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Day 3: Lessen the Lists - Declutter all those Pesky Little Papers

Updated: May 24, 2023

30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge!


If you have a lot of lists around your house, here's how I reduce them and actually get to-dos done. I recommend having a pen and couple big pieces of paper and/or a journal you use regularly.


But first, I have an extra challenge for you...


It's time to either commit to doing these things or letting them go. Give your Future Self the gift of actually DOING your to-dos. I mean, why spend time making lists if we're not going to DO these things, right? Either commit to doing them, or throw them right now and stop worrying about it.


No more staying in the middle, full of anxiety and guilt and blechiness (That's not a word, but you might know what I mean?).


1 - GATHER: gather all your lists (or go into your digital lists if you keep them that way)


2 - PUT ON YOUR HONESTY PANTS


3 - TOSS: Be honest with yourself about what you'll actually do. Toss or delete unnecessary lists


4 - COMBINE: take ALL the to-dos and put them on one list


4 - BRAIN DUMP: Add to the list. Do a giant brain dump of all the projects nagging your brain. Let it all pour out.

 

Chunk + Schedule


Once it's all out there in front of you, it might be a giant list. There's no need to panic! Just like with any big project in life, to-dos are done one thing at a time. And if they don't all get done? It's ok :)


I like to break all the to-dos into One Things, then choose the most important ones to do RIGHT NOW or get them on the calendar with reminders (at times we'll actually do them).


Remember, commit or let it go. No more staying in the middle, creating anxiety for yourself and others. Be kind to your Future Self...


1 - CHUNK: break big projects into bite-sized pieces. Write down each thing that needs to be done for each one.


2 - SCHEDULE your to-dos - put as many as you can on the calendar and and give yourself reminders. I use Google Calendars and a big paper desk calendar - I keep my phone on vibrate so reminders don't make me crazy.


3 - USE A PROJECT ORGANIZING PROGRAM - put the project list somewhere you can access it regularly.


If you don't have a project organizing system you like, try Notes in iPhone and/or Evernote (I love them both! Feel free to ask me questions: SpringCourtright@TidyWild.com)


If you don't have a good calendar system you like or don't feel tech savvy, do some research, ask around in the TidyWild Facebook group or reach out to my friend Laura Moynihan at Digital Helpmates - she's a wonderful tech tutor and organizer!


I love Evernote for projects that have a lot of steps and moving pieces, some people love Trello...


🌼 As always, if this One Thing doesn't resonate for you, choose one thing you can do to make this day better and brighter. 🌼


Please share with me what you're up to and reach out if you have questions!


xo

Spring




Please remember that I'm here for you! Reach out if you have questions and/or you feel stuck.


There's no need to struggle with clutter anymore - you're not alone and I can help you feel better right away.



For inspiration and organizing tips in your in-box, join my e-newsletter, Sunbeams. Inspiration only, no spam, I promise :)




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