Improve your efficiency at home and work

Are you constantly rushing around? Do you have a cluttered work or home environment? Are you typically late to meetings or appointments? Are you over-scheduled? These are all signs that you’re not running your life as efficiently or as effectively as you can. “So what?” you’re thinking. These inefficiencies may be costing you more than money. They could be costing you the life you desire and deserve.
But, there is hope. Some very simple changes in your daily life can get you back on track toward pursuing your desires. Here are a few tips to bring your life back on the right track.

1. Make a “to do” list everyday and follow it.
One of the biggest efficiency concerns for most people is the ability to manage their time. Learning to prioritize may be the No. 1 way to handle more in less time. Some people use the excuse that they don’t have enough time to prioritize. The reality is they are afraid of how large the list will be. Besides, it is easier to procrastinate about things instead of doing them.
STOP and take two minutes right now to list everything you have to accomplish today. Rank these items in the order of importance. Do the most important first, and so on. Now you have a plan and a goal for accomplishing what you have to do. Anything left at the end of the day; you should place on a new list and reprioritize.  

2. Create a sense of self-determination.
You are in control of your life; no one can make you do anything. Be determined to succeed in the things that you are passionate about. We each have the ability to view things as we choose; view them through positive eyes. Laugh at yourself when you are under stress; you will feel better. Learn how to live in the moment. There is not a thing you can do about yesterday or tomorrow; you can only prepare yourself now for the blessings of the future.

3. Control your telephone calls.
During your day, take and make calls at scheduled times. Allow yourself not to take calls during times when you are working on a special project that requires your undivided attention.

4. Schedule desk time.
Desk time is time that you will not have any interruptions, save the building burning down.

5. Delegate tasks.
You are not the only one who can get things done. There are other very competent individuals all around you just waiting to be asked to help out. Just ask any very busy person about how they handle so much, and the answer will likely be that they delegate.

6. Learn to say NO.
We do not have to take on everything asked of us. 

7. Don’t allow random piles to build up.
Take the time to put things away. You will have more time in the long run, because you won’t have to look for items; they are where they are supposed to be. 
When you come home from the grocery store, you take the time to put your items away in specified locations throughout your home. You have a mailing address for your U.S. mail and maybe an e-mail address. Why not give ALL your things an appropriate address in your home or office?

There are two very simple, basic ways to gain at least two hours in your day: 
• Less sleep: The average person really only needs between six and eight hours. 
• Less television: The average American watches approximately three hours per day.
Take the steps necessary today to stop procrastinating, daydreaming, being inefficient and missing out on the life you desire. Contact someone in the efficiency-improvement field, attend seminars or workshops, consult with a professional organizer or hire a coach to help you.
Valerie Simpson is the president of A to Z Organizing Pros®, a Phoenix-based firm that helps organizations large and small find new ways to be more efficient and productive. She can be reached at 602-674-2649
Visit us at www.AtoZOrganizingPros.com

This article is in dedication to my brother, Randall, who has overcome many obstacles and taught me many lessons about celebrating success and laughing in the face of adversity.

Submitted to The Arizona Republic 4/28/05

Our President/CEO and professional organizer, Valerie Simpson provides professional organizing in Apache Junction, Avondale, Buckeye, Carefree, Casa Grande, Cave Creek, Chandler, El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun City, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson, Wickenburg and Youngtown, Arizona