by Nikola | Aug 11, 2024 | An Organized Life
It’s easy to overlook our physical environment’s impact on our mental well-being when we constantly juggle career demands, family responsibilities, and personal aspirations. The truth is that a cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. But fear not! Decluttering doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. In fact, it can be a transformative journey that brings clarity, peace, and productivity to your life.
Why Declutter?
Before we dive into the how, let’s explore the why. Decluttering isn’t just about creating a picture-perfect home; it’s about crafting a space that supports your best life. When you declutter, you’re not just organizing physical items—you’re clearing mental space, too. Research has shown that a tidy environment can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and even boost overall mood.
For busy professionals, especially those balancing high-pressure careers with family life, the benefits of decluttering can be game-changing. Imagine starting your day in a calm, organized space where everything has its place. You’re not frantically searching for misplaced items or feeling overwhelmed by piles of stuff. Instead, you’re energized, focused, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
The Ripple Effect of Decluttering
When you declutter your physical space, you’ll likely notice a ripple effect in other areas of your life. Many people report feeling more in control of their time, more creative in their thinking, and more motivated to pursue personal and professional goals. It’s as if removing physical clutter opens up mental pathways, allowing for clearer thinking and decision-making.
Practical Strategies to Declutter
Now, let’s get practical. Here are some expanded strategies to help you declutter effectively, even with a busy schedule:
- The 10-Minute Blitz: This strategy is perfect for time-strapped professionals. Set a timer for 10 minutes and focus on decluttering one small area – a drawer, a shelf, or even your wallet. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in such a short time. The key is consistency – try to do this daily, and you’ll see significant progress over time.
- The One-In-One-Out Rule: This simple rule can help prevent clutter from accumulating. For every new item you bring into your home or office, commit to removing one item. This not only keeps your space tidy but also encourages mindful consumption.
- Digital Decluttering: In our digital age, virtual clutter can be as stressful as physical clutter. Start by clearing out your email inbox – unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read, create folders for essential emails, and delete or archive old messages. Then, move on to your computer desktop and smartphone. Delete unused apps, organize files into folders, and clear your downloads folder.
- Make It a Family Affair: Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo endeavour. Involve your family members or roommates in the process. Assign age-appropriate tasks to children – they can sort through their toys or books. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also teaches valuable organizational skills.
- The Four-Box Method: When tackling a cluttered area, use four boxes labelled ‘Keep’, ‘Donate’, ‘Trash’, and ‘Relocate’. This system helps you make quick decisions about each item, preventing the “maybe I’ll need it someday” trap.
- Tackle Categories, Not Rooms: Inspired by Marie Kondo’s method, try decluttering by category rather than by room. Start with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items. This approach helps you see how much you own in each category and make more informed decisions about what to keep.
- Create a Decluttering Schedule: Break down your decluttering project into manageable chunks. For example, you could tackle your wardrobe this weekend, your kitchen next week, and your home office the week after. Having a plan prevents you from being overwhelmed and keeps you on track.
Maintaining a Clutter-Free Life
Once you’ve decluttered, the challenge is to maintain your newly organized space. Here are some tips:
- Implement an “everything has a home” policy. When you’re done using an item, return it to its designated spot.
- Do a quick daily tidy-up. Spend 5-10 minutes each evening putting things back in place.
- Regularly reassess your belongings. Every few months, do a quick sweep to see if there’s anything you no longer need or use.
- Incorporating your decluttering routine into your ongoing short-term goals can significantly boost your efficiency and help you maintain a clutter-free environment; consider using a weekly or monthly planner to schedule your decluttering sessions and track your progress. Learn more about the power of short-term goals.
Remember, decluttering is not about achieving perfection. It’s about creating a space that supports your best life. Start small, be consistent, and celebrate your progress along the way. As you declutter your physical space, you’ll likely find that other areas of your life also begin to feel more organized and manageable.
Ready to start your decluttering journey?
Download our free 7-Day Declutter Challenge printable to kickstart your path to a clearer space and mind!
by Nikola | Jun 27, 2024 | An Organized Life
As planner enthusiasts, we understand the power of organization in our daily lives. But have you considered using planner travel organization techniques for your next adventure? This post will explore how to transform your everyday planner into a comprehensive travel guide that will make your next trip a breeze.
