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It is not necessary to become a control freak to live a balanced life, but a little control will go a long way making it less stressful and more enjoyable!

After an enjoyable festive season with time to relax most of us need to take control for our lives at home and at work as some things might inevitably have fallen through the cracks.

Here are some tips for you to internalise to encourage you to simplify your life:

  • Focus on what is important to you – do one thing at a time.
  • Set yourself SMART goals. (Specific, measurable, action orientated, realistic, tangible)
  • Make notes, master lists, to-do lists and shopping lists to keep you on track.
  • Prioritise – do the most urgent task first.
  • Have a daily routine – it is easier to get started and to maintain systems.
  • Do something today to make tomorrow easier, e.g. pack lunches, put out clothes.
  • When leaving a room pick up things that don’t belong and put them away.
  • Clear away hotspots before they become out of hand. (Hotspots are dumping grounds for all kinds of items that do not get put away where they belong. They gradually take over a surface and keep growing! Nip this kind of habit in the bud!)
  • Set yourself boundaries or time limits to watch TV, blog, e-mail. When you are busy on an important task let your answering service take care of your calls.
  • Reduce paper piles and e-mails by attending to incoming mail immediately. Set aside a specific time each day to answer email or phone messages.
  • Create a central family routine calendar with everyone’s activities clearly noted and colour-coded. Keep it up to date.
  • Adopt the One-in One-out policy to stay and remain clutter-free, e.g. for every present you received let a similar item go. Possessions take time and effort to maintain rather than letting them take up valuable space – donate, sell or give them away and let someone else put the unwanted items to good use.
  • Control spending, pay off debt. Plan to save for your future or that special vacation.
  • Never put off jobs that can be done – “Just do it!” (Nike)
  • Learn to say “NO” to things that don’t bring peace and fulfillment. It is your time!
  • Communicate – the kind of information exchange that involves listening as well as speaking. Show understanding and compassion.
  • Take “me” time to recharge. Find a place to relax, even if it is only for a few minutes – enjoy the peace and quiet.

Remember: Do a little at a time all the time, instead of letting situations become overwhelming.

Heidi Meyer

Professional organised

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