Oops! How Choices Lead to Lateness

[Janice, Productivity Strategist]

You've probably had this happen: the morning is going well! You had worked out at the gym and had enough time to enjoy a cup of tea before leaving for your first appointment of the day. But then...you went to your computer to check and see if there were any really urgent emails. Next time you checked the clock it was 8:15am and you need to leave at 8:35am to be on time for the appointment. You hadn't even taken a shower! So you run around like a chicken with your head cut off and tear out of the driveway and down the road like a maniac!

Some of you are laughing because this has a familiar ring to it! Yes, it's even happened to me, a productivity strategist and organizing professional:-) Pretty much exactly like described above. So here's what happened...

 

I had made a poor choice. The habit I have developed for myself is to get ready for the day before I do anything on the computer. Then if I have time left prior to departure, I can access the computer once I have set a timer so that I will leave on time. Oops! I didn't follow my own routine, so I started off the day rushed and frazzled.

Rather than beat myself up about this, I said out loud in the car, "This morning I made a poor choice, next time I will choose to follow the "getting ready rule" so that I don't start the day so frazzled." In essence, I was trying to set myself up for success the next time.

 

Much of organizing (or not!) is about choices that we make. Next time you get frustrated with disorganization of time or schedule, try telling yourself that you will make a different choice the next time. You might be surprised about what happens!

Want to know more about making smart choices when it comes to organizing your home, office or schedule? Read the Make Smart Choices page on our Flexible Structure Method website.