The Benefits of Planner Travel Organization
Utilizing your planner for travel organization offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your trip experience:
- Centralized Information Management: Keep all your travel details in one familiar place, eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps or documents.
- Customizable Travel Planning: Tailor your travel plans to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Familiar Format for Easy Reference: Leverage the layout you use daily, making it intuitive to access and update your travel information.
- Effective Budget Tracking: Monitor your expenses easily, helping you stick to your travel budget and avoid overspending.
By incorporating these benefits into your travel planning process, you’ll be more relaxed and prepared for your journey. This will allow you to focus on creating memorable experiences rather than stressing over logistics.
Discover More Need inspiration on where to travel next? Check out National Geographic’s travel section.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planner-Based Travel Organization
Follow these steps to transform your everyday planner into a comprehensive travel guide:
- Designate a Travel Section: Allocate specific pages or a separate insert in your planner for your trip. This dedicated space will become your travel command center.
- Create a Master Packing List: Develop a detailed inventory of everything you need for your trip. Categorize items (e.g., clothing, toiletries, documents) and check them off as you pack.
- Plan Your Itinerary Day by Day: Break down your trip into daily schedules. Include activities, reservations, and free time to ensure a balanced and realistic plan.
- Track Reservations and Bookings: Record all confirmation numbers, addresses, and contact information for your accommodations, transportation, and activities.
- Set Up a Budget Tracker: Create a simple spreadsheet or list to monitor your expenses before and during the trip. Include categories like food, transportation, and souvenirs.
By following these steps, you’ll create a comprehensive travel plan that keeps all essential information at your fingertips, reducing stress and increasing enjoyment during your trip.
Essential Elements for Effective Planner Travel Organization
Include these key components in your travel planner to ensure you are prepared for any situation:
- Emergency Contact Information: List essential phone numbers and addresses, including local embassy contacts for international travel.
- Flight and Accommodation Details: Note all relevant information, including check-in times, confirmation numbers, and addresses.
- Daily Activity Schedule: Outline your daily plans, including tour times, restaurant reservations, and free periods for spontaneous exploration.
- Local Transportation Options: Research and record information about public transit, taxi services, or car rentals at your destination.
- Must-See Attractions and Restaurants: Compile a list of places you don’t want to miss, including operating hours and pre-booking requirements.
Incorporating these elements ensures that you have all necessary information readily available, allowing you to navigate your trip with confidence and ease.
Tips for Maximizing Your Planner’s Travel Organization Potential
Enhance your planner’s effectiveness as a travel tool with these smart strategies:
- Use Colour-Coding for Easy Visual Reference: Assign different colours to various categories (e.g., blue for transportation and green for accommodations) for quick information retrieval.
- Include Mini Maps or Directions: Sketch simple maps or paste printed directions to help you navigate unfamiliar locations.
- Add Pockets for Storing Tickets and Receipts: Use adhesive pockets or create envelope inserts to keep important documents secure and accessible.
- Create a Language Cheat Sheet for International Travel: List essential phrases and their pronunciations to help you communicate in foreign countries.
Implementing these tips will transform your planner into a robust travel companion capable of handling any challenges during your journey.
Deep Dive Explore creative travel journal ideas for your adventures.
Post-Trip Organization with Your Planner
Your planner’s role continues even when your trip has come to an end. Use it to preserve memories, reflect on your experiences, and improve future travel plans. Here’s how to use it for post-trip organization:
- Journal Your Experiences: Dedicate space to record daily highlights, funny moments, or personal reflections. This helps preserve memories and provides insights for future trips.
- Save Ticket Stubs and Mementos: Attach ticket stubs, postcards, or small souvenirs to your planner to transform it into a mini scrapbook. For larger items, create envelope inserts.
- Reflect on Budget and Planning Effectiveness: Review your budget tracker and assess which activities were worth the time and money. Evaluate the effectiveness of your packing list.
- Create a Trip Summary: List your favourite moments, travel tips discovered, and ideas for future trips inspired by this experience.
