by Fiona Duffy
It taunts you every time you empty the laundry basket - that gorgeous "handwash-only" organza top. Then there is the growing mountain of photographs to sort and all those friends you haven't called ... sound familiar? In fact, a recent study by the Future Foundation revealed that, at any one time, there are 112 million handwash-only items lurking in the nation's dirty laundry piles and 174 million catch-up calls to be made to friends. But according to the experts, you just need to follow a few golden rules and the list will be history ...
Getting Started
Step 1 - Empty your head
"Create a master to-do-list", says Jamie Novak, professional organizer, "Jot down everything that annoys you, from handwashing to sorting receipts. These are all things we carry around in our minds and because our brain can only remember so many things, we're then unable to keep up with basics, such as knowing where we put our keys. So commit it all to paper. Your brain will feel lighter"
Step 2 - Halve the list
Now split your list in two parts: the first is the Daily list, including all the tasks you must do the following day, such as buy milk, renew car insurance, phone your friend on her burthday. The second part is the Wish list: "all the things you wish you could do if only you had the time," Novak explain
Step 3 - Pick of the bunch
Choose three tasks on your Wish List you want to prioritize - you will concentrate on these over the next few weeks. And whether you have has a deadline forced upon you, such as friends coming to stay in that junk-filled spare room, or you've got months to get the job done, set a completion date. "It will focus you and boost motivation, " says business coach Maritza Duncan.
Step 4 - Divide and conquer
"Sub-divide each task into bite-sized chunks that you can do in 18 minutes," says Novak. Why that long? "Phychologically, it's the perfect chunk of time. Just 15 minutes doesn't sound like long enough to get anything done, while 20 minutes seem too long. But my clients tell me 18 minutes is deal, because it sounds managable and you can achive plenty." So divide the photo-sorting, for example, into three tasks: gather all photos into one box; sort a handful of photos at a time into different subjects, such as holidays or a rough date order; then select favorite photos for frames and albums.
Step 5 - Allocate time
Once a week, schedule your 18-minute slot in your diary and stick to it. Then set an alarm for 18 minutes and get stuck in. Just don't leave the room, says Sue Kay, phychologist. "Pottering off to 'put something away' is lethal."
Step 6 - And relax ...
When the alarm sounds, stop. Put whatever you're doing away until your next 18 minute slot. Not carrying on will keep your motivation levels up. And even though you'll say you haven't got time, treat yourself. "How motivated you're going to be if you never reward yourself for achieving something?" says Maritza. " Even if it's cappucino or manicure, have it and enjoy it."
Personal Healthy Living Blog where I share some interesting stories, and articles I've read and find it enjoyable and well worth reading!