Mental Clutter- Is It Taking Over Your Life?

Chances are, most of you have a lot you need to get done.

Oftentimes, there are projects on your to-do list that require SEVERAL steps in order to complete the task at hand.

I've come to realize that it is important to not only WRITE DOWN my chores but to break them up into bite-size pieces, brainstorming ALL of the possible parts that may be involved in completing each chore.

So, on my to-do list, "buying a minivan" looks like a simple task to complete, taking up just one line on my trusty notepad! What about all of the research, test driving, model and price comparisons, dealer negotiations, and financial planning that is involved?

I break down each task into as many pieces as I can. I like using an outline. For instance:

I. BUY A MINIVAN

a. research the internet

b. discuss all options (leasing/buying/new/used) with financial planner

c. locate dealerships nearby

1. go on mapquest and get directions to the dealerships

2. test drive

d. compare favorite models, repeat step C #1 and #2

e. Make appointment with sales office, discuss buying options, rebates, financing, etc.

f. BUY!

As you can see, buying a minivan is more involved than it seems. (This is only an example with sample to-do steps.)

Most of the time, tasks require more time, energy, and input than we may have thought to allocate.

Break down each task into as many steps as you need. Assign deadlines to every step. It can be as simple as entering them into your calendar.

Two tools that I absolutely LOVE for breaking down larger projects and freeing myself from mental clutter are the Tickler system and the Mind Map.

Actually, my husband really uses the mind map because he is very visual and more of a right brain thinker. (To learn more about right brain/left brain differences check out our newest page at www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com/procrastination.html)

In fact the other day he said to me, "Rebekah. Next time I have a large project to complete, REMIND ME to use the mindmap. I was feeling so scattered and stressed out about all of the details involved in completing the project, and I feel so much better now that I did my mindmap."

It really works. You can find the tickler and Mind Map Software at http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com/Onlineorganizing.

Rebekah Slatkin is a professional organizer dedicated to getting people organized through hands-on decluttering sessions, teleconferencing, coaching, and her website http://www.best-organizing-products-supers tore.com

Visit http://www.best-organizing-products-supers tore.com and subscribe to Organewz, her ezine dedicated to organized living and get organizing tips and downloads- free.

---

Family Management Tip #3: Getting Ready for the New School Year

Clothes. Check. School supplies. Check. No doubt you've got to... Read More

Be More Productive - Books to Help You Be More and Do More!

How many of us have enough time to do everything... Read More

Technology...The Culprit and the Tool

Technology has given us the tools to reduce routine tasking,... Read More

25 Tips and Tricks for an Organized Move

Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to... Read More

Making Space - Letting Go of Clutter

To make room for new things to come into you... Read More

Improve Your Workplace to Make Your Life Better

What does "quality of life" mean to you? If you... Read More

Breathing Life Into Dead Spaces

"I don't have enough room!" -- this is a common... Read More

Creating The Perfect Closet

Your closet is often the first thing you see in... Read More

10 Tips for a More Organized Morning

1. Teach your children to use an alarm clock or... Read More

Are You A Collector?

Collections are the outward manifestation of a deeply-felt principle or... Read More

3 Simple Filing Guidelines

One of the most basic ways to find papers when... Read More

Sticking to Your New Years Resolutions: Ten Tips for a More Organized Life

1. A calendar is an essential organizing tool ? start... Read More

Finish in Style - Organizing Works!

One of my mother-in-law's many oft-quoted and wise declarations was... Read More

Managing Mealtime Madness

It is 5:00 pm and Cindy has no idea what... Read More

10 Common Roadblocks to Getting Organized

1. All or nothing thinking/taking on too much." I'm going... Read More

The Love It Or Lose It Principle: One Simple Key to Living Clutter-Free Forever

It wasn't long ago that you spent an entire weekend... Read More

Organized Living in a Disorganized World

We are bombarded with so many factors that perpetuate disorganization.... Read More

Organizing Tips to Help You Conquer the Laundry Monster

Laundry. You sort, you wash, you fold, you blink ?... Read More

Taking Care of You: De-Clutter

De-Cluttering our lives can be an extremely liberating exercise. There... Read More

How Much Is Your Time Worth?

Does Your Present Internet Filing System Work?Do You Really Know... Read More

Oh No, Not Another Interuption, How To Deal With Everyday Distractions

Every day I find junk mail waiting for me, whether... Read More

How to Prevent Piles of Paper!

If you have piles of paper all over your desk,... Read More

The Clutter Campaign - Design Your Vision

I like a room you can dance in the middle... Read More

Calendars and Personality Type

I recently conducted a survey to look at the relationship... Read More

5 Steps From Clutter To Control

Are you overwhelmed by clutter wherever you turn? Here are... Read More

Overcoming E-mail Overload Using Microsoft Outlook

Do you feel like you just get too much e-mail?... Read More

Thinking Outside the Box

Much of my time as a Professional Organizer is spent... Read More

What Momma Never Told Me About Housekeeping

A lot of us grew up with Mom taking care... Read More

9 Simple Strategies for Home Organization

Home organization means being able to find your stuff when... Read More

Addiction to Clutter

Clutter is a big problem for many people. At a... Read More

Creative Storage Solutions

When the things in your home start crowding in around... Read More

Spring Clean Your Life

Spring is here and its time to sweep away the... Read More

10 Simple Ways to Clear Clutter from Your Home and Office

There is nothing worse then spending ten minutes looking for... Read More