It�s Not The Same Old Routine

We are constantly inundated with routine (often boring!) tasks around the house. This can cause major frustration because many of us don�t do them efficiently, and most of us fail to complete our entire list of chores! You may take comfort in comment from a commiserating colleague: �A creative mind always has more ideas than the physical body is able to carry out. The only people who finish their �to do� list are dead.� So, relax, there is only so much time in the day, and ask yourself, �What�s the most important thing to do today?�

It is important to make the most of your time and energy, but many of us take the long road to accomplish our work, when it turns out there was a short cut all along. Wouldn�t you love to lower your stress and add �free� time to your day? Here are a few tips you might try to accomplish your routine work more easily.

� Create a communication center on the fridge for messages, chores etc. Add a cartoon now and then to add a smile to your day!

� Make a master calendar for scheduling family commitments. Use a different color for each family member.

� Create a checklist for groceries arranged in the order of your grocery store aisles posted where family members can add items as you run out.

� Sort recipes in categories that make sense to you � �potluck ideas� or �company ideas.�

� Keep related items together, for example the coffee filters and coffee �live� above or near the coffee maker.

� Designate every location or container for a specific purpose -- a drawer for tools, a shelf for single size linens, or an attractive wastebasket for umbrellas.

� Keep cleaning supplies in a bucket other plastic container for easy portability.

� Identify a specific place to put car keys, gloves, umbrellas etc., for quick access when you leave the house.

� Use an answering machine or service to control calls. Return calls at your convenience. Keep a notebook by the phone for messages. Identify messages for family members with initials.

� Teach your children to use an alarm clock or clock radio.

� Choose clothing and accessories and pack lunches the night before.

� Start a child�s file system with a simple container, basket, file or shelf. It may contain information about their medical records, medicines, education, extra curricular activities, memorabilia, etc.

� Run errands at non-rush hour times if possible. Keep stops sequential to avoid driving in circles. Take one child along for one-on-one time and stop for ice cream or a look at the petstore.

� When opening your incoming e-mail, apply The FAT System� (File-Act-Toss). Sort actions requiring action by category such as �Call,� �Discuss� or �Pay.�

� Attach the old message when replying to an e-mail to help the recipient remember its original content.

� Keep your filing system simple. Don�t create too many categories, it�s better to put information into the largest general category first, and break it down when it becomes too bulky.

� Finish one task at a time. Distractions will leave you with a lot of chores that are half way done.

� Practice the Art of Wastebasketry�. Ask yourself, �What�s the worst possible thing that would happen if I didn�t have this? If you can live with your answer, toss it � and live happily ever after!

Your daily routine will take time. And don�t beat yourself up if you can�t get it all done. But remember, a little organization can go a long way. Often it�s a simple change that makes a big difference. You may find your self saying �why didn�t I think of that before?� You can contemplate that thought at the end of the day, while you relax in a lounge chair, enjoying your free time.

� Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com

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