Welcome to Tidy Thursday! Here at VolunteerSpot, we’re committed to simplifying the busy lives of parents, teachers and active volunteers. Along that theme, we’re pleased to present guest organization expert April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach! Thanks, April!
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In this wired world of ours it's no surprise that many of my clients feel frustrated and overwhelmed by their conveniences ... technology.
I've spoken at many conferences about the lifestyle adjustments our generation must make. If we were lucky, our parents taught us the skills necessary for domestic, social & marital responsibilities. But there is another component we must juggle today they couldn't even see coming.
The Wired World.
Take a journey with me, if you will. What does your day look like?
- A few quick texts to your children or friends on your way to work or school?
- A little email first thing in the morning?
- A little cloud computing on projects managed on websites
- A little writing on your laptop?
- A little Tweeting & Facebooking?
- A whole lot of distractions?
- A whole lot of derailments?
- A whole lot of "where did the last 3 hours go"?
Welcome to the wired world my friend!
So, if you've followed the Tidy Thursdays here on Volunteerspot, you know I have some great tips for you to try out!
This strategy is no different if I'm teaching it to an executive or a parent {so everyone is invited}. Whether you're a list maker or not, asking yourself one question throughout the day will save you from distraction doom:
It's called the "what's next?" mentality.
My list makers enjoy keeping a pad of paper to document all the things they'd like to get done in the day.
My techies can utilize a site or app such as Evernote to capture their thoughts.
But the premise is the same:
Keep a running list of tasks you need or want to accomplish.
Note: this is not the same as a to-do list {we all know those NEVER get done!}
When you begin wrapping up one activity reference your task list to see ... "what's next".
If you slip into the distracted abyss, don't worry! Simply switch gears as soon as you realize you've ended up somewhere that screams "I'm counter-productive"!
This strategy works for all kinds of activities folks face!
So, if you've followed the Tidy Thursdays here on Volunteerspot, you know I have some great tips for you to try out!
This strategy is no different if I'm teaching it to an executive or a parent {so everyone is invited}. Whether you're a list maker or not, asking yourself one question throughout the day will save you from distraction doom:
It's called the "what's next?" mentality.
My list makers enjoy keeping a pad of paper to document all the things they'd like to get done in the day.
My techies can utilize a site or app such as Evernote to capture their thoughts.
But the premise is the same:
Keep a running list of tasks you need or want to accomplish.
Note: this is not the same as a to-do list {we all know those NEVER get done!}
When you begin wrapping up one activity reference your task list to see ... "what's next".
If you slip into the distracted abyss, don't worry! Simply switch gears as soon as you realize you've ended up somewhere that screams "I'm counter-productive"!
This strategy works for all kinds of activities folks face!
- Organized Volunteers turn to the lists here on VolunteerSpot.com
- Effective Bloggers turn to Editorial Calendars
- Busy Parents turn to Meal Planning
- Sports Teams turn to Play Books
Go on ... take a look around your world and see how you can implement the "what's next" mentality!
Leave me a comment or two on how it's working for you!
Keepin' it Tidy,
April
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April Welch is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect
