Getting Life Organized

I would like to be more organized. I’m going in different directions and really need to sit down and write a list and stick with it. So I need something to keep track of goals, thoughts and things to do to keep me in the right direction. –Gwen

Finding a system you are comfortable with, then establishing habits and routines using that system are important to your success. Here is how you could use the My Life Matters ^TM planner to do just that.

The key to moving in the right direction is continuity: establish organization-oriented activities to complete on a regular basis–monthly, weekly, and daily–then following through over time. Some of the activities below will help you decide what to do. The others are routines to help with the how of moving forward.

Click image above for My Monthly Goals and My Life, Myself details.
Click to see demonstration video.
Click to see demonstration video.

• Monthly: At the beginning of each month, reflect on the prior month (A). Focus on what went right, what you want to keep doing well as you move forward, and what you would like to change. Next, set goals for the month in the areas of life important to you (B). These goals can be related to any area of life you want, but recommend limiting them to two or three areas.


• Weekly: At the beginning of each week, if you have not already done so, write your upcoming appointments in the appropriate time slots. In the My Week space, list projects to complete that week (C). If you wish to focus on physical health, plan your workouts for the week in the My Health and Well Being section (D). Likewise, you can keep a daily food journal. Finally, assign tasks to particular days on the My Days page (G). You may also use any of these areas for meal planning.
  


• Daily: For most of us, each day is filled with a variety of fluctuating priorities. For that reason we suggest you think of your to-dos as a fluid list; one that continually flexes as your life changes. As tasks arise, fill them in under the appropriate day on the My Days page (G). With all the current tasks for the week on one page, you can more easily prioritize and shuffle as life happens. When the week ends, transfer undone tasks to the next week.

Writing It Down

Writing down thoughts helps you to stay organized by “decluttering” your mind. Depending on how you want to express yourself (short notes or diary-type journaling) you can:

• use the My Life, Myself page located at the beginning of the month (H) for ongoing introspection throughout the month,


• write your thoughts in the My Week (C) and My Weekend (F) areas, or


• jot affirmations and positive visualizations in the space just above the My Health and Well Being section (E) each day.

As the weeks and months pass, keep the momentum going by reflecting on how you did, what you are going to do next, and planning and adjusting tasks each day. As these habits become ingrained, My Life Matters ^TM will play a natural role in making your life matter.

About My Life Matters ^TM

The My Life Matters ^TM Planner helps you focus on and achieve what is important to YOU.

The 2012 edition is a PDF file you download, then print yourself and carry in your own binder. It is $12.95 for a one-person license and is available immediately as a download. Watch a demonstration video and learn more here or purchase here.