fbpx

Lyn Bailey – Life by Design

Category: Time Management

  • The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

    The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

     

    The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

    If you want to maximize your effectiveness and the amount you get done each day, organize tomorrow, today. The second that you open your eyes you can already be clear and certain about what you have to do that day.

    It’s much more effective than trying to plan your day on the fly!

    In the evening, you’re much more objective about the next day than you are when you’re in the midst of it. It’s easy to plan a trip to the gym the day before. It’s not as easy to do so on the same day when it’s raining, and you’re just not in the mood.

    The best time to plan tomorrow is today!

     

    Follow this process:

    A. What do you want to accomplish? Depending on your job, health, family, hobbies, and life in general, what you want to accomplish will vary. Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish tomorrow. Include tasks that help you to reach your goals. Your list might have activities like this:

    • Make a nutritious lunch for kids.
    • Be at the office by 7:45.
    • Give a great presentation at work at 2:00pm.
    • Eat a healthy lunch.
    • Work out for 30 minutes.
    • Practice piano for 30 minutes.
    • Speak with an employee about frequent absences.
    • Call my financial planner to schedule a meeting about my portfolio.

     

    B. What are the best ways to accomplish those tasks? There are many ways to accomplish something. But there is only one best way. Think of your resource constraints (including time) and determine the optimal way for you to accomplish the tasks you’ve identified as most important.

    • What foods will you include in your child’s lunch?
    • What is the best route to get to work? What time do I have to get up in order to be at work by 7:45?
    • What do I need to do to be prepared for the presentation? Do I need to reserve a room? Who should be present?
    • What will I have for lunch? Will I bring it or go out to eat?
    • What type of workout will I do? Where?
    1. What are the obstacles you’re likely to face? Consider everything that might get in your way and develop a plan that will address those obstacles.  If something goes wrong, how are you going to handle itMake a plan that has the greatest possibility of avoiding the fewest obstacles as possible.
    2. When are you going to do your tasks? Decide when you’re going to do each of the items on your list. Bill Gates plans his day in 6-minute intervals. You might not have to be that precise. Find a method that works for you.
    3. Evaluate your day and try again. At the end of the day, take a look at your day and look for ways to do better. Use what you learned to improve your planning process.
      • What did you accomplish?
      • What did you fail to get done?
      • When are you going to do it?
      • What could you have done better?

    Make the most important decisions about your day the night before. The day is for executing, not deciding.

    Save your decision-making time for the evening when you can be more objective and thoughtful.

    Put your nose to the grindstone during the day and get things accomplished. Living life by the seat of your pants might be exciting, but it’s not the most productive way to live. Make a good plan and then follow it to the best of your ability. The quality of your life will soar.

     

     

    Share this by clicking below:
  • Minimalism Habits to Adopt

    Minimalism Habits to Adopt

    There are many ways to live a minimalist lifestyle. Some people choose to live with less stuff, while others focus on simplifying their daily routines. Regardless of your approach, there are several key habits that all minimalists should adopt to simplify their lives.

    1. Let go of stuff you don’t need

    One of the most critical minimalist habits is letting go of items you no longer need or use. It’s easy to accrue a lot of stuff you don’t need. Getting rid of these items can declutter your home and simplify your life.

    2. Don’t be afraid to say no

    Many people feel like they have to say yes to everything. But this isn’t always necessary and can lead to an overly complicated life. If you don’t want to do something or don’t have the time, it’s okay to say no.

    3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

    Another essential habit is not being afraid to ask for help when needed. Many try to do everything independently, but this isn’t always possible or necessary. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a friend, family member, or professional for assistance.

    4. Be patient

    Patience is hard to come by sometimes. People often want things immediately. But sometimes, good things come to those who wait. So instead of rushing into things, take your time and enjoy the journey.

    5. Be organized

    Being organized doesn’t mean that you must live in an immaculate home with hotel vibes. But it does mean taking the time to declutter your space and put things in order. In addition, being organized helps you save time and stress because you don’t have to waste time looking for stuff.

