Motivate others on How To Get Organized

Many women look for ways to help motivate others on how to get organized.  Let’s face it, when people in our lives are organized, it helps them as well as us.  This could include their spouse, kids, co- workers, boss, and friends, among others.

What does it mean to motivate someone?

One definition says to ‘give an incentive for action’, another says ‘to provide with a motive, to move, impel or induce’. Other people must be able to ‘see’ the end goal in mind in order to be given a motive or reason for organizing.

1.   Be Organized yourself.  The number one way to motivate others in our lives is to be more organized ourselves. After all, how can we hold others to a higher standard than that which we hold ourselves?

For example, let’s say the new organizing rule at home is everyone must rinse off their own plates and put them in the dishwasher. Do you think your spouse and kids are going to follow this rule if they see you leaving your plate on the table?

2.  Delegate duties.  One part of delegating duties is recognizing that others may complete a chore or organizing task slightly different then you would do it. This is not wrong, just a different way of doing it.

When dealing with kids, the duties must be age appropriate and cognizant of ability level.  Provide guidance and clear instructions about what you need others to do.

Use a chore chart. This can be especially useful if you want to keep track of what other’s chores or organizing projects will be during a set amount of time. In an office space, a chart can be set up that demonstrates the different parts of a bigger organizing project–such as setting up a new filing system which will take a number of hours to complete.

Setting up a chore chart can be quite simple nowadays, especially with computer programs that design custom tables and charts. Just plug in everyone’s names and their chores or duties for the week.

It’s extremely useful for kids who want to be rewarded. For younger kids, use pictures instead of words to describe their duties. For example, a picture of a bed can represent making their bed.

3. discuss organizing openly and create systems together.  People are more receptive to change if they understand the change and have a say in what will be changed. For example, in an office setting it is much easier to set-up a new filing system if all the co-workers opinions are taken into account. Important questions should be discussed such as where the files will be located, or will it be organized alphabetically or by topic/subject?

Systems must be logical and simplistic. For example, bill paying supplies should be kept all together in the office, not in three separate locations around the house. If we expect our kids to pick up their toys every evening, the series of cubbies or boxes must be easy to reach and labeled with both pictures and/or words.

Overall, we can help to motivate others in our lives to be more organized, which in turn will help you to be more organized.

Whether it is in the office, at home, or even your friends, those who surround you impact your environment. Being more organized can and will make a difference in your everyday life.

There are many ways to motivate others on how to get organized.  From helping your friend with time management skills so you don’t miss the beginning of every movie you go to see together, to your boss who needs help with a new filing system at work, to your kids at home who need a designated area for homework, organizing is an important skill to learn and teach others. So let’s all help each other become more organized today.

If you’re struggling with how to get organized and would like someone to talk to who can really help, contact me for your 20 minute free consultation. I would love to talk with you about how I can help you overcome stress and anxiety in your life and in your business.

Tips For Using Your Time Wisely

Time truly is the deciding factor. We all have to recognize the fact that we cannot slow it down nor can we speed it up. We all have the same amount of time–365 days in each year and only 24 hours in each day.

What is time? Time is a system or method of measuring or reckoning the passage of time. In the end, it is all about personal choice. We all have the right to choose how we will spend our time.

If you are always feeling like there is not enough time. Ask yourself the following two questions:

1 -  How do you spend your time? Create a time chart and record how you spend each day for a week.

2 -  What are your priorities? What do you want to spend your time on?

Compare these two lists. What can be cut, delegated, etc. from list #1 and allow you more time for those items on list #2?

In the rest of this article, I will share some tips that will help save you some time, so that you will have more time for what you want to do.

1. Save time on errands

• Designate an errand day (do all your errands on one specific day. Also try to plan the time of day that stores are less busy.)
• Map out the locations, so that you are not driving back and forth.
• Delegate errands for other family members.
• Share or trade errands with a neighbor, fellow mom, or a local teenager.

 2. Use your computer to save time

• Check directions before leaving.
• Online calendars and appointment reminders that can be sent to other people.
• Correspond with family and friends.
• Order gifts, flowers, books, groceries, etc. online–no waiting in lines, travel time, etc.
• Paying bills online- no trips to the bank, no mailing costs.
• Use folders to separate important information, for example, packing lists, immunization record, list of doctors.

3. Have a routine and stick with it

• Having a routine can help you save time. For example, if you work for an hour a day at chores around your house, you will not have to spend all weekend cleaning up and instead can spend some time with family and friends.
• Having a routine is also very useful for children. They know what to expect and when. Bedtimes, chores, errands, and homework time will all run smoother.

4.  Plan ahead

• Create a meal plan- you save time each night figuring out what to eat a half hour before you make supper.
• Shopping list- will save you time at the store.
• Get out your clothes for the next day- will save you time getting dressed in the morning.

5. Do things in bulk

• For example, if you are cooking lasagna for supper, how much harder is it to make a second one to freeze for a busy night in the future?
• Bulk cooking or a once a month cooking fest can save you time in the long run.

