"This is my experience on using the New York Times best seller, "One Year To An Organized Life" by Regina Leeds to enhance my quality of life and establish lifestyle routines. I admire her take on getting organized one week and one area at a time because I thrive on achieving little accomplishments in moments. I hope this inspires you to get the book, follow along, and establish your own lifestyle routines as well!" - Cheli Njoku/The Cheli Experience LLC
One of the many ways I try to maximize on my time is making use of "waiting moments" . For example, if I take my daughters to an appointment or if I'm at the dealership getting my car serviced, I always bring my laptop along and I take advantage of the Wi-Fi. I can use those waiting moments to write, answer emails, even execute training sessions for my clients. My car dealership has excellent service when it comes to making sure I am comfortable while waiting - down to the quiet space. This is the type of multi tasking I prefer as opposed to trying to cram everything into one moment.
Another example - I love to read. My go to schedule was to read at night time before bed. But the past couple of years I've been failing more than winning in that area. It used to work for me (night time reading) and then it didn't. I'm more tired now - sleep calls, and I answer. The Audible app became my plan b answer. Multitasking my reading time with other tasks thanks to audible made a huge difference. I could listen to a book while I was driving, attending my daughter's cross country races, shopping, cooking...etc. I've never read a book faster in my life!
Now the other side to multitasking would be delegating. Something I tend to struggle with because I feel I care more about the task than the person I've delegated the task to. But trust me, time and circumstance has changed my tune on that perspective.
Would you be happier if you could turn the reins of the day to day business over to someone else?
A CPA?
A personal assistant?
A partner/spouse?
I'll take all three. Please and thank you.
The author shared a quote on delegation that I agree with a hundred percent.
"It doesn't matter what sex a person is, the most qualified person for the job is the one who should have it".
This quote should not only be embraced by couples, but also by a single head of household, like myself. Embrace what you do best and show up for it. The things you don't see as your strengths, don't be afraid or ashamed to delegate to someone better equipped to address it. It will save you time, anxiety, money, and hardship in the long run.
So what hinders you from moving forward -
Your past reflecting your present
Life and work balance
Change and evolution
Let's address the life and work balance factor. Just because I spend more time working, does not mean I become more successful. Those two do not necessarily go together. This is why I've chosen to be more respectful of my schedule to create necessary balance and boundaries.
A time to pray. A time for work. A time for ME. A time for friends and family. A time for doing NOTHING.
My schedule should revolve around my lifestyle with ME at the center, not the other way around. We need balance to function at our best potential. If your lifestyle is working against you, it's time to re-evaluate and have a honest conversation with yourself.
I'll end with a personal story.
Once upon a time, I had time scheduling and self mastery down to a science. I did my own manicures every Sunday afternoon without fail. Every Saturday was laundry day. I only did grocery shopping on every other Friday of the week.
What changed? Evolution.
I became mom, chaperone, career enthusiast, and volunteer worker. Putting my career/work at the center of it all was my ultimate tipping point. It all gradually spiraled out of control. My lifestyle turned from routine based to winging it. I was not saying Yes to No and insisted on "penciling myself" into my schedule to be "flexible".
I became aware last year and gradually started making changes. If I have taking away anything valuable from the first two weeks of March in One Year To An Organized Life, it would be balance, delegation, accountability, self mastery, and making time to do NOTHING.
How have you embraced your super power for getting organized and where have you finally chosen to start delegating?