    6. Don’t sweat the small stuff

    Some sound advice for wannabe minimalists is not to sweat the small stuff. In other words, don’t let the little things stress you out. If something minor goes wrong, don’t dwell on it. Just let it go and move on.

    7. Live in the present

    Instead of focusing on the future or dwelling on the past, focus on the here and now. Living in the present will help you enjoy your life more and reduce stress.

    8. Be grateful

    Build a habit of gratefulness for what you have instead of worrying about what you don’t have. This will help you appreciate the good things in your life and be more content with what you have, which will possibly help make it easier for you to stop buying more stuff.

    9. Simplify your wardrobe

    Instead of having a lot of clothes that you never wear, focus on quality over quantity. Keep only the items you love and know you’ll wear. Consider choosing only two or three colors so everything matches or learning about capsule wardrobes.

    10. Enjoy the journey

    Minimalism is said to be a lifestyle, not a destination. Therefore, focusing on the end goal instead of what you are doing right now is a mistake. Instead, focus on enjoying the process. Appreciate the simplicity of your life and the things you can do because of it.

    Adopting these habits will help you simplify your life and live a more minimalist lifestyle. But remember, minimalism requires that you enjoy the entire journey of your life in all areas of your life, not just the part where you accumulate stuff.

    Share this by clicking below:
  • How Being Organized Increases Your Productivity

    How Being Organized Increases Your Productivity

    How Being Organized Increases Your Productivity

    When it comes to productivity, being organized is key. When you are organized, you can better manage your time and resources. When you have a plan and know what needs to be done, you are less likely to waste time on things that are not important.

    Additionally, organization allows you to set priorities and focus on the most critical tasks. With the right organization methods, you can see what needs to be done and plan your time accordingly.

    Here are eight ways being organized can help you be more productive:

    1. Spend less time looking for things.

    When everything has a place, you can find what you need quickly and get back to work. If you have to search for things constantly, you’ll waste valuable time. You may even waste money in addition to time by repurchasing the stuff you can’t locate.

    2. Find things when you need them.

    If you know where everything is, you won’t have to waste time looking for it. This is especially important when you’re under a deadline. For example, if you create deliverable products but can’t find them when your client wants to see them, it looks like you ignore detail.

    3. Work more quickly and efficiently.

    An organized workspace will help you work faster and more efficiently. You won’t waste time getting things set up. If you need specific files, tools, and information to do a job, you’ll finish faster if you know right where it is.

    4. Focus better.

    An organized work environment will help you focus on your work. You won’t be distracted by clutter or the need to organize your space. Studies show that it’s hard for people to focus when surrounded by clutter. While it’s fun to think this is a sign of creativity, the data suggests otherwise.

    5. Find information more easily.

    Keeping your information organized saves you a lot of time when you’re doing research or working on a project. For example, create a naming convention that makes searching for files on your computer fast.

    6. You’ll be able to work on multiple projects at the same time.

    If you’re organized, you’ll be able to work on more than one project at a time. This can be a great time-saver if you have a lot of things to do. While you don’t want to multitask, organization can allow you to categorize projects and work on different parts of projects in batches.

    7. Experience less stress.

    When you’re organized, you’ll have less to worry about. You’ll know where everything is, and you won’t have to worry about things being lost or misplaced. This ensures that you experience less stress and feel more relaxed.

    8. Be more productive overall.

    When you’re organized, you’ll be able to get more done in less time. You’ll waste less time looking for things, be able to get to work faster and focus on your work. This can lead to increased productivity in all areas of your life.

    It’s quite simple. You’ll be more productive if you manage your time and resources well. Organizing your workspace, setting priorities, and scheduling your time ensures you use your time more efficiently.

