How-To… Put Your Life In Order

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

On the road to success, the path can become a little cluttered. Maybe even too cluttered. How can you see where you are on the path or how far you’ve gone with all that mess? Simple, you can’t! But there is a solution for this. Organization! I don’t think you have to be an obsessive list maker, but I do think that there are some key things that you can do in your life that will help for you to see straight ahead of you and around you. I’ve listed a few tips here that can get you started, and will hopefully help you to remove those cluttering roadblocks. :)

1. Acquire a planner
Whether it's Microsoft Outlook on your laptop, or a funky little planner      from Wal-mart, you need something where you 
can log appointments, meetings, events, etc. Make it a habit to log things into your planner as soon as something comes up. 
DO NOT rely on your perfect memory and write it down "later". Make sure that you check your planner when new things come 
up so that you don't over-book. 
My opinion: I think it's nice to have a task/calendar on your computer, but I don't think that an electronic planner should be your only source. I'd recommend having a paper planner as a back-up, and fill that in as you go.

2. budget, Budget, BUDGET! 
It doesn't matter if you have an infinite amount of money. I still believe that you should keep track of 
your spending and income. For most of us though, budgeting is something that we need to invest more time in. Find or download a daily or monthly budget sheet. Make sure that you are keeping receipts and bank statements so you can have accurate record of spending. This site has some great tips for budgeting.

3. Reflection is good for growing... 
It's always a good idea to set aside some time for yourself where you can simply reflect on the day or the week. 
This doesn't have to be done everyday depending on your personality, but if you're easily stressed I'd recommend 
doing this daily. Write in a journal, blog, listen to music, or just simply be alone with your thoughts. Whatever 
helps you release. Our lives can become very hectic and it's a great idea to just gather your thoughts to prepare you for the next day or week. It's all too easy to get on overload and then we are burned out. Now that's not making the dream happen!

Some websites that offer other great tips :

1. 12 Ways Budgeting Can Improve Your Life
2. 10 Commandments for the Student Consumer (Charade)
3. Making Time For Yourself

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