By incorporating these post-trip organization strategies, your planner becomes a personalized travel chronicle and a valuable resource for planning future adventures. This approach ensures you continue to benefit from your travel experiences long after you’ve returned home. By leveraging your planner’s organizational power, you can create a personalized travel guide that ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip. Remember, the key to stress-free travel is preparation, and planner travel organization is the perfect approach to getting there.
by Nikola | Sep 21, 2023 | An Organized Life
In today’s fast-paced world, finding effective ways to manage our time, set goals, and prioritize self-care has become crucial. Choosing between a dated and undated planner plays a significant role in achieving these aims. Undated planners, in particular, have gained popularity for their flexibility and ability to align with individual preferences. In this article, we delve into the pros and cons of dated vs. undated planners, showcase eight of our favourite examples, and highlight their impact on productivity, goal attainment, and overall well-being.
Dated vs. Undated Planners: Striking the Balance
Tailoring Your Planning Experience
Dated planners come with pre-filled dates, making them more convenient than their undated counterparts. On the other hand, undated planners offer the freedom to start whenever you like, ensuring that your planner is always relevant.
The Consistency Conundrum
Dated planners can foster consistency, but they can also lead to stress when schedules change. Undated planners allow for adjustments without wasting pages.
The Advantages of an Undated Planner: Customization and Flexibility
Your Planner, Your Way
Undated planners grant you the creative license to structure your planner according to your needs. This adaptability is a game-changer in achieving both short-term tasks and long-term objectives.
Staying Organized Amidst Chaos
Life is unpredictable, and undated planners embrace this reality. Whether you’re a student with fluctuating exam dates or a professional with dynamic projects, undated planners stay relevant regardless of changes.
Page Samples: Navigating Your Undated Planner
To give you a glimpse of the power of undated planners, here are some sample pages that highlight their versatility:
Weekly Layout
A spacious section for each day of the week, with customizable date entries. Accompanied by a task list, priorities, and a notes section.
Goal Tracker
Set your short-term or long-term goals with progress trackers, motivational quotes, and reward ideas.
Monthly Calendar
An overview of the month that adapts to your schedule. Add events, deadlines, and reminders at your convenience.
Top 8 Undated Planner Products: Your Path to Success
- Self Journal by BestSelf
Undated 13-Week Planning, Productivity and Positivity System for Max Achievement and Goal Success — Track Gratitude, Habits and Goals Daily and Weekly
Image credit: Bestself.co
- The Full Focus Planner
Three simple keys to reach your most ambitious goals & achieve the lifestyle you desire. The Full Focus System is all about working smarter, not harder.
Image Credit fullfocusstore.com
- Peak Productivity Planner
The Peak Productivity Planner is specifically designed to add more structure to your days and weeks, so you can get more done, stay focused on your priorities, and move closer to your long-term goals.
Image credit: personalgrowthlab.co
- Clever Fox Weekly Planner
The Clever Fox Weekly Planner will help you create a vision for your life, define and break down your short and long-term goals in each area of your life, and incorporate these goals into your monthly, weekly, and daily agenda. Image credit: cleverfoxplanner.com
- Leuchtturm1917 Dotted Notebook
An absolute classic in the journaling and notebook world: The Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Dotted Journal. Keep life straight with this medium-size organizer that opens flat and includes stickers for labeling. Numbered pages, dotted lines, a placekeeper, a blank table of contents, and an expandable inside pocket all help to keep to-do lists current.
Image credit: leuchtturm1917.ca
- Panda Planner Classic
Panda Planner is a scientifically-designed daily planner that will empower you to take back control, reclaim your happiness and flourish in every way.
Image credit: pandaplanner.com
- The Three Month Planner
This highly customizable Three Month Planner helps you achieve your goals like never before. Set achievable goals and track your progress toward them with our disc-bound system, which allows you to add pages when and where you need them.
- Smart Planner Pro
Meet Smart Planner Pro: a scientific approach to productivity and efficiency so that you can reach your highest potential! Space for gratitude, affirmations, notes, habit tracking and to-do lists – all of this without being too overwhelming.
Image credit: smartplanner.co
Printables: Tailoring Your Undated Planner to Perfection
Many undated planners offer printable templates for those who prefer a more customized touch. These can be especially useful for experimenting with layouts, trying new sections, or testing planning techniques before committing to a physical planner. Websites like Etsy offer a plethora of undated planner printables to suit your preferences, or check out West Coast Dreaming’s Minimalist Planner Kit to get you started.
The Symbiotic Relationship: Productivity, Goals, and Well-being
Undated planners are not just tools but allies in your journey toward self-improvement. By streamlining your tasks, aligning your actions with your objectives, and making time for self-care, these planners empower you to lead a fulfilling life. Remember, it’s not about the planner itself but the transformation it facilitates in your life.
In conclusion, the choice between dated and undated planners ultimately boils down to your unique preferences and goals. Undated planners offer the adaptability needed to accommodate life’s changes while fostering a sense of purpose and organization. They bridge the gap between productivity, goal achievement, and self-care, paving the way for a holistic and successful life journey.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a path of self-discovery, achievement, and well-being, consider embracing the undated planner revolution. Your future self will thank you for it.
by Nikola | Jul 14, 2023 | An Organized Life, Bullet Journaling
We believe that dreams have the power to shape our lives and guide us toward success. However, turning dreams into reality requires more than just wishful thinking. It requires you to think strategically and commit to your goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore five effective goal-setting strategies to help you bridge the gap between your dreams and achievements. So, let’s dive in and start turning your dreams into reality!
Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 1
Clarity is Key
The first step toward achieving any goal is to gain clarity about what you truly want. Spend some time reflecting on your dreams and aspirations. Then, ask yourself: What do I truly want? Why do I want it? What does success mean to me? What specific goals will bring me closer to my vision? The more precise and detailed you are, the better. Remember, clarity sets the foundation for success.
Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 2
Make your goals SMART
Once you clearly understand your goals, making them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timebound is essential. Instead of saying, “I want to be successful,” consider setting a goal like, “I want to increase my annual revenue by 20% in the next year.” Or redefine “I want to lose weight” to “I want to lose eight to ten pounds within the next two months.” By defining your goals in measurable terms, you provide yourself with a tangible target to work towards, making tracking your progress along the way easier. Check out this article if you want to learn more about SMART goals.
Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 3
Create Actionable Plans
Setting goals without a plan is like setting sail without a map. So, after setting your goals and intentions, you need a plan that you can follow. To ensure success:
- Gather information and resources relevant to your goal. This could involve reading books, attending workshops, or conducting online research to gain knowledge and insights.
- Break down your goal into smaller, manageable and actionable steps. Define specific targets or achievements that will mark your progress along the way.
- Start by identifying the key milestones you need to reach and then outline the specific actions required to achieve each milestone.
Remember to set realistic deadlines for each step and hold yourself accountable.
Here is a sample to illustrate actionable steps (see #2) for the goal:
“I want to lose eight to ten pounds within the next two months.”
Break down your goal into smaller, manageable, and actionable steps:
- Consult a nutritionist to create a personalized meal plan based on your caloric needs and dietary preferences.
- Consult a fitness professional to design a workout plan that suits your fitness level and goals.
- Include cardiovascular exercises (such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling) and strength training exercises (using weights or bodyweight exercises) in your routine.
- Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of your exercise routine daily, and increase your daily step level to a minimum of 8000 steps per day to boost your metabolism.
- Keep a food journal to record your meals, snacks, and portion sizes.
- Utilize a fitness tracking app or wearable device to monitor your exercise and track calories burned.
- Weigh yourself regularly (e.g., once a week) and take body measurements to gauge progress.
This approach will help you maintain focus and stay on track toward your ultimate objective.
Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 4
Consistent Progress is Crucial for Success
Consistency is the secret ingredient to success. It’s not about taking giant leaps overnight but making small, consistent strides toward your goals. Celebrate every milestone you achieve, no matter how small, and use that momentum to propel you forward. Remember, practice makes perfect and repeated action is progress, no matter how slow it may seem. Stay committed, stay motivated, and keep moving forward.
Pro-Tip
Consider using a habit tracker to make your progress visual and keep you motivated.
You can find inspiration in our post “80 Habit tracker ideas for your bullet journal“.
