This section is more my thoughts on time management (in many ways how to serve as a personal assistant to ones dominant effectively) than any links to information on it.  There really isn't one clear how to be organized guide out there (or at least not one that isn't trying to sell a seminar or book alongside it).  However, the key to offering time management/organization as a service is that you must be organized as well because taking it up means you will have two lives to keep organized, which can mean double the work.

One of the main things I have found to be invaluable is my palm pilot.  It took me a while to buy one because I didn't want to have to depend on essentially a small computer, but it allows you to put notes and reminders (with alarms), datebook, phonebook, and other things (including being able to synch with your computer and download and upload information).  The really basic ones don't run to much (I bought one at Staples for a little over a hundred dollars).

Another thing I have found helpful is setting aside time everyday, usually at the beginning and end of the day to review what I need to get done, or what I have done so far in the day.  Usually I'll make a list of things to do for that day and also have a larger list of things to get done in terms of broad projects (for instance in planning our trip to DC/Black Rose I have the macro project of getting everything packed and ready, but for today I had the micro task of getting more maps).  And tonight I'll sit down and review in my head what I got done and what needs to be carried over for tomorrow.  It takes all of five minutes but helps me focus and go over things.

One thread that has probably come out a lot is that I make lists for everything.  I find them helpful not just for remembering things to pack but as you make a list and write it down I've found I have more of a tendency to remember it.  In my room I have a whiteboard that has a list of macro projects and every day I make a micro list of things to do for that day.  Going back to the trip example, I have a list of everything that needs to be packed and where.  Chances are I'll forget one thing (that *always* happens) but I won't forget any of the important things with the list.

Some other skills that can help with getting and staying organized is delegation, not being afraid to say no (not to your dominant but to others), and learning how to multi task.

Lastly I have found its important to prioritize because some days (most days) not everything can get done, but if you can get the most important things done then that is at least a small accomplishment.  So a lot of times when I make lists I'll think in my head the priority of absolutely getting it done the next day and where it is geographically located (if its not a high priority and is thirty minutes away from all of my other errands then it can wait another day).  Keeping a household or assisting another person keeping organized can be difficult but hopefully those tips which have worked for me will help others!

Some books on household and time management (I can't personally vouch for any of the books yet) are:

Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management by Isabella Beeton and Nicole Humble (editor).

Organizing for Dummies by Eileen Roth and Elizabeth Miles

Home Comforts: The art and science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson

Also, a good webpage I recently discovered that helps with organizing, getting tasks done (primarily housework), and decluttering is flylady.net.  A word of warning though, if you aren't used to getting lots of email, the reminders will get annoying.

Organizetips.com - a website with numerous articles, checklists, and guides to helping you get more organized.

Copyright Wildfleurs@snet.net.  Do not reproduce without authors permission.

This page was last updated on Thursday September 15, 2005