A Successful Start to Your Day, Pt. 2

In hopes of inspiring you (and at the risk of embarrassing myself), let me share with you my own morning routine and evening routine that I follow each weekday (weekends are totally off schedule!). I have included in my routines those things that *I* find absolutely necessary for me to have a successful day.

Once written out, make sure to place your routine in a plastic sleeve for protection and put it inside your new binder/planner so it's easily accessible for reference.

Because I homeschool one of my children, I also have a "school schedule" that is typed and included inside my binder to keep myself on track.

If my kitchen is clean, and my bathrooms are wiped, and my laundry is at least started... I am off to a very good start. Even if the rest of the day goes downhill from there, I can pat myself on the back knowing that I at least covered the basics, and I'll feel like I can conquer anything that life throws my way.

Well... as long as I had time that morning for a few cups of coffee also... ;)

A Successful Start to Your Day, Pt. 1

I'd like to share with you something so basic.... something so simple.... but yet it plays a major factor in the success of our day. A morning routine. Do you find yourself cringing at the thought of having a routine or schedule in place? It's not as binding or complicated as you first may think. Consider this. I bet you already have some sort of routine in place for your morning. You get up at the same time everyday, you shower, you brush your teeth, you get dressed, you fix breakfast, etc. As creatures of habit, we tend to do the same things in the same order without really giving any conscious thought to the matter. So let's just take it a step further, shall we?

Take the time right now to jot down your existing morning routine, no matter how simplistic it may be. Take a look. Can you realistically add two more things to your routine? Write out everything that needs to be accomplished during your morning for it to run smoothly and efficiently. Not only think of those things that you have to accomplish, but think of those things that you would like to accomplish. Take a look at your time frame. You'd be amazed at what you can squeeze in during an extra 10-15 minute time frame.

Writing your morning routine down on paper is important for two reasons. First, it gives you at a glance a workable foundation to your day. You may not follow it exactly each morning, but it will give your day a tremendous boost if you can accomplish most of it. Secondly, having it written out on paper holds you accountable. You're much more likely to follow a schedule that is actually written down. Something about that piece of paper staring us in the face each morning gives us the motivation to actually accomplish what it written.

The first couple of hours of your morning sets the stage for the rest of your day. When your morning runs smoothly because of the routine you have in place, you will feel confident and ready to tackle whatever the rest of your day may bring your way. Attitude is key. Even if the afternoon falls apart on you... hey... at least your morning was successful! ;)

Help Me Please!

I've been asked to speak on my organizational methods a few times now at ladies' conferences held at a nearby church. Each time I have finished speaking, ladies have approached me afterwards begging me for more information... needing more personalalized help and tips... wanting to see my daily planner up close. It has made me realize how basic this need is among women today for a more simple, organized lifestyle.

The foundation to my everyday life is my planner, and even that is simple. I don't splurge on any of the fancy planners that are for sale by the truckload at various stores or online, although I have in the past. My planner consists of a simple 3-ring binder that you can buy for $2. It doesn't travel with me everywhere I go. That's not its purpose. My planner sits open on my kitchen desk always, and it's the very heartbeat of my household. But what you actually choose for your own "planner" is not what's important here. Find something that will work for YOU. The key is to personalize your planner... make it uniquely yours....

I will share with you my own planner and what it consists of.... the various master forms and routines and schedules that I have created. You're welcome to use all of them or only a few of them. As you begin to build and put together your own planner, you will easily find what works for you and what doesn't. That's the point at which your planner becomes uniquely you.. and made to fit your needs and goals!

The purpose of this blog is to reach beyond my own home and into the homes of many women out there who are craving a well-organized lifestyle and the simplicity that that brings along with it.

So go ahead, buy that planner..... and let's get busy planning!

Who Am I?

I am one of those "born organizers" that some people just love to hate.... a bona fide list-maker, clutter-free, schedule-oriented, paper queen. I thrive on organization! However.... I can be organized to perfection, but unless I actually take the time to utilize that beautiful daily planner with all my lovely forms and schedules that is sitting on my kitchen desk, I am hopelessly lost.

I missed a dentist appointment the other week. Why? Sure, I had it written on my wall calendar and inside my daily planner, but it was one of those mornings (sigh... no need to explain those kinds of mornings...), and I didn't actually LOOK at my planner until the appointment time had already passed. Ah! It's times like this when I wish I could put the blame on my "being disorganized and that's just the way it is..." But hey, I'm organized. I should have known better! Ah, makes the guilt so much heavier to bear...

Whether you are naturally organized or disorganized, I hope we can learn and grow together. We are busier than ever in today's age, but life is too short to spend racing around putting out fires. I believe all of us crave a simple lifestyle - a life centered around family and friends - a life where there's actually time during each day for you to relax and enjoy the moment.

Hopefully, I can help with not only simplfying my own life, but yours as well!