OH!: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year to Organize Your Time

In the course of my work as a professional organizer, clients have told me that the holidays are not always merry and bright for them. Final exams, lack of cash, coping with in-laws or stepchildren, calorie consumption, travel and commercialism are just a few of the reasons they name. However, the most common reason clients don’t fully enjoy the holidays is they have gotten ‘wrapped up’ in things that aren’t necessary. Things they purchased on the Internet and had delivered. Things they were given as gifts. Things they thought would be helpful only to discover that seemingly good organizing products don’t always translate to real world functionality. Once your things are no longer helpful, they become a burden. At this point – when things are out of order – it is time to analyze and re-prioritize. While I can’t send you Santa’s little helpers – they are busy as I write this – I can give you professional insight and advice. Starting with the questions like, “What am I passionate about?” “What would make this season more joyful for me?” More closet or garage space, a gift wrapping center or maybe a system for all the mail and school papers that arrive five days a week? The clearer your focus, the more energy you can devote to issues that matter most to you.

‘Tis the season to prioritize your life and your time. Most of us are obsessed with time. We are bombarded with products that promise to save us time or buy us time. As it turns out, many of those products are a waste of time. The best thing to do is to simplify your time, and there is no time like the present. November and December are the months I refer to as the “hollydaze.” Although a hectic time of the year, lucky for us, Father Time is generous. Every morning we are given a gift of 86,400 seconds. How we spend that time is our decision. Think of your day as tiny segments and determine which tasks can be completed; it is a process of elimination. Identify things on your agenda you don’t really need to do; every party attended or hosted, every card addressed and sent out, every holiday decoration bought and later stored is a choice. Remember, even traditions are a choice – not a requirement.

Dreaming of a White …

Creating a “white space” around an image is an effective way to get a reader’s attention. If a piece of art or an ad is too cluttered, the focal point loses its importance. The same is true for our calendars.

When we do more we enjoy less. Leaving a bit of daily free time is a wonderful antidote for those unexpected distractions and interruptions. White space on our holiday calendars is like having insurance against unexpected phone calls, traffic delays or some of our own delightful distractions – our children, pets and friends. Managing your time is really about managing yourself. At this time of the year, time spent planning and organizing is time well spent.

Practical Time Management Suggestions:
Don’t overindulge: Being over-committed is usually what stresses people out most. Find ways to say “no” when asked to participate in an event that you know won’t bring joy and happiness to someone important to you or yourself.

Knowing how to say “no”: Remember, you don’t need to say anything else. Keep it short, simple and honest: “I’m sorry, but at the moment I am unable to participate.” “We appreciate being invited, but we have plans.” When time is limited and the caller is longwinded, these statements get directly to the point, keeping the conversation brief: “How can I help you?” “Tell me, what I can do for you today?”

Time-shavers
When booking appointments, request the first appointment after the office returns from its lunch break. You will be seen immediately and not waste time waiting. Schedule extra curricular meetings before work if possible. It is nearly impossible to get wrapped up in a marathon meeting if everyone has to be at work at 9 a.m.

Make lunch dates within a mile of your office (or home). You won’t waste time traveling or getting stuck in traffic.

Interruptions

Let calls go to voice mail while doing homework with children, housework or working in your home office. Answering the phone is too great a temptation to get sidetracked. Let friends, family and coworkers know the best time to reach you or when you are able to return calls.

When ‘visitors’ come into your office, wanting to socialize, stand up and go into the hall and talk. This sends a signal that while you are in your office, you are working.

Know Thyself

Are you a productive person first thing in the morning? Do you work better in “bursts” and need breaks fairly often? Understanding your high- and low-energy rhythms will help you manage your time more efficiently.

Gift Giving

If you stress over the fact that you have two dozen gifts to buy, wrap and mail, try
giving gift certificates to movie theaters, book stores, plays or malls. Shopping online is simple and time efficient. No parking problems, no standing in lines and no wrapping. (Be careful about shipping fees.)

Strive for Excellence Rather than Perfection

When taking down decorations, try not to throw the lights, stockings and candles into one giant box and hope for the best. A few extra minutes spent winding lights
around a sheet of cardboard will make decorating faster and easier next year.

If your budget permits, buy colored storage boxes and color code your seasonal decorations. Use red containers for winter, purple for spring, blue for summer and orange for fall. Clearly label the contents. Store items where they won’t be ruined by mildew, heat or pests.

Calendar Chaos

Organizing your calendar is no different from organizing your home or office. Both have a finite amount of space; if either are over-filled, it is tough to remain organized. Here are some tips for organizing your calendar more efficiently.

Color code your calendar; use red ink for family matters and blue for business or
assign each family member a different color. After a few weeks, you (and your family) will be able to distinguish – at a glance – where you are spending most of your time. You may decide to re-prioritize.

When noting engagements on your calendar, write the time, date, phone number and address after you RSVP. In the event you can’t find the directions or need to ask a question, information can be easily located.

Keep track of items you need to return (library books, rental movies, punch bowls, cookie cutters) or gifts you need to deliver on your calendar.

When you receive schedules or newsletters, write the information on the appropriate date on your calendar. For example, “2:30 cookie exchange/church social hall/bring recipe” could be used to remind you about a church social.

Next to your calendar, keep a pad of paper divided into four sections labeled “to do,” “to buy,” “to call and email” and “dinner tonight.” Every time you “remind” yourself about something, write it down; it helps keep your head clear.

Finally, try to find a bit of joy in everything you do during these last few days of the year. Organize your time around the things that are most meaningful to you and those you care about most.

Warmest wishes for Happy Hollydaze!