     

    Share this by clicking below:
  • 7 Signs You Are Easily Distracted

    7 Signs You Are Easily Distracted

    7 Signs You Are Easily Distracted

    If you notice that you may be easily distracted, it may be time to take a step back and re-evaluate your habits. There are lots of signs that you can be mindful of that signal that you are easily distracted. Here are a few:

    1. You can’t focus on one task for more than a few minutes.

    If you can’t seem to focus on anything for more than a few minutes, it’s hard to get anything done. Fortunately, you can try to diminish this by:

    • ✓  Finding a quiet workplace where you won’t be interrupted by others or outside noise.
    • ✓  Breaking up your tasks
    • ✓  Setting a timer

    2. You often find yourself daydreaming or spacing out.

    Daydreaming and spacing out are signs that you’re not fully focused on the task. If you notice this often, it’s essential to try and bring yourself back to the present moment. For example, ground yourself by focusing on your breath and counting each inhale and exhale.

    3. You have trouble paying attention when others are talking to you.

    Do you ever talk to someone whom you can’t understand what they’re saying because your mind is elsewhere? This can be frustrating for you and the person you’re talking to. To try and mitigate this, make sure to:

    • ✓  Make eye contact with the person speaking.
    • ✓  Repeat what you heard them say to them to ensure you understand them.
    • ✓  Ask questions about what they’re saying.

    4. You are easily distracted by noises or other activities going on around you.

    If the noise, lights, or other distractions around you are impossible to ignore, you will need to mitigate this problem anytime you need to be in a space like that. To reduce this, try:

    meal, chef, prepare-41130.jpg Wearing headphones to block out external noise.
    ✓ Working in a quiet place where there won’t be much activity around you.

    5. You often lose track of time and miss deadlines.

    Missing deadlines is a sign that you need to be more mindful of how you’re spending your time. Set a timer or alarm to keep yourself on track.

    6. You can’t stay organized or keep track of your belongings.

    Losing your stuff is frustrating and can get you off track as you search for your belongings. To try and prevent this, make sure to:

    ✓ Have a designated place for all your belongings.
    ✓ Make a list of actions to take, including when you need to do it. ✓ Stick to a routine as much as possible.

    7. You are constantly moving and can’t seem to sit still.

    Nothing is wrong with fidgeting, as it is a great calorie burner, but if you can’t slow down enough to focus on a task, it can present problems. This can be frustrating and make it difficult to concentrate on your work. Try:

    • ✓  Getting up and moving for at least every 90 minutes.
    • ✓  Taking breaks often to move your body and get some fresh air.
    • ✓  Finding a comfortable place to work where you won’t feel the need to move around constantly.Mindfully consider whether you are experiencing any of these signs. If you experience one or more of them regularly, chances are you are easily distracted. If you are, try some mitigation ideas to change your situation. You completely control your distraction level even if you find out you ultimately need additional assistance from a medical professional.
    Share this by clicking below:
  • Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Though we often think of distractions as inherently bad, that’s not always the case. There are some instances where a distraction can be helpful or even healthy. Unfortunately, we all know that there are plenty of distractions out there that can lead us astray.

    But what about those times when a distraction can be a good thing? Here are a few examples:

    Taking a Break

    If you notice that you are experiencing additional stress or feelings of anxiety, a mild but healthy distraction will relieve your mind and offer some relief. Examples of good distractions, in this case, include reading a book, listening to music, or going for a walk.

    Refocusing Yourself

    Sometimes, if you can’t focus on a task, taking a brief break might help you get back to work. This is usually the case when the task is quite difficult or boring.

    Eating, Drinking, and Nourishing Yourself

    Sometimes, a healthy distraction can help us avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating or drinking. If you feel tempted to engage in one of these behaviors, try to find a positive distraction to focus on instead.

    Other Self-Care Actions

    Anytime you notice that even with your normal interventions, you can’t seem to get your focus together, it may be time to take some time out for more self-care. It may simply mean working on sleeping better at night so you’re at your best each day, but it will take self-reflection and honesty to ensure you find the right issues. It’s not wrong to take care of your needs before anyone else gets their wants seen to.

