planning

Why you need a Project Box & a Master To-Do List

By Hazel Thornton | September 9, 2019 |

Do you have unfinished household projects lying around? I can tell what my clients’ projects are at a glance – there are light bulbs that need changing; clothing that needs repairing; pictures that need to be framed and hung; and gifts that need to be wrapped. They are sitting out on the counters, tables, and…

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7 Ways to Make Resolutions Fun Again

By Hazel Thornton | January 7, 2019 |

  Do you hate making resolutions? Do they seem like a colossal waste of time because you figure you will probably just give up on them after a few days or weeks? Well, you’re not alone, and you’re probably right…that is, if you only make them impulsively after a few drinks on New Year’s Eve!…

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A Valentine for Your Family: Planning for Your Legacy

By Hazel Thornton | February 9, 2018 |

If you got hit by a bus tomorrow, what would your loved ones be left with? Happy memories, or sad ones? Clutter and uncertainty? Or clear instructions and valued keepsakes? What will your legacy be?  

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Six Organizing Systems Everyone Needs — System #6: Getting Stuff Done

By Hazel Thornton | November 27, 2017 |

How well are your organizing systems working for you? In the introduction to this series I shared the following: What is a system? What 6 organizing systems do I think everyone needs? What 5 questions can you ask yourself to see if your systems are still working for you, or if they need tweaking? Now…

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Are you too busy to live your life?

By Hazel Thornton | October 17, 2017 |

Once upon a time I was taught the Transcendental Meditation technique. It’s a mantra-based meditation that is done for 20 minutes twice a day, but that is not my point. The thing about the training that keeps coming back to me is this frequent admonishment: If you are too busy to meditate, then you are…

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Time Management Tip

Wanna know my #1 time management tip?

By Hazel Thornton | December 28, 2016 |

I love helping my clients spend more of their time doing what they want to, and less of it doing what they have to! I give them lots of time tips (well, I actually coach them through a whole customized program), such as: Identify your priorities, goals, and time wasters. Create an ideal schedule and…

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The Chinese Menu Time Management Technique

By Hazel Thornton | May 15, 2016 |

Are you familiar with the Happy Family Chinese-American restaurant meal? Choose one item from menu Column A, one from Column B… and with six you get egg roll…? Well, that’s how I manage my time. Allow me to explain…

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Have a Garage Sale…If You Must

By Hazel Thornton | June 3, 2013 |

Love ’em or hate ’em, garage sales (yard sales, tag sales, whatever you call them) are here to stay. Here’s why I hate ’em:

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Clear Your Mind and Get it All Done… Sooner or Later

By Hazel Thornton | May 21, 2013 |

I know how to get stuff done, and I can teach you how, too. I have tools and systems for all the stages of workflow (collect, process, organize, review and do). I have an inbox and project lists which I clear and review weekly. I say no to activities that don’t support my goals and…

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Clearing Mental Clutter

By Hazel Thornton | May 17, 2013 |

Clutter comes in many forms. If you are worried about something, but aren’t doing anything about it — or can’t do anything about it — it’s mental clutter. For any persistent, worrisome thought, ask yourself: Can you do something about it? If you think so, or if you don’t think so, or if you’re not…

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