Effective Goal-Setting Strategy Step 5
Utilize Tools for Structure and Organization
Goal setting can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you have multiple goals in different areas of your life. That’s where tools can be invaluable. Whether it’s a physical planner, a goal-tracking app, or a vision board, find a tool that resonates with you and helps structure and organization your goal-setting process. These tools will keep you focused, motivated, and on top of your game.
Summary
Turning your dreams into reality is within your reach. By following these five effective goal-setting strategies, you’ll gain clarity, set SMART goals, create actionable plans, maintain consistent progress, and utilize tools that provide structure and organization. As Bruce Lee once said, success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, stay resilient, and let your dreams guide you toward the extraordinary life you deserve. Now, let’s start setting goals and making your dreams a reality!
Dream big, take action, and never stop believing in yourself.
Happy goal setting!
The West Coast Dreaming Team
by Nikola | May 11, 2023 | An Organized Life, Bullet Journaling
Grab your free time-blocking e-book at the end of this post (includes printables!!). Click to take you there.
Time is our most precious resource, yet it often seems like there’s never enough of it. We’re constantly bombarded with distractions and interruptions that make it challenging to stay focused and get things done. That’s where time blocking comes in – it’s a powerful productivity technique that can help you take control of your time and use it more effectively. In this post, we’ll explore what time blocking is, how it works, and how to use it to achieve your goals and make the most of your time.
What is time blocking?
Time blocking is a technique that involves dividing your day into blocks of time and assigning specific tasks or activities to each block. By doing this, you can create a schedule tailored to your needs and priorities and ensure you’re using your time in the most productive way possible.
Why use time blocking?
There are many benefits to using this technique, including increased productivity, reduced stress, and improved work-life balance. Dividing your daily schedule into blocks of time can also help you prioritize your tasks, minimize distractions, and spend your time on the things that matter most to you.
How to get started
Getting started is easy – all you need is a calendar or planner and a willingness to experiment and adjust your schedule as needed. If you want to make the most of your time, this method can be an incredibly effective strategy. First, set clear goals for yourself. This will give you a sense of direction and purpose and help you stay focused throughout the day. Next, identify your priorities so you know which tasks to tackle first. Finally, breaking your day into manageable time blocks of 15, 30 or 60 minutes can help you stay organized and on track. This allows you to work efficiently and avoid distractions, ultimately leading to greater productivity and success.
Tips for successful time blocking
While time blocking can be a powerful productivity tool, it does require some discipline and effort to make it work effectively. Effective time management requires setting achievable goals, being adaptable, and utilizing helpful software and tools to improve organizational skills. By implementing these key strategies, you can optimize your time management and quickly achieve your objectives. In addition, remember to prioritize tasks, take breaks when needed, and be flexible in adjusting your schedule. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of time blocking and achieving success in your daily tasks.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Like any productivity technique, time blocking can have its challenges. Interruptions and distractions can quickly derail your schedule, making it difficult to stay on track. Be gentle with yourself, and remember to recognize that you are human and working on your goals and develop strategies to overcome your obstacles. One approach is scheduling time for interruptions and distractions, allowing you to address them without sacrificing productivity. Another method is eliminating or minimizing distractions by turning off notifications or finding a quiet workspace.
It is also common to underestimate the time it needs to complete a task. You’ll get better at estimating how long tasks take over time, but until you’ve honed your instincts, err on the side of blocking off too much time rather than too little. Instead, pad your schedule with extra time to complete and transition between tasks. You can even create “conditional blocks” of time you can tap into if you fall behind.
Try these tools
Find out how long it takes you to complete your tasks by tracking them with RescueTime or Toggl. Over time, this will improve your sense of much much time you should budget for in your daily or weekly plan.
By proactively addressing these challenges, you can maximize your time and stay focused on your goals.
Advanced time-blocking techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics of time blocking, you can take your productivity to the next level. One such technique is “batching,” where you group similar tasks and complete them all at once. Another technique is “theme days,” where you assign specific themes to each day of the week and only work on tasks related to that theme on that day. These advanced techniques can help you stay focused and maximize your productivity, ultimately leading to greater success in both your personal and professional life.