 6. A consistent spot for must-needed, everyday items

• Do you know how much time people spend/waste looking for everyday items? Hours!!!
• Everyday or essential items should be kept in the same spot every day. For example, place your keys and cell phone in the same location so when you need to grab them tomorrow, you will know exactly where to find them. You might want a table, basket, or tray where you can leave these items and empty your pockets daily. The kids’ homework, shoes, and book bags need to have a home.

 7. Post and use a family calendar

• An earlier tip suggests using one of many websites to set up an electronic calendar; this may not work for every family. So if it doesn’t then you will need to use a paper calendar or one designed on a wall using chalkboard or magnetic paint.
• Make sure it is in a central location where everyone can see it and use it.
• Make sure all appointments, meetings, get-togethers, after-school activities are put on the calendar. Transfer over to a pocket calendar, organizer, electronic organizer or even leave yourself a voice mail on your cell phone.

8. Make and use checklists

• Checklists for children can help them learn their morning or evening routines, for example, brushing their teeth and combing their hair. If your little one cannot read yet, post pictures as well as the words.
• Checklists can be useful when packing for a trip, a day out at the park or picnic, having a babysitter or friend sit for the kids, among many other opportunities.

If you need help in creating a schedule for yourself and/or your family, simply sign up for one of our affordable coaching packages. You can also grab your free 20 minute coaching consultation to find out more about how a life coach can assist you.

Also be sure to check out Get Organized Now – An amazing collection of 2,175 ideas, tips and techniques for organizing your home, getting rid of clutter, organizing your time, your schedule, your money, your paper, your family and much more!

Positive Ways To Deal With Anger

“This is making me a headache!”

That lovely line above came out of my now 11yo’s mouth when he was five years old and frustrated over the daunting task of trying to learn how to tie his shoes.

He blurted the sentence out then tossed the sneaker across the room. I walked over to him and talked to him about his frustration (Heck, getting those loops just right is hard work — smile).  I explained to him that while it is OK to get angry and frustrated but that there are proper ways to do it.

Anger is a completely natural response to frustration. Let’s face it, life is filled with things that can become frustrating, and most of those things are totally out of our control. What we do control is how we deal with those issues. In this message, I wanted to touch on positive ways that we can deal with, express and release our anger and frustration in positive ways.

Think it out - When you begin to feel angry — sit down, relax and then try to think about how you can solve the issue.

Talk it out - Talk to a friend, Life Coach, counselor, or a church member. Expressing your anger by talking to someone about it is a great way to get the anger out.

Write it out – Keep a journal about your feelings. It really helps to get your feeling out of our head and heart and onto paper.

Let it out – Find a place that is secluded and SCREAM!! Yes, let it out – you can scream into a pillow, punch a pillow or stomp. Sometimes a good temper tantrum is in order.

Channel it out – Find some creative way to channel your feelings. Listen to music, paint, turn on the music and dance! There are many ways to creatively channel out anger.

Chill out – Try listening to calming music, taking in slow deep breaths, meditating or doing yoga.

Work it out – Do something physical. Get out and run, go to the gym or go for a brisk walk.

See how life coaching can help develop some stragegies that will help you to live a more stress free life. Grab your free 20 minute, no strings attached, consultation today.

Simplify Your Life

We live in such a fast paced world and finding ways to simplify your life can help to create a more relaxed and satisfying life for you and your family.

Simplicity involves freeing your time, money, and energy so that you can pay more attention to what is important to you.

Here are just a few tips on how to simplify your life:

1 – Control your time. Take a good hard look at your daily schedule and then begin to tweak it so that it is more manageable. You may have to say “no” more often. It is amazing how cutting out just 1 activity a week can provide more down time for yourself.

2 – Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. I know this is easier said than done, but learning to let things go once in awhile is key. So what if the house goes 1-2 days without getting vacuumed or the laundry is put on hold for an extra day. It is important to alleviate some stress that we put on ourselves to get ALL of those little things done at once.

3 – Get Help. If you get to the point where you are feeling overwhelmed with your personal and family obligations please get help. There are many places that offer babysitting swaps, you can hire a teenager to help with small cleaning tasks or go to a friend for support. Delegation of tasks is another way to get help. Be sure to use all of your resources and delegate some tasks out to others.

4 – Clear out the Clutter. I know you have heard this one before but I can’t stress it enough. Clearing out your clutter is a huge step in living a more simplified life. Make the time to go through your home and sell, donate, or throw out items that you no longer use. This is a large task, so don’t try to do it all in one day. Try to set a goal of doing some every week.

5 – Simplify your Meals. Start preparing dishes which will provide several meals. Stews, casseroles, and many other recipes are just as easy to prepare in large portions as they are to prepare in small portions. Meal planning is a money, sanity and time saver – what else could a busy person ask for? Learn how to create a great stree-free meal plan by reading this informative article on Meal Planning.

6 – Take Care of You. During the course of your day be sure to take out time to relax. Carve out at least 30 minutes a day to take a break, stretch or go for a short walk. Be sure that you are getting the proper amount of sleep so that you have the energy that you need to face each day.