    Helping Your Child Refocus

    Helping your child switch from a frustrating task to a more enjoyable activity can be an excellent way to reduce their stress levels and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed. While this may seem like a distraction as it happens, taking you from your task and helping them will teach them to soothe themselves better, and over time interruptions will slow down as they learn what to do by your example.

    As you can see, there are actually quite a few instances where a diversion can be helpful – when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, your child is having a tough time with a task or situation, or you need more healthy self-care. Sometimes shifting attention to something helps everyone.

    Of course, it’s essential not to let distractions get out of hand. However, if you constantly get sidetracked and not getting anything done, it’s time to reassess your priorities and find a better way to focus. For example, maybe you need to work more on the setup before starting a new task.

    Perhaps being more mindful about your current feelings, your child’s issues, and so forth will help you avoid problems. But in moderation, distractions can be helpful. In addition, you may build stronger relationships with yourself and your loved ones if you handle them well. So next time you’re feeling stressed or struggling to focus, don’t be afraid to give yourself a break and find a healthy distraction.

    Share this by clicking below:
  • 7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

    7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

    7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

    Distractions are everywhere. They can significantly influence your life — inside and outside the workplace. If you’re not careful, they can hurt your learning ability, causing automobile accidents, drain your energy, affect your performance, increase stress, and more.

    If you want to sidestep the harmful consequences of distractions, it is helpful to be conscious of them. Then, once you know potential distractors, you can figure out how to stop them or lessen their effects.

    Cell phones

    A University of Sussex study found that simply having your cell phone within reach can hurt your performance on cognitive tasks. In fact, your brain is hardwired to respond to notifications – even when you’re not actively using your phone.

    Social media

    Checking social media can be a major time-suck, and it can also have a negative impact on your mood and mental health. For example, according to the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, self-esteem among regular social media users like Facebook suffers negatively. Moreover, they are more likely to compare themselves unfavorably to others.

    Email

    Checking email can be a major distraction, especially if you’re expecting an important message. A study by the Radicati Group found that the average person spends nearly two hours per day checking email, which is only expected to grow in the coming years.

    Pets and kids

    One study shows that having pets and kids at home can be massive sources of distraction for employees trying to get work done. But, of course, pet and human parents probably didn’t need the University of Minnesota study to prove this fact to them.

    Hunger or thirst:

    It is almost impossible to make your mind focus on anything else if you’re hungry or thirsty. Plus, many studies show that dehydration can lead to a decrease in cognitive performance.

    Chatty co-workers

    If you work in a typical office with cubicles, chances are you’ve had at least one or two chatty co-workers who seem to think your desk, or the cubical right by yours, is their personal chatting spot. This can be extraordinarily distracting and make it difficult to get work done.

    Noise

    Whether it’s the sound of traffic outside your window or the chatter of people in the next room, noise can be a significant distraction. A study by the University of California, Irvine, found that office noise can lead to a decrease in productivity and it can also increase stress levels.

    Fortunately, you can do a few things to minimize the impact of distractions in your life. If you’re working on anything requiring focus, try to find a quiet place to work. If you can’t avoid chatty co-workers, politely let them know that you’re trying to concentrate and ask them to come back later. And if you’re expecting an important email, turn off notifications, so you’re not constantly interrupted. Of course, you can always schedule time for email checking later.

    When you actively take the time to avoid distractions, you will improve your productivity, reduce stress, and live a happier, healthier, more prosperous life.

    Share this by clicking below:
  • 6 Ways To Improve Your Concentration

    6 Ways To Improve Your Concentration

    Exercises To Improve Your Concentration

    There are many benefits to having strong concentration skills. When you can get your brain to focus on the task at hand, you can get more done in less time. You’re also less likely to make mistakes. And you’re able to retain information better. Sadly, it can be very difficult to concentrate in this age of technology and 24/7 information. Thankfully, there are many different exercises you can do to improve your concentration.

    Write it down

    Knowing exactly what you’re supposed to do makes it easier to get into a state of flow faster. You can’t get into that state if you’re trying to figure out where everything is and how to do it. Write down directions for the task, including what materials or tools you need and the order of operations to help your mind get focused.

    Meditate

    Some people find that they can improve their concentration by practicing meditation. Try meditating, even at your desk, for just a minute or two between tasks. Giving your brain time to switch to the next task improves focus.

    Try a puzzle or brain teaser

    Others find that they can improve their concentration by doing things like puzzles or brain teasers. Of course, for some, this can lead you down the rabbit hole of gaming instead of doing the tasks you want, so make sure you set a timer for just a couple of minutes so you can get to your work.

    Stop multitasking

    Try to focus on one thing at a time. It may feel weird at first, especially if you’re used to multi-tasking – when you’re used to a lot of noise, the silence feels deafening. But it’s important to try and focus on one task until it’s done before moving on to the next task, primarily because humans aren’t designed for multitasking. Therefore, you’re not actually multitasking. Instead, you’re just switching tasks which can cause you to take longer and make more mistakes.

    Take a short walk

    Instead of trying to switch right to a new task when you finish another, go on a short walk. You don’t even need to walk a full five minutes to work. Get up, get some water or go look out the window. If you can’t leave your desk, just stand up, stretch, and take a few deep breaths before switching tasks.

    Do the task for just two minutes

    Another excellent exercise for improving concentration is to set a timer and see how long you can go without getting distracted. For example, start with a goal of 2 minutes and see how long you can last. Once you can consistently hit your 2-minute goal, try increasing it to 3 minutes, and so on.

    You can do many other things on a regular basis to improve your concentration, like exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and staying hydrated. Limiting distractions before you start the task will also help you focus. Of course, it won’t happen overnight, but with practice, and a good timer, you can learn to concentrate better.

    Share this by clicking below:
  • Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

    Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

    Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

    When you overschedule yourself, you are harming not only your health but also your productivity. Overscheduling means that you are trying to pack too much into your day, resulting in you feeling overwhelmed and stressed– leading to health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even physical illness.

    Here are just a few ways that overscheduling can harm your health:

    It leads to burnout

    If you’re constantly on the go, it’s only a matter of time before you start to feel burned out. When you’re overscheduled continuously, you never have time to rest and recharge, which can lead to serious health problems down the road.

    It increases your stress levels

    If you’re always running around trying to juggle everything, it’s no surprise that your stress levels will go through the roof. But unfortunately, high-stress levels directly cost a whole host of mental and physical health problems due to the high cortisone levels you release in your bloodstream.

    It disrupts your sleep

    When you’re overscheduled, it’s hard to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Unfortunately, this can lead to many health problems, including fatigue, irritability, and depression.

    It makes you sick

    It will affect your immune system if you’re always on the move and don’t get enough rest. Unfortunately, this means you’re more likely to get sick, and when you do, it’s likely to be more severe than it would otherwise be.

    It ruins your relationships

    When you’re always running around, it’s tough to find time for the people who are important to you. Plus, you may not be that fun to be around. Over-scheduling can put a strain on even the strongest of relationships.

    If you’re starting to feel like you’re overscheduled because you notice the signs of the harm your current schedule is causing in your life, it’s essential to take a step back and reassess your priorities. Of course, your health should always be at the top of your list, so remember to put your needs first.

    To avoid overscheduling is to figure out what your priorities are. What are the most important things you need to complete each day? Once you’ve determined your priorities, plan your day around them. Finally, leave some free time in your schedule to relax and rejuvenate yourself.

    To create the best schedule for you, be realistic about how much time you have available. Packing too much into your day will make you feel rushed and stressed. When you are rushed and stressed, you will feel anxious and undone. Instead, give yourself enough time to finish tasks, including set up and tear down time, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

    If you realize you are overscheduled, don’t be afraid to say no to new commitments. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Prioritize your time to focus on the essential things in your life.

    Overscheduling is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Instead, focus on being mindful of your time and priorities. With the right mindset and focus, you can avoid overscheduling and live a healthier, happier life.

