Did you know that keyboard shortcuts can add years to your life, make you thinner and more attractive? Ok, maybe not, but they sure can save you some time. CNet has a great short video about these, and I offer a few more tricks I have up my sleeve below.
Home, End, Page Up & Page Down. They are just sitting there on your keyboard. Try using them. Want to go to the top of a page quickly? Hit “Home”. Want to go to the end? Hit “End”. Easy, simple, fast.
… but feel free to look around! This site is an archive of home office organization related articles. Read and explore here to your heart’s content. If you are interested in working with me, please visit me at my new site, SOHOSolutionist.com.
Enjoy the site, and contact me here with any questions.
I decided to take a few days off and get some projects done around the house. It’s been a nice time for me to decompress before the school year starts (since my little one is starting school this year!). The particular project I am working on has been on my mind for about three years, and it feels good to be crossing it off my list!
Do you have unfinished projects around the house? Been procrastinating? Here’s a few tips to get them off your list:
- Is this project really important to me? Home improvement and other projects can stack up like Saturday morning pancakes. Stop and think about what projects are important to you, and make them a priority.
- The Yearly Review: Take time once every year and decide what projects you want to accomplish this year. Put all the others on a staggered list of 2, 5, 10 years and beyond. Keeping that list fresh in your mind will work its magic in getting those things done!
- Set aside time to actually do them. There’s no use in having a great list of things you want to do if they never get done. No one is making more time, so you have to make it yourself. Put it on the calendar, and get moving.
- Simplify and let it go. Do you have things on your list that are just plain crazy and not really what you want to do? Give yourself permission to get those darned things off your list and breathe a sigh of relief. Honestly, you’ll thank yourself.
- Get organized and get it done. Once you have your project on your radar, you’ll need to do some planning. What do you need to get it done? Are there things you need to purchase? Do you already have things you can use to get the project done? Do you need specialized help? Knowing the whole picture will not only help you get it done and done right, but also help you know when you are actually finished!
“ … organizing is not a destination; it is the gateway to your higher goal…” – Julie Morgenstern
Getting organized can easily become about products or the way things look, but what it’s really about is how it supports you and your lifestyle. Getting organized is a journey of slowing down long enough to see what you truly want, who you really are and creating an environment that supports whatever that is for you. It’s not about a system of rigidity and “my-way-or-the-highway” thinking. How you arrange, organize and stylize your space should reflect your values and who you are. It should be a place or system that helps you become a better whatever-you-are. So relax, take it all in, and whatever system is working for you – well, work that system.
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photo credit: Francisco Javier Martín
This post was originally published in May 2007
A while ago, I read a post on a blog (now offline) Work at Home Balance entitled: “Simplifying Your Life: When Less is More”. This part was my favorite:
“Make time for simplicity. Even if we can’t completely simplify our lives, we can definitely make time to connect with ourselves in quiet, simple ways. Things like meditation, prayer, quiet reading time, or even sitting in a park for a few minutes can refresh us and make us feel more relaxed. The important thing to remember is: chaos outside encourages chaos within; and peacefulness within will promote peacefulness in our surroundings. Spending time honoring our connection with our inner selves is a far more powerful solution than anything we do externally.
In the end, living a simpler life is really a choice we make moment to moment. Simplicity is a state of mind. It’s about learning how to let “stuff” enhance our lives, without relying on it for our happiness. Rather than seeking fulfillment from the latest greatest gadgets, we simply need to turn within and notice that it’s already there, waiting for us.”
Simplicity in a different light.
Before reading this, I had never thought about simplicity as a state of mind. It’s true that outside things affect what is going on inside of us, and vice versa. Think about it – where is the most relaxing place you have ever been? What did it look like? Personally, I feel that the beach (preferably a quiet one), Japanese hot spring resort and a convent are the most relaxing places I have ever been. None of these places normally have a lot of things laying around (driftwood doesn’t count). For the most part, they are monochromatic (very soothing) and quiet. Taking time to be in the moment in these places also increases their beauty and calm.
Imagine how much more we could appreciate our environment and people we love around us if we just took time out of our everyday life to “make time for simplicity”?