If you’re struggling with how to simplify your life and would like someone to talk to who can really help, contact me for your 20 minute free consultation. I would love to talk with you about how I can help you overcome stress and anxiety in your life and in your business.

Increase Income From Home Based Work

If you currently work from home, you know the ups and downs that this career path brings. There are times when your business is booming and things are going great, but then there are times when things slow down.  When things slow down, that is the time work on trying to increase income from home based work.   The downside of working from home is not having a stable income to depend on. Instead, your income depends on exactly how much work you do every month…how much effort you put into it. It’s not like going to the office and getting paid for 40 hours every week regardless of how much work you get done. 

So, you may be currently going through one of those “dry” spells with your business or you may just be looking for ways to increase your income while working from home.

Below are some ideas that should help increase income from home based work.

1.  Increase Your Marketing.  Too many work at home professionals expect clients to naturally find them. However, while you may get referrals from current and past clients and some clients may stumble upon your website, the majority of clients will find you as a result of your marketing tactics. Therefore, if you are looking to increase business and your income, start advertising your services more. 

2.  Expand Your Services. Sometimes, those who work at home zero in on a specific niche and only seek out clients looking for those specific services. For instance, if you have a freelance writing business and you only focus on pitching and writing magazine articles, you are seriously limiting how much money you can make. You may need to consider finding clients who need online content on a regular basis to provide a continuous stream of money while you are in between magazine assignments. 

3.  Don’t Stop Looking for Clients.  Although you may currently have a big project you’re working on, it’s not a wise move to stop looking for clients. What happens after you finish this project and clients are far and few between? Your income drops, or possibly stops, is what happens. Therefore, continue to look for clients, even if they have smaller jobs than you prefer. 

4.      Outsource When Necessary.  Obviously, when you continue to look for clients, your available time will begin to tighten up. In order to stay sane, and continue growing your business and increasing your income, you may need to outsource some of your workload. The great thing about outsourcing is that it frees up your time and the cost of paying your contractors is a business expense, which helps at tax time. 

5.      Get Organized.  Finally, if you truly want to increase the money you’re making while working from home, you HAVE to get organized. Why? When you’re organized, you will naturally become more productive. Part of getting organized means that you have a designated work space (that works for you – doesn’t have to be an office), a morning “before work” routine as helps get you focused on work (for instance, eating breakfast, getting dressed, applying makeup and fixing a cup of coffee may make you feel better prepared for the work day) and having daily work hours. When you are able to get organized and increase productivity, then your income will naturally rise too.

If you need help in tweaking your time manaegment and also learn how to increase income from home based work, simply sign up for one of our affordable coaching packages. You can also grab your free 20 minute coaching consultation to find out more about how a life coach can assist you

How to Deal With Stress

Dealing with stress can be stressful in itself.  However, if you don’t learn how to deal with stress and learn to manage it, it can have devastating effects on your health and well-being.

In today’s world, many of the things designed to make our lives easier can actually add more stress to us.  Going through a drive-thru window, for example.  It’s supposed to make things quick and easy, but often times you’d have been better off to just park the car and go inside to place your order.   Another example is taking the elevator. If it’s crowded and stops at every floor this could add to your aggravation if you’re in a hurry, or if there’s a screaming kid or obnoxious person in the elevator with you.   In both of these examples, if you went into the fast food restuarant or took the stairs, you’d be getting some physical activity that can also help you deal with stress.

Stress doesn’t always hit you with something big and obvious. It can build up through these small daily things you deal with. Maybe a busy drive-thru isn’t bothering you that much and maybe a crowded elevator doesn’t bother you much either, but add small things like this up throughout the day and it can be very stressful.

Start paying attention to all the little things that causes stress to build up in your life. A small aggravation here and there can lead to a full blown onset of stress when something big does happen. Learn how to deal with these small things so you’re better equipped to deal with the big things.  You can also start to create a stress support system for yourself and that will also help you in how to deal with stress.

Some people offer advice in the form of “just deal with it” or “just get over it.” It doesn’t always work so easy. Stress management isn’t taught in school. It’s something that each person must learn to deal with in their daily lives and each person must find their own way to deal with it. What works for your best friend may not work for you. Instead of giving up because one or two things don’t work for you, keep looking for ways to de-stress. Don’t give up just because something doesn’t work. It may take a combination of things for you to learn to deal with stress.

Try finding your inner child again. Once you’re an adult you’re expected to be mature, take everything in stride and just deal with life as it comes. If you’ll look at children they are rarely ever stressed out. Why? They have ways of dealing with it. They do fun things. Go buy yourself a coloring book and some crayons if you need to. Get one that has big, easy to color pictures. You’d be surprised how these activities from childhood can help you deal with stress.

Stress is a part of daily life and society. You can’t get away from it, but you can find ways to help reduce it. Just being aware that you’re stressed and need to deal with it is a great start for dealing with stress.

If you need help learning how to deal with stress or increasing your personal growth, simply sign up for one of our affordable coaching packages. You can also grab your free 20 minute coaching consultation to find out more about how a life coach can assist you.