    Share this by clicking below:
  • Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

    Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

    Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

    If you want to get more done in life without feeling too busy and burning out, it’s imperative that you create a balanced schedule. A balanced schedule has enormous benefits for your life when you make sure to account for what you need and want to do in every area of your life.

    When you have a balanced schedule, you:

    • Feel less stressed because you’re not overwhelmed by a packed schedule
    • More free time to enjoy life apart from work and responsibilities
    • Are able to focus better on the task at hand when you have regular breaks
    • Avoid burnout from working too much or taking on too much at once
    • Get more done because you’re efficient with your time

    A balanced schedule is the key to a happy, productive life. If you currently feel overwhelmed, stressed, and like you can’t keep up, it’s time to take a step back and assess your schedule. See what can be cut out or spread out more evenly. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel when you have a handle on your time.

    Creating a balanced schedule means looking at all the areas of your life and ensuring there’s enough time for everything important to you. This includes work, family, friends, hobbies, and taking care of yourself. If one area takes up too much of your time, something else is likely suffering.

    For example, if you’re working long hours, you may not have enough time for your family or friends. Or, if you’re spending all your free time on hobbies, you may neglect your work or other obligations. Therefore, finding a good balance between all the areas of your life is essential.

    One way to do this is to create a weekly schedule where you block out time for each area of your life. This can help you see where you may need to make some adjustments. For instance, if you realize you’re working too much, you can cut back on your hours or take on less work. Or, if you’re not spending enough time with your family or friends, you can make an effort to schedule more social activities.

    Like your boss, friend, and neighbor, you only have 24 hours a day, so be realistic regarding how much time you can devote to each area of your life. Also, keep in mind that your schedule may need to change from week to week, depending on what’s going on in your life. So schedule the most critical aspects of your life, like work and family, and then fill in the rest of your time with other activities.

    A balanced schedule is essential for a happy, productive life. When you are mindful about what you really need to live a satisfying life, pay close attention to needs in all areas of your life and ensure there’s enough time for everything important to you, you can avoid stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed. So, take a look at your schedule and make the necessary adjustments to create a more balanced life.

    Share this by clicking below:
  • How Finishing What You Start Can Change Your Life

    How Finishing What You Start Can Change Your Life

    How Finishing What You Start Can Change Your Life

     

    If you constantly leave unfinished projects by the wayside, you know all too well how it feels not to finish a task. But the truth is, you can’t accomplish anything if you never finish what you start. It’s time for you to learn how to finish tasks because finishing tasks can change your life in several beneficial ways.

    You’ll Find You Have More Career Options

    No one wants to hire an employee who doesn’t finish projects or often leaves them partially complete. Once you demonstrate that you can finish projects every time they are assigned, you’ll find that you receive more promotions and other career paths open to you that weren’t there before.

     You Will Feel More Relaxed

    Leaving unfinished projects in your life creates anxiety in your mind whether you realize this or not. When you begin to finish projects instead of leaving them undone, you’ll find that you feel much more peaceful and less anxious about the world around you. This will have profound effects on your mood and your relationships with others in your life.

    You Will Feel Success

    People often undermine the power of feeling successful. It really is a feeling which puts you on top of the world. Once you feel successful in one task, it will spill over into all your other tasks. This momentum will propel you to be more successful in your life. All from just finishing one task.

    You Will Be Ready For Your Future

    With the feelings of success that come from finishing what you start, you will also enjoy feelings of preparedness. Feeling more prepared will make you feel ready to face the future ahead. Future changes and projects will seem less scary and easier to accomplish, paving the way for future tasks for you to finish with ease.

    Finishing what you start is not an easy task, but once you get the ball rolling and truly get yourself to complete tasks, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the benefits which follow. You’ll not only have more options in your life, but you’ll also feel more emotionally at peace with these options. And don’t forget you’ll also feel success, which will keep you on the road to achieving your dreams.

    What have you started and not finished? If you would like some help in getting back on track with this project then click HERE to book a FREE Discovery Call with me.

    Share this by clicking below: