By Holly Uverity CPO®, Office Organizers
A “To Do” list can be an invaluable tool; it allows you to get information out of your head and onto paper where it can be turned into action. A “To Do” list is an effective part of your organizational system but it can also be helpful to make a “To Don’t” list.
We often get bogged down thinking of things we need or have to do, or we continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. Writing down what you’re no longer going to do can be an eye opening experience. Once you’ve created your “To Don’t” list by making decisions to not do certain things, you’ll experience freedom since you won’t ever have to struggle with those things again.
The following are some of my favorite “Don’ts”:
- Don’t buy more than you need. This is especially true in the area of technology. Technology changes so fast that you could easily wind up with boxes of floppies in a CD world. Create a simple system so you can keep track of what you have and when you need to replenish your supply. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate inventory control system; it can be as simple as an office supplies shopping list with minimum and maximum quantities printed directly on the list.
- Don’t underestimate the amount of time it will take you to do something, no matter how small the task. Keep a log of your time for about two weeks; write down what you’re doing in 15 minute increments so you can accurately see where and how your time is spent. Once you see that it actually takes you an hour to do something, you can stop trying to get it done in 15 minutes.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new. The way you’ve always done something may not be the best way to do the same thing now. There are more choices and personalized options now than there ever have been before so take advantage of them and try accomplishing a goal with a new tool or technique. Something as simple as rearranging your furniture or removing an unused table or chair can make a big difference in how your office looks or feels. If what you’re using in any area of your office isn’t working, try something new. It just may be the answer you’re been looking for.
- Don’t feel guilty when you backslide. Guilt has no place in changing your behavior; it serves no good purpose and is actually an impediment to moving in a positive direction. Change is never comfortable and it’s always so much easier to return to an old habit than it is to maintain a new one. When you find yourself backsliding, recognize it and simply move on.
- Don’t do it alone. Recognize when you need help and then ask for it. It takes some of the stress off of you and gives you time to focus on something you truly don’t need help with. Asking for help also has the added benefit of making someone else feel good about oneself. People like to feel needed and want to contribute. Let them.
What’s on your “To Don’t” list?
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Office Organizers is The Entrepreneur’s Organizer. Founded in 1993, they work with business people to create solutions to their organizational challenges. Contact them at 281-655-5022, www.OfficeOrganizers.com, or www.fb.com/OfficeOrganizers.
