I certainly work my best when I have a schedule. And I tend to do things the same way at the same time over and over because it has worked for me. But recently my tried-and-true way has stopped working.
I am working later, and I am pretty much used up at the end of the day. I do not like this feeling. At first it was just occasionally. Then it got to be several times a week or more. It’s time to revise my work schedule.
First, I look at the “why”. Why did things change? This past year Diane Quintana and I formed a new business – Release Repurpose Reorganize LLC. So, adding one more business on top of an existing one causes for more work. Also, we are working on promotion campaigns and speaking engagements.
Everything I spend my time on is about making a choice. My choices now must become even more intentional. Some points to ponder:
· What tasks are non-negotiable?
· What tasks have hard deadlines?
· What do I want to do that I never seem to have time for?
· What tasks take a lot of creative energy and what tasks are routine?
· How much time am I spending scrolling though social media?
· Are there any tasks that can be delegated or even deleted?
· What can be streamlined?
As much as I would like to break down my week by allocating certain days for certain projects, I have learned when I tried this before that it did not work for me. Clients’ schedules are fluid, and they often change their times because of life events. Personal scheduling of doctor appointments and home/car maintenance are not easy to schedule on just one day set aside for that. Some meeting scheduling is not entirely up to me but must accommodate more than one person.
My new plan:
· On Sunday sit down with my calendar and schedule every meeting and appointment for the upcoming week - these are the non-negotiables
· Look at each of these scheduled meetings and determine what tasks I need to schedule to be fully ready for these meetings and appointments
· Look at list of projects and blog schedule – schedule time for the ones that have hard deadlines for this week
· Schedule time to work on projects that are in the pipeline but not due this week
· Wherever possible, schedule creative writing in the morning or early afternoon
· Schedule routine tasks later in day
· Schedule times to look at emails and social media for business purposes
· Schedule break sessions of 10 to 15 minutes for enjoyable scrolling of Facebook or reading a book
· Delegate tasks like shredding or running errands- already use an accountant and a graphics designer
· Work with Diane on what tasks can be streamlined like our blog schedule/topics and presentations
I am aware that it is impossible to set in stone a perfect work schedule. All of what I am planning is just my intention. Flexibility will be required and expected. It will be important at the close of every day to review the schedule and see what worked and what needs to be rescheduled. It is also important to work on closing down the day while I still have some energy left to enjoy my evening.
If you want help or just some accountability in working your organizational plan join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.
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