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photo credit: jenny downing
This post was originally posted in June 2006.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Des Walsh this afternoon on BlogTalkRadio. I love BTR – that’s where The O Myth started!
Today we chatted about home office organization and some deeper topics around which need consideration if you’re going to really get organized for good. So, here, take a listen.
Even if you live in a more petite sized apartment or house, you may have room for a home office. Even a tiny nook can house a great home office if you use a little imagination. Here’s a few ideas I found that I love. Use the ideas presented here and see where you could carve out a little office space of your own!
Home Office in a Closet (from Sunset.com)
If you have an extra closet, this is a great idea! All you need is a few shelves. You could even tuck the chair away when you close down the office for the day. My extra bedroom closet is calling my name right now!
(Read the rest of their series, “Great Ideas for Shelves” here.)
Modern Cottage Office (from Sunset.com)
If you don’t have an extra closet, perhaps a small bit of wall real estate? Like in downtown areas, if you can’t build out, build up. This desk is fabulous! It’s actually a door topped with a bit of frosted glass. Reusing and looking very chic! If you’d like to hide this away, you could put up a track on the ceiling with drapes to pull closed at the end of business. I also love the bookshelves!
(Read the rest of this series, “24 Creative Home Offices” here.)
Corner Office (from freshome.com)
If you live in a small apartment and have a dead-end hallway, this is a great idea for a home office. Again, build up with shelving to maximize storage. (Read the full article on freshome.com here.)
Do you have a small-ish home office? How did you setup your office?
No matter where you’re at, working from home can be quite productive. You need a few tricks up your sleeve, like “Lab Days” and a way to track projects. Join Brandie & Des as they discuss some strategies for working from home.
Show Notes:
Connect with Des: Twitter: @deswalsh | deswalsh.com | xeesm.com/deswalsh
My favorite “tree killer” notebook & planners: Moleskine
“To those whom much is given, much is expected.”
- John F. Kennedy, from The Uncommon Wisdom of JFK: A Portrait in His Own Words
photo credit: Patrick Hoesly
I’m glued to the TV this week and next. It’s an Olympic year, and I am just fascinated by it all! These talented athletes are shining and showing the world what they are made of on their day of competition. Let’s not forget what got them there.
The path to the medal podium starts with an every day commitment.
It’s easy to get caught up in the glory and excitement of the athletes and the crowd, and forget how much impact everyday decisions had on the path to this event. Commitment to practice, eating the right foods, building muscle, honing skills and arranging a calendar around a training schedule is what takes to get to the top. Most importantly, waking up in the morning and making the decision to follow through on that commitment. That’s what makes these athletes who they are, and why we remember them from the cover of a sports magazine or the front of a cereal box.
The story behind the headline.
What does it take to be a superstar? I love listening to the athletes’ stories. The heart break, the injuries, the comeback against all odds, family situations, financial strain and the grateful nod they give to coaches and mentors. I’ve noticed three common elements of most of these amazing champions we can apply to any situation, including the upkeep of a home office.
Work at it everyday. Make a decision once a day. File the mail, make the phone calls, get through the email inbox. Then, tomorrow, wake up and make that same decision again. Little by little, day by day, things change.
Have a great attitude. You don’t have to be delusional, but try looking at the brighter side. Fall down? Get back up. Keep a good attitude and I believe you’ll be happier all the way around. There’s that saying, “…whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right”.
Get help to improve. Confession: I hate bookkeeping. So, I have someone to help me with it. She’s better than I am, and I’m happy to have her around. If there is something you need to work on, get help. None of us can do it all…. well.
What’s your story? What elements will you commit to?
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photo credit: Patrick Hoesly
Is your to-do list almost too long to read every day? Or have you simply given up trying to keep a current to-do list. Don’t give up; get your to-do list under control to compliment your time management strategies. To begin, you need to understand that a to-do list is a “hot list” not a planning pad, wish list or long term idea starter. Your to-do list is for tasks that must be accomplished in 48 hours or less. For anything further ahead, use advance planning list or add the items to your day planner for the appropriate due date.
