Screenshot of “Odds Are” lyrics by Barenaked Ladies
I heard this song recently.
Yes, it’s old, but it was new to me.
And it gave me hope.
The song is “Odds Are” by Barenaked Ladies.
Archive for GETTING ORGANIZED FOR LIFE
I was attempting to help my aunt solve a cat-related problem. It involved purchasing a couple of items and changing a couple of human behaviors. To me it seemed like a potentially easy fix. Not guaranteed, of course – nothing is guaranteed when it comes to cats! — but why not try it?
One of my favorite concepts in life is The 80/20 Rule.
What is it?
The 80/20 Rule, a.k.a. the Pareto principle, stems from observations made by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto in 1906, including the fact that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. Or, generalizing to other situations, roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of the causes.
But why do I like it so much, and why it is your friend?
Because it can help you make decisions…and not worry so much…and get stuff done!
2021 UPDATE: Getting “derailed” is one thing. Here it implies a potential for getting back on track with a little focus, some encouragement, and a few tips from me. However, falling off the trestle bridge into the canyon below, before crashing and burning, is quite another thing! This article is about getting back on track organization- and productivity-wise after common life-changes (home, work, health, events, trips, relationships). It was not meant for a worldwide pandemic with severe health, social, and financial implications, accompanied by political and civic upheaval and global warming! In severe cases “back to basics” may mean focusing on eating, sleeping, and exercising enough to recover or maintain one’s health. And, in other cases, a consultation with a medical professional, financial advisor, realtor, or government agency is called for. Even so….eventually you will find yourself either stuck in the past, languishing in the present, or ready to get back on track to meet your future.
Greetings! I hope you are doing well despite the fact that somewhere along the way I lost my will to keep you updated on all things COVID.
- ARCHIVED: Survive and Thrive Resource Roundup
Once in a while I’ve checked in with you and let you know how it’s going for me….
- Are you wasting your “free time”?
- Are you feeling adrift too?
- Hindsight is 2020. What’s next?
- 3 Questions (to ask yourself about COVID-times)
I’ve written a few other posts – some new, and some refreshed – but otherwise I’ve been doing genealogy research (for myself and for clients), and working (except, that is, for when I’m not working) on my new book.
Meanwhile…many of my organizing and productivity colleagues are either still at it, or they’ve found renewed energy for solving problems and lifting spirits. Some of them blog on a weekly basis! Some have written books, created products, or developed courses during the pandemic!
So, I’m sharing a roundup of their recent posts that have inspired me, because I’m hoping they will inspire you, too!
Durango, Colorado
(NOTE: It was in October 2012 when I “just returned” from this trip and wrote this post. A worldwide pandemic was the furthest thing from my mind! Most of us have stayed home for over a year, and we’re just now thinking about traveling again as we gradually get our COVID-19 vaccinations. Also new since 2012 is the Org4life Travel Resource Roundup I created for you. Stay safe, and enjoy your travels!)
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I just returned home from a short road trip to Durango, Colorado (from Albuquerque, New Mexico). The brisk fall weather and scenery were wonderfully refreshing. And it was good to be out of my routine for a couple of days. Then, as usual, I was just as glad to return home as I was to leave it in the first place. There’s a reason why we have these sayings:
Home Sweet Home. There’s no place like home. A man’s home is his castle. Home is where the heart is.
Aren’t we all more comfortable at home? And if you aren’t, what needs to change so that you are…?
I often hear people bemoan the fact that someone has not replied to their email.
They assume the other person is purposely avoiding them. What?!
Sure, it’s possible that they are snubbing you. But it’s far more likely that their lack of response has nothing to do with you in any way. Don’t take it personally!
Before YOU get upset that someone hasn’t replied to YOUR email, consider the many reasons why this might be the case (paying special attention to #14).
This year has been like no other in our lifetime. What an opportunity to re-think the holidays!
Whatever we do this COVID holiday season may — by default, or by design — also affect our future.
What’s important to YOU during the holidays?
- Peace and quiet? (Or, have you had way too much of that already this year?)
- Connection with friends and family? (Such a challenge under quarantine conditions!)
- Traditions? (Some of them may not be possible this year or may need to be modified.)
Here are some things that you will naturally be doing less of this year…or, that you can totally get away with doing less of. Doing LESS of what you usually do might be a relief. It also might pave the way — and free up energy, time, and funds — to do MORE of something else you might enjoy.
Staples Economy Storage Box
More of us than ever before are working from home. A clutter-free office allows you to feel more comfortable, and therefore more focused, and productive. These 10 easy steps apply to any office, whether or not it’s a dedicated room, and no matter where it’s located.
A quick, easy decluttering of your workspace does not make you organized, but it does set you up for successfully finishing the organizing project at your own pace, while simultaneously allowing you to experience the freedom and focus that a clutter-free office can give you.
You still have some sorting, purging, organizing, and filing ahead of you, but you can start enjoying your clear desktop and functional workspace immediately.
PLEASE NOTE: If your life is shipshape and full-speed-ahead, this post is not for you. Carry on!
If, however, you’re feeling adrift, keep reading…
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