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Blog: Making the most of your Time
 Time for a Fresh Start
The new year brings many people to contemplate change. As a professional organizer, I see a lot of people express the desire to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start. There are so many ways to do this but I will stick with the time management related items.
First and foremost, get your calendar and contacts in one place. I see clients with multiple calendars and multiple ways of keeping addresses and phone numbers. This is a big time waster. One place for information is key.
Second, evaluate how you want to spend your time in 2008 by making a few goals. If you have a set of goals to work toward, it will help you stay on track when different opportunities pop up or you find yourself challenged by what path to take when busy. Refer back to your goals and you will be more efficient with your time.
Third, clear out the old emails, calls and texts on your cell phone, internet favorites that you don't use anymore…I call this e-cleaning. If you are looking at current and relevant information, you will save time and energy by focusing on only what you want to see moving forward.
Fourth, purge old files so you have room in your filing drawer for new incoming bills, statements, etc. Most people don't do this and they pile up the new stuff while the old stuff takes up valuable real estate in the file cabinet. Then, you waste time sorting through your files to find what you need.
Finally, if you haven't done so – assemble all your 2007 tax receipts in one place so that you are prepared to do your taxes (before the deadline). Don't waste time scrambling and looking under couch cushions for your receipts. Get it all in one place now.
I hope you are able to make a fresh start for 2008. Here's to making the most of your time in the new year.
posted on: 1/9/2008 9:30:00 AM by Brita Bolane
category: Time Management
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Making the most of your Time
by Brita Bolane
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About Brita:
Brita Bolane is the President of pare it down, inc. a professional organizing service in the San Diego area. Brita helps people streamline their lives through residential organization and time management consultation. Brita's first introduction to time management was when she attended college on a full atheltic scholarship (volleyball). She went on to play professionally on the beach and in Italy. Today, Brita is a business owner, wife and mother and understands the challenges of keeping a busy schedule and an organized life.
Brita's Website:
www.pareitdown.com
Time Savers
- evite
If you don't have time to get traditional invitations out in the mail, this is a great resource for quick internet invitations. They also have information and suggestions on entertaining.
- shutterfly
Digital, it's the way to go. Sites like shutterfly help you organize and arrange photos without having to print them first. They offer free, unlimited photo storage and if you do want to print pictures, you can print them to your local Target store. In addition, you can create wonderful gifts for family and friends in a reasonable amount of time.
- Sunday
Sunday is a virtual assistant service. Depending on how busy your life is, this could be a useful service and a real time saver. I love the concept but have not tried it yet.
Resources for Life
- Martha Stewart
I am a long time fan of Martha Stewart. Her website, magazines and TV program offer so many different and fun ideas. It's inspirational on many levels.
Tasty Treats
- TasteSpotting
Interesting site that people can post food ideas and blogs, recipes or places to buy the best tasting treats. The pictures are mouth watering!
Technology to love
- oovoo
I'm a big fan of face to face or internet to internet phone calls. Our family does this and it's amazing how much more you get out of the call when you see the person you're talking to. oovoo is a free service you can download to your computer that let's you have video converstations.
- skype
skype is an internet based phone service that let's you call computer to computer for free! Who doesn't love to talk for free?!
Books I Love
- The Success Principles
Jack Canfield is the cocreator of the Chicken Soup for Soul series. This is his book on how to achieve your goals in an effective and measurable way. I really like this book
- Getting Things Done The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Author David Allen provides a great approach to managing all your to do lists and how to focus on the most important tasks each day.
- The 4-Hour Workweek
Timothy Ferris writes a revolutionary book and makes you rethink how you use your time.
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www.OnlineOrganizing.com is a service mark of Bradford, LLC.