Take Inventory
Start by writing down every task you need to complete on individual index cards. Arrange the cards in three piles: Must Do, Need to Do, Want to Do. The “Must Do” pile is the tasks that have to be completed in 24 hours.
The Approach
Take any “Must Do” items that could wait an extra day and place them on the next day’s to-do list. These are what some time management systems call the “A” level tasks. Next sort the “Need to Do” or “B” level tasks. These are important to do in the next day or two but not as imperative as showing up for a presentation or catching a plane.
Productivity is Yours
Finally, deal with the “Want to Do” or “C” level tasks that could be done any time in the next several days. Some time management systems suggest that you toss out the “C” tasks or add them to a “Someday” list for when you have extra time. Of course, that’s humorous since you need a time management system because you are already overscheduled. If you want to include these, just make sure they don’t serve as a distraction from necessary items. For example, you might enjoy surfing the net for collectible books but you don’t need to do that “C” item when you have an “A” list report due in four hours.
The Superhero Syndrome
How many items can you manage on a daily to-do list? It depends on whether each item is a one step process or multi-step process. With complex tasks, you may only be able to reasonably complete 3 or 4 “Must Do” items in a day. As you are adjusting to this time management technique, make a note by each item about how much time you expect to spend on this task.
Using Your Tools
You can create a paper to-do list or one on your computer, just as long as it’s easily accessible during the day. When an item is done, cross it off, make a checkmark beside it or in some way be able to see what’s done from what needs to be done. If you use an electronic to-do list, you can add color background for each level. The advantage of color-coding items is that you can quickly see how many yellow highlighted Must Do items are left compared with the green highlighted Need to Do items.
When Day is Done
At the end of the day, transfer any remaining important items to the proper category on the next day’s to-do list. When you finish the day and see most or all of the “Must Do” items finished and crossed off your list, it’s a great sense of relief and motivation to keep your time management system working for you.
About the author: Deanna Maio, The SavvyGals Coach, teaches women business owners to stop wasting time and start making more money. With her coaching programs and speaking, she helps busy self-employed women get the information, structure, and support, they need to deal attract more clients, grow their businesses and having a fulfilling personal life at the same time. For more information on her programs and products, visit her website: www.savvygals.com or call 503-922-2688.
Is organizing in your head? That’ depends on what you think “organizing” is about. What a lot of people don’t realize about organizing is its relationship to what’s in your head and the systems you use to keep your space in order. ”Stuff shifting” is only part of the deal.
Magazine articles, online websites, tips from the news – all these can help you do it yourself. What helps you stay that way? It’s that lovely thing between your ears…. your mind. All the “stuff shifting”, labeling and containers are fantastic, but they are part of the solution. Long term change comes from addressing what’s going on in your head and changing your actions. So, what does it take to get organized? It’s really a simple process:
- A plan. Where will things go, how will you use your space? This is before you lift a single piece of paper or clean out one cabinet.
- Sort it out. This is the organizing piece – the “stuff shifting”. Once you have a plan in mind, it’s time to sort out the important things.
- Keeping it that way. Maintenance is the key to staying organized long term. That happens in your head, your calendar and in daily life. It’s like taking a shower – it’s a great idea, but you’ve got to do it everyday (we hope!).
Only one third of those things up there is what most people think of when it comes to organizing: sorting it out. It’s part of the process, but not all of it by itself. You can do the sorting it out yourself – I’d be willing to bet you’ve done it at least once!
Many times we have to address the physical space first, followed by changing our minds and habits. A friend, confidante, mentor or Professional Organizer can help the process along – from the plan through to strategies to keep things in order.
Do you have some sorting out to do between your ears?
Ready to get organized? Want an alternative to the traditional in-person organizing or live outside the area? Learn how we can work together to get you and keep you organized. Learn more about my Virtual Organizing service here.
I’ll be there! This is a free event, so come join us!
NAPO Oregon Presents the 2010 Pacific Northwest Organizing Expo
January 30, 2010, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Montgomery Park, 2701 NW Vaughn Street, Portland Oregon 97201
Admission is free. For more information visit their website here.
Did you know that organization (or lack of) is an internal and external issue? Join me with guest, Peter Walsh as we talk about working in a home office, teaching our children the value of organization and using it as a tool.
