Who's naughty or nice on this list?
I still have loads to talk about from Healthy Living Summit. Time Management was a session I opted to take, having no clue I would come away with as many useful tips as I did. I thought, “I’m an adult, I can manage my schedule.” Pfft, I had no idea a highlighter could hold such power. Sarah, Kath and Morgan were our fierce instructors.
- Set priorities: know what you can and cannot let slide.
- Start a to-do list: Traditional pen and paper work (see image to the right:), or you can get fancy with Teux Deux or another online task manager.
- Objects on list may take longer than they appear: leave some buffer room for the clingers that take longer than you plan.
- Know your motivators: understand “why” you are wanting to put something at the top of your list versus the bottom.
- Schedule time for friends and family: make it a date night or girls night out, but putting something on your calendar means you are committed.
I was astonished at how much better I felt about things I had to do once I put them on paper. I have found a list keeps me honed in and on task throughout the day. I tell that empty box to ready itself for a check! My half marathon training schedule is also keeping me from missing critical days of running.
I had my first weeknight dinner party with friends last night. It was refreshing to see everyone on “a school night” and it worked because we penciled in the important date. I also implemented these rules as I packed for beach trip this weekend. Or you can do what my girlfriend is doing — she hasn’t unpacked from her last trip and is throwing new stuff in.
Small things may seem irrelevant, but saving time here and keeping yourself organized is part of maintaining balance and a healthy lifestyle. One of the amazing instructors Sarah has the full recap if you have a hankering for more fabulous deets.
In what ways do you keep yourself organized and buttoned up? You prefer traditional pen and paper list or do you like something digital?
I’m converted to digital since I got my iPhone – Billy and I share a google calendar and then I have a personal one as well. I use the notepad on the iPhone to keep my to-do lists like I used to write them on a piece of paper…I’m resistant to try anything new (like teux deux) b/c I’m afraid I’ll become too obsessive! You are cute hiding there behind your hand-written, hilited notes.
I’m lost without my to-do list. I use my iPhone and paper. All of my appointments, tasks, etc. go in iCal. Any personal to-dos go there or there plus Toodledo.
But for work, I also type out a to-do list and print it out every night when I leave. That way I know where to start the next day.
OK you are making me want to take my skills to the next level – printing?! Brilliant!
im makin to-do lists on paper right now! nothin beats the feeling of being able to cross something off the list
i cant wait to watch the time management vid from HLS!
Check out the link for an advanced look at the HLS recap. Crossing off is the bestest, right?
I always tell myself that my mental to-do list will do… buuuut it never does.
then I usually have a pen & paper list, a list on my phone, & one on my computer. I need to work on some consolidation!
I am all about writing things down! I make list after list after list and schedule my days into 3 different calendars!! Sometimes I think it’s a bit much, but it’s nice to stay organized.
I’ve tried organizing time digitally (apps) and paper. I always go back to paper its the only thing that really motivates me.
When I find myself getting “cloudy” I either like to put a task on there that is a layup or I’ll take the bigger tasks and break em down. Seeing some progress is key for me
It must be the physical “checking” action:)
Pen & Paper to-do lists are a savior! Couldn’t agree more, and the satisfaction of crossing things off (or checking that empty box) is ridiculously satisfying
Don’t forget to highlight, swwwoosh!
Pent to paper,list it out and knock it off when done- only way I roll.
Notes, notes and more notes to remind me of said notes.
Google Docs for to track past and future workouts
Google Reader for blogs (new as of a week ago and I can’t believe I’ve waited this long)
Microsoft Excel for monthly bill tracking
Wells Fargo online for spending tracking
OOH Wells, thanks for the tip!
Google Reader is how I now when fabulous friends like you are up to something new:)
I am a fierce list-maker! Love the old-fashioned pen and paper. I also keep a notebook right by my computer and jot down thoughts and ideas all day, so nothing gets lost in the jumble that it my brain. I do use mint.com for organizing my finances..great tool!
My desk it work is like the Post-It headquarters, but now all in one smancy fancy list.
i’m so glad you liked it!! the response has made me so happy. i don’t know what i would do without lists and checkboxes in this crazy world. and like you i LOVE my paper
You were a joy to listen to! Thanks SO much!
It was so nice meeting you this weekend & doing some yoga together! Hope youve enjoyed getting back to the real world.
I don’t know if you go back and read replies, but I had to let you know about the Heath Bar comment – that’s what he was actually named for by the lady who rescued him. He’s considered a sable parti (hard to see the sable in pics so he just looks caramel and white). So she thought he looked like a Heath Bar
Too cute!
Email me with your email addy if you can:)
I loved that session and need more organization in my life!
I may be in love with that photo . . . can you send it to me so I can post a SUCCESS story on my blog???
SO HAPPY that people walked away learning something from us . . . and that everyone had a laugh at my “check swooooosh” comment . . .
oh my gosh, i couldn’t live without google calendar! it’s definitely a lifesaver
I do a mix of digital and pen and paper – it just depends on what’s most convenient for home v. work. You know? Knowing your motivators is SO true though – when you nip those, the list ALWAYS gets done.