Sunday Reflections

Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do.

It comes from not finishing what they started.

~ David Allen

Like quotes? There are 214 more in our

Quotes to Organise By – an organised collection of inspiring quotes

A Word with Amanda Cox

When I asked Amanda Cox to be a part of our interview series, she jokingly responded, “love to help seeing as I am such an organisation freak! Pahahahaha”  🙂  She may joke that organising is not her strong point, but I know how much she gets done, so she must be doing something right!

So let’s get into it…

Amanda Cox, aka Mad Cow

How did you get into the work you do? I got into doing what I do (an online support website and safe haven for Australian Mums) out of my own needs. Helping my husband run a business, studying, raising two kids and having succumbed to postnatal depression, but also having a sense of humour and the ability to have a laugh at life, other websites and forums were too fluffy, too serious and I just didn’t fit. So I created one. It has grown considerably since, and now includes articles, ecourses, products, downloads and a paid membership (and more, I’m sure!) which has allowed me to indulge in stuff I love doing, like writing.

How do you stay on top of your list? Hmmmm…  great question. Usually, I have to break it up into smaller chunks and, subsequently, smaller piles. Then I put those smaller piles into small piles on the floor and rest my feet on them. That’s about as close as I come to staying on top of my List. I do find breaking things down, for example “Finish writing this 400 page document” becomes “write chapter 1” – is less overwhelming and actually doable! Then I sit on it – literally. Just another way I keep on top of it … 🙂

Diary – Paper or Electronic? Paper diary! I do have my phone which I keep on me as little reminders, but I love to be able to see my whole day laid out before me. It’s easier to see just what chaos I have on. I’m a “day to a page” kinda chick. Week to an opening does my head in! Who has that little on?????

I like to write details of my appointments, too, so I like to have room to add them. Also, it makes me look very important when I say “Oh, I have to check my diary” and flip through pages. This also works when you’re on the phone, if you flip the pages loudly. I have to admit, I’m still looking for the elusive, “just right” version (so much so, I’m creating my own).

My favourite organising tools are my paper diary – of which I have two in circulation. One is for my Life, the other my business projects and to dos. I’ve also created a set of what I refer to as Mayhem Managers, which help keep not only me but the rest of the family in check … takes a HUGE load off my shoulders when I can just point a finger towards the fridge (obviously, where the Managers are) and not have to think for three other people. I LOVE it. They are also my sanity savers … if I forget to utilise them, my life goes into (more) chaos, and I feel my mood slipping.

If you could be or do anything, what would it be? I would LOVE to be able to just focus on my writing. I don’t have a specific project in mind, but have several going at once, novels, blogs, e-courses and e-products, facts sheets, articles … just to be a writer would be fabulous. Also, Professional Holiday Taker would be nice at times. Just not all the time – only when I need it (hmmmm, then I could write about it, yes?)

How do you spend your down time? Watching Thomas the Tank Engine and other children’s DVDs and wishing I could get back to doing some work, and that I had some “proper” down time where I could go to a growed up’s restaurant or movie …

Thanks so much for sharing your busy, productive life with us, Amanda.

Amanda Cox (aka Mad Cow) is the founder of Australia’s safe-haven for mums and online parent support website Real Mums (www.realmums.com.au), a writer, speaker, author, wife, mum to three boys and avoider of housework and the joining of committees.

Ten Decluttering Rewards

Sometimes you need a little incentive to get the decluttering job done. And most certainly, once the job is done you’ll want to celebrate and you definitely need a reward for your commitment and accomplishment. So here are some suggestions, all to be enjoyed guilt-free.

1. Run a bath and relax in some bubbles
2. Pop a cork and drink some bubbles
3. Take yourself out into the sunshine with a good book
4. Curl up on the couch with a trashy magazine
5. Pour a cup of exotic tea and nibble on some macaroons
6. Call a friend for a declutter debrief
7. Sit down with your favourite hobby – you know, the one you never have time for but wish you did
8. Grab your keys and go out for dinner
9. Call your friends and invite them over for a dinner party
10. Take photos and share them on social media, and wait for the congratulations to arrive

What will you do to celebrate and reward your hard work?

Turn Organising into Fun

How do you get your kicks?  Personally, I enjoy organising: sorting, alphabetising, purging and boxing up.  That probably explains why I’m a Professional Organiser.  But what about the rest of you, who would prefer a coffee with friends over filing bills, or would rather go for a run than sort through old knick knacks?  How can you make these “boring” jobs fun?  Let’s start by thinking about what activities you find fun and why it is you enjoy them so much.

A runner doesn’t see the daily jog as a necessary evil to keep fit – it’s an opportunity to release endorphins, get the blood pumping, clear the mind and push further each time.  It’s a physical and mental challenge with definitive goals of time and distance.  So how can a runner enjoy the repetitive task of pick up object, put in box, repeat?  Strangely enough, the tasks aren’t that dissimilar.  Running has repetition (left foot, right foot, repeat) but this is only the means to an end, in the same way as sorting objects into keep, donate, throw out is the means to culling a pile of dust collectors.  The key for a runner is to bring in more of the enjoyable elements of running into organising, like quantifiable goals on which to compare progress.  Indeed, any goal-oriented person would benefit from creating a target to organise to.  They don’t need to be big deadlines like “the whole house will be organised by Christmas”, but small, immediately achievable tasks like “today, I’ll clear out the top desk drawer” or “15 minutes sorting out the kids’ toy box”.  In this way, you can feel the adrenaline rush of achievement, as well as knowing that tomorrow, you can push yourself that little bit harder and beat your personal best.

But what if the thought of push-push-pushing yourself every day doesn’t sit well with you, or you’re more of a coffee-with-friends type?  In your case, a spoonful of sugar really does help the medicine, and the soy latte, go down.  For the simpler, less mentally taxing tasks, why not pair them with the more enjoyable, casual aspects of life.  Of course, you can’t take your filing cabinet to the local café, but why not have a cuppa and call a friend while filing your bills.  While you watch a favourite TV show you could go through all your old magazines and rip out the article or recipe you were interested in or, better yet, see if it’s available online.  And when it comes to the jobs which require a bit more concentration, try rocking out to a favourite CD, or rewarding yourself every half hour with a nibble of chocolate or 5 minute Facebook session.

Organising may be my favourite pastime, but I can see how others may not find it so appealing.  If you don’t get a thrill from packing away, why not incorporate some favourite activities or enjoyable elements into the chore of sorting.  You may not love it, but at least the to-do list can become a bit more fun.

Friday Fun One – How to Procrastinate

How to Procrastinate Like a Pro. Everything you ever wanted to know about not getting things done. Unfortunately this film is only 2 minutes and 9 seconds long, so you’ll have to find another way to procrastinate later. 😉

How’s your New Years Resolution?

Friday Fun One – Getting Stuff Done

Love this – “Procrastination” Tales of Mere Existence

Friday Fun One – Sleep

see more Funny Graphs

Friday Fun One – Motivation

see more Funny Graphs

Friday Fun One – Progress?