Show Notes:
Oprah’s “Live Your Best Life” Weekend Event in NYC
Peter’s Books:
Enough Already, It’s All Too Much, How to Organize Just About Everything
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Disclosure: Book links are affiliate links to Amazon.comGettin’ techie with it….
Teleclass: Tech Tools & Online Tools for Organizing
Presented by: Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer
♦ For those seeking professional organizer education
♦ For those who would like to become more organized
DESCRIPTION:
Technology moves fast… sometimes too fast.
From laptops, smart phones and other gadgets, what are the available tools to keep yourself organized?
We’ll cover the latest and greatest tools to keep you organized no matter where you go, from task lists, to calendars and note-taking tools.
Come get your “geek on” & get the important things done.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- How technology tools can help simplify your life
- An Organizer’s favorite software tools
- Online organizing solutions you can use today at little or no cost
- A variety of tools available for your smart phone or iPhone
DATE: Monday January 25, 2010
TIME: 1pm ET, 12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT
DURATION: 1 hour
HANDOUTS: a link to download handouts provided with registration
RECORDING: This class will be recorded so you may listen after the live class is over.
COST: $15 (or use the coupon code “clutter” for 10% off!)
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:
Brandie Kajino, known as “The Home Office Organizer”, is a consultant, author, speaker and small business owner. Her specialty is empowering busy professionals resources, tools and simple organizing solutions. Her resource-packed website TheHomeOfficeOrganizer.com includes articles, a weekly podcast, downloadable products and a service menu. Some of Brandie’s media credits include Yahoo.com, WashingtonPost.com, StartupNation, television and radio.
Whether working one-on-one with a client, or speaking to a group, she loves seeing the proverbial “light go on”. She uses a mix of fun, humor and honesty to empower clients feel more productive so they can get the important things done.
$15.00
Get 10% off by entering the coupon code: “clutter”
< < < Register HERE…. > > >
Do you have guilt? I’ll bet you’ve had it once or twice, especially if you’re a woman and a mom. Victoria Cook joins me as we talk about how to live guilt-free. Is it an emotion? Come find out!
Show Notes:
Learn more about VIP Membership
Tasks: Recurring, the daily list and date specific. How to keep track of it all? Join me as I reveal what I do, and a few tips to help you get it all done.
Show Notes:
Recurring Task Planner (coming soon!)
Learn more about VIP Membership
Getting Organized in the New Year (TV segment on KOIN Keep It Local)
New Year Resolution #8:
Learn Something New
This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!
Learning goes beyond the educational halls.
Learning is part of life. It seems too many of of stop when we leave school. It’s understandable – you realize you can read for pleasure and not for a test the next day. Learning seemed hard then, a struggle and a thing many choose not to do when they aren’t forced to. But, does learning really stop when we get the diploma?
Alternative: Lifelong learning starts with curiosity.
Four years ago, I was curious about blogging. I wanted to learn how to do it. I liked to write, and yet couldn’t bring myself to write regularly. I thought blogging would be a good way to get in a practice of writing on a regular basis. So, I did some research, listened to those who had done it successfully and read up on the subject. I didn’t know a plugin from a widget, or how it was possible for a stylesheet to cascade. But, I started with a purpose in mind, and I plugged into the WordPress community. I found mentors and people who were doing what I wanted to do. I joined in the conversation, read other blogs and took on little projects along the way. Little by little, I learned. It wasn’t always easy. Blogging is much more than just producing content (who knew?). Could I be better at it? Of course. There is still so much to learn, so I have time in my calendar to make sure I am moving forward.
No better time than today.
Start today, don’t wai. Is there something you want to learn? Is there something you need to learn? What’s holding you back? What would it feel like to be have that knowledge or skill?
Here’s a few organization tips to help you learn something new:
- Pick one thing you are interested in, and write it down.
- Research a class at your local community college or go to your local library with a notebook and pen to take notes.
- Mark time on your calendar to continue learning and practicing your new skill.
- Start a file or an envelope, and put your research in it. If you have more information, use a small portable file box. Make it easy to maintain and organized enough to find it later.
