I am an ultimate procrastinator. Well, that was until I decided that I actually wanted my dreams to not stay dreams. In order to make my dreams a reality, I realized that my ADD mind had to figure out a way to define and organize my life priorities. Here’s what worked for me!
1. Make a to-do list.
You heard it here first. Go old school and handwrite your to-do list for the day. After you’ve completed writing your daily to-do, write a list of the things you’d like to get done in the next couple of weeks. When you prioritize the to-dos, they are less overwhelming.
You can even get wildly detailed and write what time you’d like to get your sh*t done!
2. Do the big, annoying things first.
The tasks that look way too daunting are the projects you should tackle first. For me, it’s taxes. I hate really anything related to paperwork or taxes. Yes, you can hire an accountant, but you still have to get your expenses in order for them to properly do their job.
And if you have a good accountant, you should respect both their time and your wallet by having your stuff in order.
3. Designate a specific day for grocery shopping.
This one should be number one. If the mind is right and the body is well-fueled, you will have no problem completing your tasks. Some people do all their meal preparation on Sundays so they have at least three days of meals ready, making it impossible to reach for the packaged meals or snacks.
If there is a home cooked meal with your name on it, you won’t be rummaging the cupboard looking for chips.
4. Organize your paperwork.
Think about how many times you rummage through the same pile of papers to find “the one.” File your paperwork as soon as it hits your hands. That way, when you need something, you don’t have to spend extra time looking for it because you’ll know exactly where it is.
5. Schedule your workouts just like you schedule everything else.
When do you feel your best? If the early morning hours work for you, schedule a workout or even a walk three to five times per week and by Friday, treat yourself to something nice.
I like to schedule a pedicure if I get everyone done on my list by the end of the week. As a fitness instructor, my feet take a beating in the gym, barre studio, yoga mat, and outside in my sneakers. The most rewarding thing I can give myself is an hour of foot soaking and rubbing.
You all have the “it” factor, but not planning properly can get in the way. How much longer do you want to say, “I wish I could fix my life or be more organized?” Stop wasting time and get it together now! If your strengths lie elsewhere, hire a professional organizer! Above all else, do something.
Image Credit: Kelly Snyder via J Mauss