Getting Things Done When Your Mind Wanders

There are many people who tend to start 6 projects at once because their mind tends to wander off. There are many reasons why this happens which I won't go into because I am not a psychiatrist and it really doesn't matter for this blog to be effective.

First, it's important to recognize this may be a habit you have. I know I can do this if I'm not paying attention to the task at hand. Once I got so excited after a feng shui for the bedroom course I took, I managed to start changing 4 different areas in my bedroom and hallway and managed to block the entryway. That was when I realized I had to stick to one corner/one task and then continue on to the next one or I would continue to get in my own way. Having a glass of wine while working on this project may have contributed to my blocking my entryway and starting too many projects at once, but it was a nice glass of wine and I don't regret it.

Many people find it difficult to concentrate on one task for a long period of time. Again, there are various reasons I won't get into, but to make sure you actually do get your work done and accomplish the goals you have set for yourself, there are tricks to help you stay on task.

1. Use a timer. Set it for 15 minutes or 30 minutes and do only one thing for that time period. You may not finish your task, but you will have a least gotten some of it done. Then you can start on something else or choose to continue with the task you started.

2. If even 15 minutes is too hard at first, try 5 minutes. The whole point is to start to work on something - even if it's 5 minutes of research for a paper or 5 minutes of sorting your mail, you've done at least 5 minutes!

3. Take baby steps - no one is expecting perfection right from the start and neither should you. If we all did things perfectly the first time out it would be boring and who likes boring?

4. Put it on your calendar! Make a date with yourself. If you put it on your calendar for a scheduled time you are making a promise to yourself you will do it. To do lists are great, but only if you actually do them. If you are one of those people who put things on to do lists thinking, "One day..." STOP using to do lists! They don't work for you. They probably just represent a lot of stuff you feel you failed at accomplishing and it's counterproductive. Use your calendar and make a date with yourself.

5. Always remember you can do anything, but you can't do everything. Have realistic goals, create a plan of action and then do it!

And if you're reading this and think: "I should totally try this" actually do try it. I have so many clients and friends who ask for advice and then don't actually take it. If you really want to make a positive change in your life you have to actually start making the change. Change isn't always comfortable at first, but believe me, the outcome is always worth it.

Good luck! Contact me at: 646-831-9625 if you'd like to schedule a one-on-one private professional organizing or time management session by phone. You can make a difference in the way you're living your life by getting organized! If you live in the NYC area, you can schedule an at-home session with me. Good luck either way!