Successful Lists

Successful Lists What do you needed for successful 'to do' list? First I should clarify what a 'to do' lists is in the first place. It is a list of action steps you plan to take that particular day. Remember how I said they were like daily mini goals for me, so keep the list short and precise. Because if your list has 40 items on it, chances are that is more of a wish list than a plan of action or your goals for the day. Realistically a list should be no more than 4 or 5 items, depending on what type of tasks they are. There are few a points to remember when moving from realising that you have been creating a wish list onto successfully using 'to do' lists. 1. Do not fret over the initial size of your wish list, because sometimes it is better to get everything off your chest by writing it down. 2. Work from your wish list and decided what tasks are important to be dealt with on that particular day. 3. On your diary write the 4 or 5 items you are committed to completing. 4. If you are struggling to complete all the tasks for that day you need to do a review and ask yourself. What was the main reason you did not finish the list? Did you misjudge the amount of time you had? Did you choose items that truly needed your attention? Were your expectations too high? Did you turn the to do list into a mini wish list? Are there any items on your list that should have been delegated to someone else? Find out what isn't working and make the changes necessary when next making a list. 5. Go through you wish list and ruthlessly remove anything that has no hope of every being completed. This will help to take some of the pressure off and give you a more realistic expectation of the tasks that are still outstanding. Try using these few steps and let me when they help your 'to do' lists become more successful. Rachael Ross and Purely Peppermint can help you to achieve control over your clutter. Through the regular published Purely Peppermint newsletters you will learn hints, tips, tricks and better habits on how to deal with your clutter. If you want to get control now than access your own copy of our success secrets at www.purelypeppermint.com

3 Things You Can Do to be Happier in Just 48 Minutes By Michele Connolly

Being organized has all kinds of benefits – greater productivity, saved time, less stress and more motivation, to name a few.

But some organizing tasks give you a happiness hit, too. What a cool bonus!

Here are three of my favorite organizing things to do – all guaranteed to put a little spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Just try them and see – and let me know if you agree!

1. Make your bed

I’m not talking hospital corners and 25 fluffy pillows, here. Just the covers pulled up neatly and the pillows fluffed will make a difference.

There’s something about starting the day with your bed made that tells your subconscious you’re ready to face the world, and that adds a little pep to your mood.

It’s a lovely way to end the day, too. How nice to enter your bedroom after the day is done, and find a nice, inviting bed waiting for you.

If you aren’t a regular bed maker, take 3 minutes today to try it.

2. Savor surfaces

People who’ve lived a long time with clutter invariably get a happiness boost when they uncover the surfaces buried underneath. They love the clarity, the order, the absence of chaos.

Another reason clear surfaces make you happier is that the stuff lurking atop surfaces can prompt unpleasant feelings.

Like worry over bills left on the counter. Irritation about dust on ornaments that no longer bring pleasure. Stress that you haven’t gotten around to fixing something.

If you have a surface that’s muddying your mood – perhaps a counter, coffee table, dining table or dresser – then make today the day you give it a facelift. Spend 15 minutes todaygetting rid of anything you don’t use or love, putting away things that have a home, andfinding a home for things that don’t.

3. Exchange too much past and future for more today

If you constantly feel disorganized then ask yourself these questions:

• How much of your disorganization relates to the past or future?
• How much of your clutter is pieces of the past you’re clinging to – clothes, mementos, yearbooks and journals?
• How much of your stuff is for a future that’s not part of your life today – sports or hobbies you’ll start one day, things you may need some time in the next century?

There’s nothing wrong with mementos or plans – both can add meaning to your life. But if these things are crowding out your life today, then you’re paying for them with happiness.

Instead, let some – or all – of them go, and make room for a little more of the present. Spend30 minutes today clearing away the things in your life that are keeping your focus on yesterday or tomorrow, instead of today.

A 48-minute happiness prescription

So here’s my happiness prescription for you today:

• 3 minutes to make your bed
• 15 minutes to clear a surface
• 30 minutes to release past- or future-focused things from your life.

Take your happiness temperature after completing these steps and see how you feel.

But please don’t wipe the smile off your face.

© 2010 Happiness Strategies Pty Ltd.

Get Organized Wizard newsletter shares ideas and strategies for organizing your life, achieving your objectives and being your best. Get yours now atwww.GetOrganizedWizard.com.

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