Advice
Welcome to our advice section. Every week I answer new questions submitted
by readers on Organizing, Image, Fashion and Event Planning.
You can read my "AddSPACE To Your Life!" column every week
in San Diego's “The Coast News" or read the archived columns
below.
E-mail your questions to advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
Dear Kathi,
I would like to keep my New Years resolutions next year. I know that
my goals will be tough to keep, but I also feel that there has to
be a way to stay on track for more than a week next year.
Leslie, Cardiff by the Sea
Leslie,
Your determination to keep your New Year's Resolutions this year is
admirable. Here are a few goal-setting tips to help you get started.
Don't try everything at once. Don't make lists and lists of resolutions.
The more you make, the less you will keep. Try to make no more than
five honest, sincere and realistically attainable resolutions.
When considering what goals and objectives you want to set for yourself
for the coming year, remember to establish attainable goals. A resolution
should be made to improve yourself either physically, emotionally
or mentally. Resolutions should never be made that are based on matters
out of your control.
For instance, making a New Year's resolution that you will get married
this year may not only be unattainable, but also entirely out of your
control. Although you may want to get married it doesn't necessarily
mean you will meet someone to marry. The same can be said for resolutions
such as having a baby or winning the lottery – these are not
resolutions, they are hopes and dreams.
Word your goals carefully and make a plan. Once you know what your
resolutions are, try to break it down. Nobody accomplishes anything
of significance by trying to do it all at once. This doesn't have
to be a complicated agenda; just plan enough to give yourself a place
to start.
Write them down. Write down your resolutions and your plan of action.
Stick them up on the fridge or wherever you know you'll see them.
That way you'll have a constant reminder of the resolutions. You may
want to change the wording as time passes. It is perfectly ok to rephrase
and redefine your goals as next year progresses.
At the end of next December when you reflect on the resolutions you
made on January 1st, and realize that at last, you have kept all of
your resolutions, you will be surprised at the sense of accomplishment,
fulfilment and self-worth you will carry with you at all times.
Dear Kathi,
I am determined to use my time more effectively this year. I often
have too many tasks to complete with not enough time. I constantly
have to make choices and am often at a loss with which tasks to postpone
until later. Help!
Bernie, Del Mar
Bernie,
You will do well to prioritize your list of tasks at the beginning
of each day. Time is your most precious resource. It cannot be replaced
but it can be optimized.
The very act of taking a moment to think about your time before you
spend it will begin to improve your personal time management instantly.
As you go about your day, reallocate activities of lower value to
activities of higher value as you complete the highest priorities
on your list.
Be diligent and reshuffle your priorities as needed. The best schedule
is one that is flexible and able to seize the golden opportunities
as they present themselves. Have a fabulous 2005!
Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner
based in San Diego California.
Please
submit your questions to:
advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
.
San Diego Professional Organizer
