People ask me all the time how I do it. I can honestly say I don’t know. There are days I wonder how I keep it all together. Staying organized while working a full time job and soap business can be tricky. I don’t claim to have all the answers. What I can show you are some tools I use to keep myself organized.
Google calendar (or any on-line calendar) isn’t for me, I need a paper calendar I can keep in my pocketbook. (I still can’t figure out how I can answer my cell phone and make an appointment at the same time). I like low-tech. I can flip between months and see what’s going on easily. There is also a small notebook in my pocketbook so I can write down ideas that pop into my head. I know I can use my phone to record the idea, but remember, I like low-tech.
I made my own yearly planner. I’ve tried the Passion Planner, some Etsy planners and the plain kind you get in Staples, but none of them have exactly what I want in the order I want it in. So I make my own. I have a section for monthly goals, a monthly calendar section, a weekly section and a few pages in the back for notes.
Every day I make up a daily To-Do list from my calendar and planner. (Yes, a handwritten list on a piece of scrap paper. Low-tech, remember?) It’s divided into 2 sections, what I need to do and what I’d like to be able to do. Some days I can get everything on the list done, while other days are another story.
My kitchen timer is another tool I find useful. If I have 10 minutes to kill before leaving for work, I set the timer and see how much cleaning I can get done in my soap studio. Or I’ll empty and organize the junk drawer in the kitchen. Learning to use small amounts of time has been a game changer for me.
Do you have any tips for me? I’d be grateful if you’d share them in the comments below. I’m always looking for ways to keep myself organized and on task.
Yours in Gratitude,
Angela
As always, you inspire me. Happy New Year.
Thanks Maureen, and Happy New Year to you too! Let’s hope we all continue to inspire each other. I treasure you and your friendship.
I think that small amount of time here and there are a lifesaver. I like the idea of a timer. I will try that. Perhaps you can make a template of your calendar, I am sure others could use it. Wishing you a Happy New Year.
Yes, the kitchen timer is a lifesaver Sharon. Sometimes I can get more done than I think I can. I used templates off Scattered Squirrel, Printable To Do List, and Simply Preschool. Those worked best for me. But there are a ton of them on line that may work better for you. My favorite is the weekly calendar by Simply Preschool. I have plenty of room to change and move things around if I need to.
These are great ideas. I’m no good with paper planner. I like my android with all of its apps. I have reminders for everything. Also, I set a time for myself based on how much work I can get done on my laptop before it dies. Then I shut it down, plugg it in and move on. I need to try the kitchen timer. Thank you for sharing.
I’m a big believer in whatever works best for you is best for you. There is no one size fits all. I tried apps and electronic calendars with more issues and confusion and realized that old school works best for me. But the kitchen timer is classic! You won’t believe how much you can get done in 10 minutes. And setting the timer allows you to not have to keep track of time and be worried you’ll miss whatever you have going on 10 minutes later.
I’m totally with you!!! I can’t find a planner that works for me either! So, I make my own too! I also ask for help. I put my kiddos to work by putting labels on my products. It works out pretty good!
Asking for help is always a good thing to do to free up time. And it helps your kids learn responsibility, so that’s a win-win for you as a mom too!
I don’t have a business to organize but my life can use it. That’s why I use a planner too. I’m old school – paper works best for me as well. For decades I used a small filofax. Now I make my own planner and love it since I get to design what I need! Whatever doesn’t get done on my “To Do” list today goes on tomorrow’s. No judgement. I’m in Arizona for Winter this year. (Major gratitude for that one!) Finally getting the concept of manana!!
I love old school pencil and planner too, and I love using a pencil so I can erase. Arizona is a major gratitude, enjoy your time there and thanks for sharing!