Software and tools to improve your time-blocking skills
Various software and tools available can help with time blocking and organizational skills. One popular option is Trello, which allows users to create visual task boards and organize their to-do lists by priority and deadline. Another helpful tool is RescueTime, which tracks how much time you spend on various tasks and can help users identify areas where they may need to improve their time management. Additionally, apps like Focus@Will and Freedom can help eliminate distractions and enhance focus during designated time blocks. Ultimately, the best software and tools for time blocking will depend on individual preferences and needs, but these options are a great place to start.
In addition to digital tools, planners and journals are popular choices for many people who prefer to have a physical record of their tasks and appointments. By writing down assignments and deadlines, users can better visualize their schedules and prioritize accordingly. Some people also find that physically writing down tasks can help them commit them to memory more effectively. Additionally, using coloured pens or stickers can help make the planner or journal more visually appealing and engaging. Ultimately, whether someone prefers digital or non-digital tools depends on their preferences and habits.
How long does it typically take to see the benefits?
The time it takes to see the benefits of time blocking can vary depending on several factors, including your current habits, the complexity of your tasks, and how effectively you implement the technique. However, with consistent practice and proper implementation, you can begin to experience the benefits of time blocking within a few weeks or even sooner. The process involves an initial adjustment period, followed by increased awareness and focus, improved productivity and time management, enhanced work-life balance and reduced stress. It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and consistency and perseverance are essential to fully realizing the benefits of time blocking.
Conclusion
Time blocking is a powerful tool that can help you take control of your time and achieve your goals. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this post, you can create a schedule that works for you and make the most of every minute of your day. So what are you waiting for? Start time blocking today and see the difference it can make in your life!
Free time-blocking e-book AND printables for you.
by Nikola | Nov 5, 2018 | An Organized Life
Haven’t we all been there? Do you have lots of dreams, but don’t have a moment to spare to even think about making them come true? Or you are so overwhelmed by life and your tasks that you have come to believe that you don’t have any dreams? With these time management tips for busy moms or simply busy people, you can get ahead of the game and carve out more time for what is really important to you!
1. Assess your time
Over a few days, assess your time and note what you spend your time on. Try to create a weekly schedule of your current time “consumption”. After you have recorded a typical week, go over each chunk of time and note down ideas on how to improve your flow. Remember to also record travel or commute times in your schedule.
Seeing your days mapped out on a piece of paper will likely get your time improvement ideas flowing. Note down your ideas and go to the next point. If your schedule still feels as overwhelming as before and you struggle writing down ideas, put your schedule aside and move to the next point. You will have a clearer vision when you revisit your weekly routine. 
2. Prioritize
The trick being organized is to understand what your priorities are. List all of your to-do’s in one list and then start sorting each item into a separate section: Needs to be done immediately, do this week, long-term and ongoing projects. In your schedule mark the time blocks that are non-negotiable: work, getting to and from work, picking up children, eating & sleeping
What time slots are available after this exercise? What blocks are flexible and could be re-arranged? And what will you fill the rest of your week/days with? Look at your priorities and draw ideas from there. Do not forget to schedule regular me-time to improve your physical and mental well-being. 
3. Think ahead
Prepare as much as you can for the morning the night before. Lay out your clothes the night before or assess whether you could take a shower before going to bed.
4. Plan ahead
Every Sunday, go over the to-do list of the next week and if applicable, discuss the next week with your family and make a meal plan for the next week. This will help save time, stay on track and keeps you motivated to achieve your goals. 
5. Make extras
Whenever you cook a meal make extras or double the recipe so you can freeze the extras. This not only saves you time but also money. You can assess what produce and groceries are on sale and then cook accordingly. 
6. Organize, organize, organize
Organize your files and documents for you and your entire family so you can find what you need when you need it. Clutter will forever keep you in the hamster-wheel of feeling overwhelmed. Experts say that clutter in our lives leads to losing focus. Start small. Organize your house and quieten your mind one day, one shelf and one drawer at a time. You can do it. 
7. Eliminate bad habits
Aren’t we all guilty of doing this? Just one more scroll on your social media, just one more episode of the latest show or not being able to stop playing games into the wee hours of the night.
Even though there is nothing particularly wrong with enjoying those things, they are time killers. Just as much with food and drinks, take everything in moderation. If you are short on time, assess your time wasters and see how you can fill them with something more productive. Instead of TV, try to meditate or doing Yoga.
