This was a wild week. I went from Monday's pity party with almost nothing done for Christmas, to today (Friday) where I am done done done! Packages are mailed, gifts are wrapped, tree is decorated, house is decorated (enough).
What would I do without lists? I simply sat down and made a list of everything I needed to get done (prioritizing so the wrapping and mailing of gifts got done first), broke it down by days, and then simply went through the list each day and didn't stop until everything on the list was checked off.
I've mentioned my favorite book on organization before -- Brian Tracy's
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
. It is THE book for focusing on a goal and getting things done. How do you eat a frog? One bite at a time! How did I get a handle on how far behind I was on getting ready for Christmas? One mini-goal at a time. I can't recommend it enough. Although it was written for getting business-related things done, I swear you can apply it to every area of your life, including getting things done around the house.
My grandson arrived this morning at 7:30am, and saw the Christmas tree. He said, "Umma, I LIKE it!" He didn't say, "Hey lazy, there's no wreath on the door and I'm not smelling those 50 dozen cookies you usually bake!" That was the lesson I needed to learn. The thought of decorating my house to the hilt was stressing me out, but when I allowed myself to just enjoy the spirit of the season and decorate ENOUGH, I was fine. And look at that... it's six days until Christmas and now I can just enjoy my time with my family and attend some community events. No more stressing.
I even had time to make these little monkey slippers and a wallet (to hold his McDonald's gift card) for my grandson yesterday:
So if you're not ready for the holiday, grab a cup of coffee, a piece of paper and a pen. Make a list. Then look at the list and cross off those things you really don't have to do. Get the things done you MUST do (buy gifts, mail gifts, wrap presents) and let the rest go for now. Divide your list by the days left until the holiday -- and focus on your goal (list) each day until everything gets done. You may find you end up with extra time to actually enjoy the holiday!
So if you're not ready for the holiday, grab a cup of coffee, a piece of paper and a pen. Make a list. Then look at the list and cross off those things you really don't have to do. Get the things done you MUST do (buy gifts, mail gifts, wrap presents) and let the rest go for now. Divide your list by the days left until the holiday -- and focus on your goal (list) each day until everything gets done. You may find you end up with extra time to actually enjoy the holiday!
3 comments:
Congratulations Joan! Good Job! (I figured a littel pat on the back would feel good after all that hard work!) That grandson of yours is much too precious not to enjoy this Christmas. Hugs.
I need that book! Wonder if amazon can bring it today.
You're preaching to the converted about lists - I "list" everything in my life, and always have.
I like the idea of "enough is good enough". The only interior decorating is the tree and my village. I grouse a bit about assembling the village but enjoy it immensely when it's done, lights all glowing from the tiny windows. If I did more, would I appreciate the village so much, buried amongst other decorations? Maybe not.
Holidays have become a competitive sport.
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