Spring is a time of renewal, growth and a great opportunity to start fresh, get organized and get things done!
Spring cleaning usually generates a list of "to do's": fix the garage door, clean out the attic, store the wool sweaters, etc. Often, these to-do's never get done and continue to create clutter - both mental and physical.
Here are some tips to help clear the clutter and get spring fever to do the things that you want to do, while getting things done that you need to do.
Those familiar with David Allen's book "Getting Things Done" will recognize this basic approach to his system, often referred to as "GTD."
THE LISTS
Basically you need to make a list of everything that you want to do or need to do or should do, then you break up the list of "to do's" into actionable items in a series of steps.
While the GTD system is much more involved than this simple overview, you can apply this method easily to anything you want to get done, including projects that have weighed on your mind all winter!
Start with some simple supplies: Get a clipboard, pencil and several sheets of paper. Each room or area gets a separate sheet. Write down everything that you need to do in that room. Include every single project or item - no matter how small, and in no particular order.
Walk around the room, open up drawers and cabinets while you make your list.
Also, write down anything you mentally associate with the room, like creating a budget when you are in the office. It can be big life goals or small errands; the point is to write everything down.
For example: the Kitchen sheet might read:
❚ Clean out junk drawer.
❚ Return Mom's serving dish.
❚ Figure out a way to keep the plastic storage lids from disappearing.
❚ Make cupcakes for Friday's party.
❚ Eat better.
❚ Actually eat the frozen food in the freezer.
❚ Save money on food.
❚ Deal with the Great Pile that collects on the kitchen counter.
❚ Fix the sticky cupboard door.
❚ Learn how to cook Thai.
This list isn't a list of "to-do's" - yet. It's just a list of all the things that you want to do that when they aren't done, they create clutter and give us that nagging feeling every time we open the cupboard or the freezer or walk by the pile on the counter.
ACTION ITEMS
Next, take a look at your list, and break each item into steps that you can actually do, called action items. Some action items create more action items; write those steps down, as well.
Once you make your action list, you'll know exactly what you need to do and, often, what is preventing you from getting things done. You can also make a decision on whether to do the thing at all.
For example, to "fix the sticky cabinet door" you'll probably need to figure out how to fix it, which might involve some research online, calling the hardware store or phoning a handyman. Regardless of what is involved, write it down.
The next step is to assign a place in time to actually do the next step. In this example, you may need to take off the hinge and bring it to the hardware store. If you can take the hinge off in a few minutes, do it now; otherwise, assign a time in your calendar when you are going to do it.
This may seem like a lot of work for just fixing a cupboard, but when applied to more complex areas of our lives or to larger projects, it is easy to see why things don't get done and what the next step is to get them done.
The GTD system is much more extensive that this simple outline, but with a basic introduction to the system, you'll be on your way to getting things done this spring.
Leah Stahlsmith owns Simple Works Design, providing home-staging and organizing services. For more information, visit www.simpleworks design.com.
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