Make Lists
The daily to-do list is a simple way to stay on track. Do this in
addition to using your calendar. The daily list should include
more detail than your calendar entries and should encompass
everything you need to accomplish, including a run to the
pharmacy or folding laundry. Keep the list wherever you’re
most likely to see it and easily refer to it throughout the day.
And cross tasks off as you complete them. There’s no better
feeling than looking at a list that’s nothing but lines!
Plan Meals A head
H el p fu l Tip
Making 20 trips to the grocery store a week is not a good use of
your time. If you carefully plan meals for the entire week during
the weekend or on Monday, you can make a comprehensive list
and cut your grocery trips down. You’ll probably save money
too. Check out our Easy Weeknight Dinner recipes on page 31
for some meal-planning inspiration.
Keep your list where
you can see it
frequently, such as ne
xt to your purse or
computer—this way
you will always have
your tasks within eye
-sight. You can also
hang up a dry erase bo
ard on a door or
wall you walk past oft
en.
Goal for It!
)
v
Setting goals and writing them down is a great way
to keep yourself organized. We love Lara Casey’s
PowerSheets. They make it easy (and pretty!) to
set a few major goals for the year and then stay
focused on achieving them.
Get All Involved
You can get the organization ball rolling, but it
will take the cooperation of your entire family
to keep your household running efficiently.
Make sure your spouse and kids pitch in on
keeping things picked up and put away, and
encourage them to use a calendar and daily
to-do lists too.
Create a Family Launch Area
Keep the morning madness to a minimum with this simple
system from OrganizedHome.com. Designate a by-the-door
area for each family member to unload keys, paperwork,
money, sunglasses, etc. Use a box or container per family
member to collect these items upon arrival and when rushing
out the door. It’s a great place to put reminders and anything
that needs to go to school.
According to The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention,
80 percent of our medical
expenditures are related to stress.
www.potentialmagazine.com
27