The Anal Retentive's Guide for Getting Organized
August 10th 2007 05:42
1. Keep a Master List. Why clutter your mind with countless things to remember? Make a list of everything you want to do, including both pressing matters and long-term goals. Use a small notebook; keep it handy for reference and to write in additional entries. A typical master list might read something like this: drop off clothes at the dry cleaner’s; plan the PTA meeting; upgrade job skills; pick up birthday present for friend; plan family vacation; clean out hall closet. As soon as you think of anything that warrants your attention, whether you’re likely to do it right away or not, write it down. The best way to use a “To Do” list is to write down about ten items each day, assigning each a number 1, 2, or 3 priority. You complete your 1’s first, move on to the 2’s and, if you have to, postpone the 3’s. Then, whenever those unimportant, but nagging little 3’s—jobs like doing your filing or mending—begin to pile up, plan a catch-up day to take care of them.
2. Plan Each Day. The second essential component of good organization is the daily “To Do” list. Make up a new one each morning, and include tasks you specifically hope to accomplish—deadlines, appointments—as well as items from your master list.
Break goals into smaller, more manageable, and tackle them one at a time. For example, “upgrade job skills” is hardly something you can do in a day. But you can phone your local university for a copy of their catalog.
3. Learn to Delegate. By assigning tasks to others, bartering services or swapping services with others, you can save time practically every day. Delegating responsibilities within the family is important.
Kids need chores
Ages 2 to 4
Put dirty clothes in the hamper.
Stack books or magazines.
Put bath toys away.
Hang up jackets on low hooks.
Help with laundry—match socks; do simple folding.
Ages 4 to 7
Set their alarm clocks and dress themselves.
Select school clothes, with some assistance.
Take plates from the table to the sink.
Hang up their clothes.
Put outdoor toys, such as balls and bats, in a special carton in the hall closet.
Make their own beds by pulling up the quilt.
Over 8 years
Put all toys away where they belong.
Use multi-compartment drawers for storing small items, such as baseball cards or
puzzle pieces.
Make a simple breakfast or pack a lunch.
Do most household jobs reasonably well (dusting, cleaning the bathroom sink).
Once children enter their teens, most can assume full responsibility for virtually any indoor or outdoor chore, except those that require operating dangerous equipment or call for an adult’s patience (such as staining furniture). Teenagers can also prepare meals and do some of the grocery shopping.
If you haven’t been in the habit of delegating, get the ball rolling by calling a family meeting. Ask each child to suggest specific ways in which he or she might contribute toward keeping the house orderly. Remember, you’ll get more cooperation if you solicit suggestions instead of just issuing commands.
4. Use your best time for your most important tasks. Many people spend their days locked in mortal combat with their natural habits and behavior patterns. Nothing could be more counter-productive,. f you’re a ‘day person,’ make use of the mornings to get your hardest tasks completed, and if you’re a ‘night person’ struggling to function at 7:30 A.M., leave as possible to do in the early hours. For example, before you go to bed each night, set out your clothes for the next day, and supervise the children while they get clothes and schoolbooks ready. When you get to work, ease into the day. Answer phone calls, catch up with filing and do other jobs you can accomplish with little effort. Then, as your energy level rises, take care of the more important work. By making an effort to accommodate your own built-in time clock, you’ll get more done in the same amount of time, and you’ll enjoy what you’re doing a lot more, too.
5. Use Time- and Labor-Saving Devices. The best one you have is the telephone. Shop by phone whenever you can, and be sure to inquire about delivery. Drugstores and dry cleaners will often deliver for little or no charge. Other appliances that save time are food processors, slow cookers, microwave ovens.
2. Plan Each Day. The second essential component of good organization is the daily “To Do” list. Make up a new one each morning, and include tasks you specifically hope to accomplish—deadlines, appointments—as well as items from your master list.
Break goals into smaller, more manageable, and tackle them one at a time. For example, “upgrade job skills” is hardly something you can do in a day. But you can phone your local university for a copy of their catalog.
3. Learn to Delegate. By assigning tasks to others, bartering services or swapping services with others, you can save time practically every day. Delegating responsibilities within the family is important.
Kids need chores
Ages 2 to 4
Put dirty clothes in the hamper.
Stack books or magazines.
Put bath toys away.
Hang up jackets on low hooks.
Help with laundry—match socks; do simple folding.
Ages 4 to 7
Set their alarm clocks and dress themselves.
Select school clothes, with some assistance.
Take plates from the table to the sink.
Hang up their clothes.
Put outdoor toys, such as balls and bats, in a special carton in the hall closet.
Make their own beds by pulling up the quilt.
Over 8 years
Put all toys away where they belong.
Use multi-compartment drawers for storing small items, such as baseball cards or
puzzle pieces.
Make a simple breakfast or pack a lunch.
Do most household jobs reasonably well (dusting, cleaning the bathroom sink).
Once children enter their teens, most can assume full responsibility for virtually any indoor or outdoor chore, except those that require operating dangerous equipment or call for an adult’s patience (such as staining furniture). Teenagers can also prepare meals and do some of the grocery shopping.
If you haven’t been in the habit of delegating, get the ball rolling by calling a family meeting. Ask each child to suggest specific ways in which he or she might contribute toward keeping the house orderly. Remember, you’ll get more cooperation if you solicit suggestions instead of just issuing commands.
4. Use your best time for your most important tasks. Many people spend their days locked in mortal combat with their natural habits and behavior patterns. Nothing could be more counter-productive,. f you’re a ‘day person,’ make use of the mornings to get your hardest tasks completed, and if you’re a ‘night person’ struggling to function at 7:30 A.M., leave as possible to do in the early hours. For example, before you go to bed each night, set out your clothes for the next day, and supervise the children while they get clothes and schoolbooks ready. When you get to work, ease into the day. Answer phone calls, catch up with filing and do other jobs you can accomplish with little effort. Then, as your energy level rises, take care of the more important work. By making an effort to accommodate your own built-in time clock, you’ll get more done in the same amount of time, and you’ll enjoy what you’re doing a lot more, too.
5. Use Time- and Labor-Saving Devices. The best one you have is the telephone. Shop by phone whenever you can, and be sure to inquire about delivery. Drugstores and dry cleaners will often deliver for little or no charge. Other appliances that save time are food processors, slow cookers, microwave ovens.
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Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Thanks for the post!
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Oh excellent statement!
One should just flow...be the water...
Excellent post Mis. I don't usually comment on these posts of yours, I read and vote but I had to, on this one.
Thank you. Great and user friendly points.
big hug...
Dusk
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
If I'm anal retentive, doesn't that mean that I have these things stored in a very special place, and am reluctant to let go of them. Sounds a bit complicated and uncomfortable, I know.
Incidentally, who consulted the children in all of this?
I guess a police man's work is never done. But, I'm off, I just want to have fun.
katyzzz
Comment by Chic Critique
Great post full of wonderful ideas especially the bit about working with your own energy levels and body clock. For years I struggled with trying to fit in with the rest of my morning based family.....and therefore thought the world was like that. Not so!
Cheers
CC
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Motivation can certainly be problematic that is for sure! Distractions? Oh well I sometimes get overwhelmed by too many incomplete items. Or I just way "tears in a bucket... just f**k it!"
Mis
Glad that you liked the post!
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
One should just flow...be the water...
Damn straight!
Excellent post Mis. Great and user friendly points
Thanks so much!
I don't usually comment on these posts of yours, I read and vote but I had to, on this one.
Thank you.
Big hugs to you too!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Incidentally, who consulted the children in all of this?
Well I am an "old school" parent and hold kids accountable for helping around the house
I guess a police man's work is never done. But, I'm off, I just want to have fun.
HAHAHAHAHA
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Thank you for your kind words. I also really believe that our body's own Circadian rhythms need to considered for greatest performance. I am certainly an early bird so getting stuff done in the evening is usually a "no-go." Thanks again.
Mis