If you are ready to learn something new, when will you start?
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*There are affiliate links contained in this post.New Year Resolution #7:
Help Others
This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!
How do you give back?
I remember my mother gardening, giving our extra garden bounty away, helping others with their canning and watching her teach swimming classes for special needs children. It seemed a part of her life (and still is) to help others.
When I was in high school, I had the distinct honor of being selected to study abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. I grew up in a small town of 14,000, and had never been on a commercial jet until I flew across the Pacific to the Land of the Rising Sun. It was a year of excitement, frustration, happiness, sadness and a year of growth experienced by few. It changed who I was, and what path my life took. I knew at some point, it would be my turn to give back to an organization that did so much for this young naive country girl.
What is burning in your heart?
I don’t mean to sound contrite or like a line in a made- for-TV-movie, but really, what are you passionate about? Is there an organization that did something for you in your time of need? Were you afforded an opportunity you would not have had otherwise?
Make time, make a choice
There’s never a perfect time to give back, and there may never be a perfect financial situation to give all you would like to. But, we can make time to give back, volunteer and help make our corner of the world a better place.
Around five years ago, I wanted to start helping out with Rotary Youth Exchange in my area. I was lucky enough to seek out a connection I had in the area and ask how I could help. I was greeted with open arms and encouragement to give what I could at that point. I had a young toddler and a fledgling business, so my time was limited. I gave what I could.
Last year, I decided to join Rotary as a full-fledged member, and to involve myself with the Youth Exchange program in our district. Before making the jump, I had to give some other things up, rearrange and rethink commitments. It is a decision I haven’t regretted since.
If you want to volunteer or participate in a charity, here’s a few tips to get started:
1. Be real about your schedule. How much time do you have to give?
2. Find a good fit. Ask a lot of questions about the commitment expected, the time involved and if you are expected to cover your own expenses. Know what you are getting into so there are few surprises.
3. Start saying “no” more. You may have to juggle your schedule around, even eliminating something to ensure you’re not overextending yourself. Don’t overdo it. No organization wants an unhappy, burnt out volunteer.
How can you give back this year?
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*There are affiliate links contained in this post.Ready to get organized in the New Year? Take baby steps, use what you have and start with the thing that’s bothering you most. Here’s how to do that from my latest segment on KOIN Keep It Local:
New Year Resolution #6:
Spend More Time with Loved Ones
This series is all about the top New Year Resolutions. One of those is “Get Organized”. Have you ever made this resolution? How did it go? Did you do a “crash & burn” weekend on Jan. 2nd and everything was back to the way it was by Jan. 10th? Try using organization as a tool for whatever change you desire. You may surprise yourself!
Title
Spending time with those we love is something to strive for. It never seems to be enough, even when we make it a priority. Extra appointments on the schedule, events we’ve committed to and other things get in the way. Or do they?
It’s not the quantity, but rather the quality.
How do you remember your childhood? I remember moments of happiness: seeing my parents in the stands at a volleyball game, sharing a holiday meal or tearfully hugging my little sister at the airport when I left for a year abroad as an exchange student. I’ll bet you can remember some of those things too. I believe in making moments special, and being truely engaged in that moment. Here’s some ways to spend some quality time, and really being “in the moment”:
1. Plan for it. Get chores done, wash the clothes, put things away, whatever. If it’s on your mind, and you can do it quickly, take care of it.
2. Turn off distractions. The “always on” cell phone can be really distracting (I get it, really I do) so put it on vibrate in another room for a period of time.
3. Quit procrastinating and start acting. If you can’t spend time with those you love because life is out of control, take action. Get control of your action paper, find a way to focus each day or discover and address what is really bothering you. Get to the heart of the matter, so you can breathe and enjoy life.
What can you do so you can spend more time with your loved ones?
GIVEAWAY ALERT! Want to win the ButtonedUP Birthday.book &-Greetings.stash? Leave a comment below, sharing your resolution and how you could use organization to help you achieve it. Enter by 1/10/2010! (Read the ButtonedUP giveaway & special reader discount details here.)
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*There are affiliate links contained in this post.