I've received three emails just this past week from busy women thanking me for "inspiring them" to do something fun for themselves, pamper their body, focus on beauty in the world, and get their life organized so they have time to have fun and pamper! It seems it doesn't matter if you're a young mom with kids you carpool all over your city, a gal without kids like me who runs a busy solo virtual business and is married to a man with a high-pressure job, or an empty nester gal whose daughter brings all her college friends home for a full-house weekend; we women are BUSY!
But are we busy taking care of our best asset: US?!
I've decided to share with you how I live a high quality life and take time for "me" in the hopes that some of my tips will help you as well:
Kathryn Bechen's Personal Time Management Tips & Secrets
by Kathryn Bechen
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved worldwide.
1.
Organized schmorganized! I've been told I'm one of the most organized people on the planet time and again and those skills get me where I need, and want, to go. But I realize that I will never get everything done in one lifetime and I accept that and prioritize yearly, monthly, weekly, daily. I encourage you to do the same. The best way to be organized is to be
"flexibly organized" because life, as we all know, can change in an instant.
2.
"NO" is a holy word! Since I realize I will not ever get everything done in life,
I say NO to any request of my time that does not support my professional and personal goals because by doing so, I am being the best self God made me to be and I can share my best self with others. I encourage you to practice the "NO" word regularly because as my former minister once told me,
"No is a holy word." :)
3. Fascinating People! All that being said about the NO word, I must confess that I love interesting people so if a new one crosses my path who intrigues me, online or in person, I make time to get to know them, at least a little.
4. Know Thyself! I know what I'm good at and what I'm not good at and I don't waste my time doing things I'm not good at!! Do you? For instance: I organize and clean my own home (along with some help from my hubby) because I have it down to a science and enjoy it. I make fresh-food crock pot meals because they are quick, easy, and nutritious and because while I love to set a pretty table, I'm no Betty Crocker with cooking and I know it! I am also good with words but numbers are not my favorite thing so my hubby does all of our personal and biz accounting. And I detest grocery shopping so he does that and I put everything away, keep the fridge clean and organized so there is little waste, and I prepare our meals. I also know that I am organized and streamlined enough that I don't require, or desire, an assistant to help me with my virtual business. This works for me; what works for you?
5. FUN Me Time! I feel I deserve "me time" and I take it for myself religiously so I can stay as vibrant, happy, and pleasant to be around, as possible. I do fun things for myself like bubble baths, reading home magazines/blogs, shopping at my favorite discount stores, or sometimes I even go to a movie in the afternoon all by myself, or for a walk on the beach during a busy workweek to recharge my batteries. I also encourage my hubby to golf or watch his favorite "guy TV shows" (that I don't watch!) as that's his way of recharging his energy. What's yours? Life is short; DO IT!
6. Pamper Thyself! I make time to pamper myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually so I am vibrant and well-groomed for both myself and to be attractive to my husband. I don't obsess about it but I do strive to make time for massage, bubble baths, walking, listening to my meditation tapes, reading quote books, putting on makeup, dressing nicely, and getting my nails done. There are many places now that do these personal care services for a fair price if you check around. I also pray daily, anytime, anywhere, and about anything that moves me because my faith is important to me. (I'm still working on the exercising thing!)
7. Fashion Secrets! Attractive and comfortable clothes are important to me but I don't "fuss" over being a fashion plate. I have a simple yet stylish age-appropriate look that works for ME and I encourage you to find a "signature style" that works for YOU too! My "signature style" is mostly black traveler's knits from Chico's and I dress them up (or down) with a shawl or scarf, pastel lace camisole, jewelry, and my favorite comfortable but pretty shoes. Comfy, colorful, washable wardrobe I have and it's not expensive when I hit the sales. I also do not "overbuy" too many clothes--I like to keep my closet, wardrobe, laundry tasks, and travel packing, simple.
8. Great Friends! I make it a point to keep in touch via email, phone, and Facebook with friends and I also send Christmas cards, some to friends I've had for nearly 30 years. I encourage you to make time for your friends; they're important! I couldn't live anymore without my trusty pink laptop to keep in touch.
9. Not a Groupie! While some people love groups, noise, and hoopla, I am much happier being in quiet settings with one friend or associate and I would rather spend time with my hubby (and he with me) than anyone else on the planet. The point being, I don't waste my time trying to do, or be, what I'm not and I encourage you to do the same.
10. Clean Car! I keep my car organized and clean and my hubby takes care of the auto repairs. A reliable vehicle is a big time saver.
11. Lovely Laundry! My hubby and I do one or two loads of laundry per day so that it doesn't get backed up and take a whole day. I make sure it's put in the washer, dried and folded, and put away. I also buy as few clothes that need ironing as possible as I think ironing is a waste of time and I don't enjoy it. (Hence the Chico's traveler's knits!)
12. Concise Calendar! I use a compact paper-based Franklin Planner and have for years. It works for me, but I must confess I am finding the iPhone intriguing for all it does in one little place and am I considering changing to that. Gadgets aren't my thing so we'll see!
13. Happy Travels! My hubby and I love to travel and I research online for all of our bed & breakfast inn and other trips and I use an extensive travel checklist every time for pre-trip planning so I don't forget anything, which saves time. And money.
14. Celebrate Your Life!
I celebrate the life God gave me by attending church and donating to some of its causes but I don't try and be on every committee as that's not my way of serving God; my writing and consulting is the way I serve God and others best. Committees might energize you but they drain me! The point being, find the way that you serve best and
stick with it.15. Celebrate Your Mate! I make a point of celebrating my long-term marriage by purposely taking time to make my husband feel special through simple yet fun times spent together like a walk on the beach, snuggling up with a movie on Friday night, or by making him a special dinner at home complete with china, candles, and his favorite meal. I want him to know, after nearly 30 devoted years from him, that I still treasure him.
These are my best personal organizing and time management tips for living a high-quality and organized life. They will be different than yours, of course, but you get the (life) picture so now you can come up with your own!
I would love to hear your comments below on my blog!
Sending you blessings, busy and lovely women of the world!
Kathryn :)
