2010! (Read the ButtonedUP giveaway & special reader discount details here.)

Psst…. If you like this series & the site, check out my NEW Members Only Program & Private Website. If you need some personalized help, a group working toward the same thing and you’re ready to get organized this year, come see what it’s about!