Believe me, I know how hard this is and how alluring the call of the couch can be. I have been its “victim” for so long. Now, after I am done for the evening, I usually go write these articles, come up with improvements for my website or learn more about the art of blogging. If somebody had told me that I would be doing all this almost every single evening I would have laughed so hard. I am not kidding! Best thing, I love doing it.
As you are following your dream, things fall into place and you will find the motivation and energy to do that. PLUS, you can allow yourself an evening out once in a while or going to bed early because you are tired. Just stay focused and don’t let the bad habits distract you again. You and your dreams are worth it!
8. Use empty pockets of time
While dinner is happily cooking away on the stove, use the time to clean up your kitchen or you could also pay bills or get organized for the next day while your child is doing homework.
9. Streamline your errands
Assess your commute, where you shop and what routes you take. Streamline everything so that you can get most errands done without having to do multiple trips. We started ordering our food from a local grocery store online and one of us picks it up on the way home. I swear I am also saving money that way.
10. Everything has its assigned place
Looking for items before you head out the door is one of the biggest time wasters. Put your clothes, jackets, shoes away when you come home. Place your keys and wallet ALWAYS in the same spot and you will be able to leave your house without feeling stressed when you are in a hurry.
11. Give everyone a job
Don’t try to do it all by yourself. Enlist your entire family to help around your home. Every member of your family can have assigned tasks, whether it is setting the table, helping unload the dishwasher or sorting laundry. Researchers of a 75-year Harvard study came to the conclusion that kids who had chores fared better later in life. Children with chores were healthier and happier as adults, had become responsible and gained valuable life skills.
12. List it – Post it
Start weekly to-do lists and hang a family calendar in an area in your house that you frequently use. Making tasks and appointments visible for everyone will help your family stay organized and on track. Don’t forget to update your calendar and lists.
13. Be ready to go
Have your purse, or bag packed and ready to go by the door. Fill it with all the items you might need, such as snacks, napkins, colouring book and pens or whatever you need on the go.
14. Use the internet
As much as I love and support shopping locally, it also takes a lot of time and driving back and forth to get everything. Buy gifts online, switch to online banking and research items before you go to the store. You’ll then know exactly where to get for what price. You can also look into ordering a veggie-box from a local farmer. They often deliver or you can pick it up on your way home. That way you eat and support locally plus will have saved time.
15. Cleaning habits
Don’t like scrubbing away in your bathroom and shower? Try drying out your shower first with a squeegee and then with a cloth after every use. That way you will rarely have to scrub and your shower looks sparkling for a long time. Do the same with your sinks and faucets. I love this technique.
16. Learn to say no
This is your life and no one can live it for you. You are working hard to achieve your dreams, spend more time with your family or learn a new skill. Whatever it is, learn to say no to the things that are not bringing you closer to your goal. Some things you will still have to do, but you could also say no to the TV that is beckoning you to turn it on. Always trust your gut, you will find your rhythm.
17. Pick your battles
Decide what you can live with and what absolutely needs to get done around your house. My mantra is: A home should be clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy. Truth be told, it is helpful if your husband likes cleaning it a lot. Sometimes I feel our home could be a little bit “happier” *grin*.*nocomplaints*
18. Find inspiration wherever you can
As with every change you are trying to introduce in your life, it is hard to stay on track when you lose that drive inside of you. That also applies to how you spend your time. Find inspiration wherever you can. I like to listen to my favourite songs in the car until my skin tingles with positive energy.
19. Routine
Once you have assessed your schedule and implemented a few changes, set up routines for yourself and your family. Routines are comforting for children and adults alike. By using a routine, you don’t have to re-invent the wheel every single week. Things will start to flow which in turn allows you to be more flexible.
20. One hour method
If you set aside just one-hour per day to work on goals, you will start to see results in just a few short weeks. Seeing yourself progress, will keep you motivated and inspired. An hour a day is small enough to not overwhelm you but large enough to make progress. Setting yourself a time limit will keep you focused during this time and you will power through your tasks.
Let me know what you think and if this helpful at all. I have tried to pick items that I have experience with so my advice can be as authentic as possible. I know there are many more strategies out there. Find the ones that work best for You!
