Organizing Is The Best Help in Multitasking
OCTOPUS SYNDROME?
Having to do a multitude of tasks, seemingly all at the same time is unnerving, daunting and aggravating.
There are some tricks to avoid going over the edge as the "witching hour" approaches.
BREATHE! AND MAKE SOME LISTS, FULL SENTENCES NOT NECESSARY:
Before you go to bed, take 5 minutes and lay out your plan for the next day:
What calls, to whom and what needs to be discussed.
Errands...to where and the purpose.
Tasks at home. (Emptying the dishwasher, etc).
Any time-specific places you have to be.
Hint: I love to make my lists on my phone because as I accomplish something I erase it. Gone!
Whose help can you enlist? Your kids! Your spouse!
Kids love to help. From a young age on my kids helped empty the dishwasher. “Can you put all the spoons in a pile? What a good helper! You’re such a good sorter!” The truth of the matter was that we were playing together, I got help, but they got an early understanding that there is a place for everything.
Don't ask, "Who would like to help me?" Everyone will be suddenly busy.
The better alternative is "Which would you rather do, sort the laundry or do the dinner dishes?"
Create a construct, or a sense of order to your day.
Prioritize: What must be done within a certain period of time or by a deadline?
What can be postponed till the evening or tomorrow?
MAJOR POINT:
Just because you need something done, doesn't mean that the other members of your family feel your sense of urgency. (Shout out to my kids for pointing this out).
Assign the task and ask that it be done by a certain time. You'll avoid hounding them and they will be happy not to be nagged.
Santa is not the only one who is smart to make lists.
I will help you sort things out, create models for your lists, or help in any way you need.
The gift of getting organized is a wonderful and thoughtful way to say, "I love you!"
And please, remember to "like" and "share" on all your social media. I truly appreciate it.
