Keep the Glass Half Full

I am a positive person. I look on the bright side and see the glass as half full rather than half empty. With that said, even I admit that things are a bit crazy right now. There is so much happening in the economy and politically that is not within our control which might be making you feel less than optimistic.

But what things do we have control over? Ah yes … to a degree, organizing your own home, office, time and finances. Here are some examples of what you can do to take charge of your environment for greater peace of mind, to enrich the quality of your life, and to feel more optimistic.

Mail – That old fashioned snail mail. You can’t completely control what gets delivered to your unsuspecting mail box six days a week. But even a 10% improvement would have a huge impact on your daily life and long-term as well. Pick up the phone, call catalogue and magazine companies, and tell them you no longer wish to receive this unread mail that piles up.

If you still have time left on your magazine subscription, many publications will let you donate the balance and send the magazines where they will be read and appreciated like a veteran’s hospital, school or senior center.

The Stock Market – You can’t control the stock market, but you can control your own bookkeeping system by using Quicken, QuickBooks or Excel. These applications will help you track your finances, create a history and maintain a list of all your assets, investments and liabilities. The programs also serve as a planning tool to help direct your financial future.

Of course a system to organize all the paperwork related to your finances is also important. Create a history file for long-term papers like capital improvements, buy/sell confirmations, titles and deeds. You may not need this paperwork for 20 years but it could save you thousands of dollars in taxes in the future.

Time – You can’t control the clock ticking or the passing of time, but you can make the most of the 24 hours you do have by using a time management system. Outlook, hand-held devices like the Blackberry or a PALM, or paper systems all help to track your appointments, manage contact information and keep your tasks and projects on schedule.

Not the traditional time management type? Then you need creative solutions to fit your individual personality. Developing a to-do list on a blackboard, easel or even a paper notepad may suit you better. Why not? Whatever works is the best solution for you.

If you would like help or information about setting up Quicken, QuickBooks, Excel, Outlook, or a variety of other organizing tools please give me a call. I’m here to help you get and stay organized and keep the glass half full so your outlook feels optimistic.

May Stat of the Month

80% of Our Self Talk is Negative

The Next BIG Organizing Holiday: July is National Rebuild Your Life Month. Get started now. Susan Lovallo offers confidential, private sessions or group seminars for organizing homes, offices, time and debt and money management.