It’s been quite some time since my last Neat Geek update. Shortly after creating the website, I felt fortunate to find myself working at a wonderful non-profit organization as an administrative assistant, in addition to my other job working in a library. All the organizing that went into these two jobs kept me in Neat Geek heaven. Unfortunately, the hours left me little time to devote to the website. Thus, as far as working on the website, I reverted back to “when I have time…” mode.
Well, a few months ago, I finally had time. I was laid off from the non-profit due to budget cuts. Rather than being too down about it, I saw this as a great opportunity to get back to Neat Geeking. I had a three week vacation coming up, but during my travels, I read up and planned my return to the business.
Stuff Happens.
Last month started with good intentions in getting back to Neat Geeking, updating the website, blogging, and finally, finally, getting out there with the business.
However, after I returned home from my vacation, I had set-back after set-back. As the saying goes, when it rains it pours. I pretty much stopped in my tracks for about a month. As time passed, things started to look up and I felt ready to get back to business. However, when I looked around, it felt like I was back to square one. It was frustrating to see all the tasks I needed to catch up on.
So, stuff happens. We've all found ourselves in that situation at some point. Unexpected, unfortunate, obstacles occur in life. When you are finally ready to get back on your feet, you are then faced with all the stuff that has piled up. It’s taken me awhile, but, I finally found it was time to get up, shake off the dust, and get moving.
But, when there’s so much to catch up on, where do you even start?
Pick your battles.
When the tasks become overwhelming, it may be helpful to make a list. For example, my list includes: going through the mail that has piled up, change out wardrobe for fall/winter, clean out the coupon drawer, update website… it seems like there are at least 100 things on my list, but I'll start with that. By writing out a list, it will get the clutter out of your head and you can actually see what needs to get done. You may also see that your tasks are not as daunting as they seemed.
Now, it’s time to pick your battle. Choose whichever one is most important to you. If it seems like everything on your list is of equal importance, go ahead and just pick any one. For instance, it was important for me to pick the task I least wanted to do – going through my mail. Now, you've chosen a task. Then what?
Attack!
What does this mean? Just go at it swinging! Unlike my previous article, I won’t suggest taking as much time in the organizing process. This situation is not about procrastination. This is for when unexpected obstacles disrupt our lives. This is for when you are ready and eager to jump back into the swing of things, but just weren’t sure where or how to start.
So, attack the task at hand. Dump it, shred it, throw it out. Grab it, take it, shake it, switch it out. Recycle, re-shelve, and remain focused. Do what is needed to tackle that task.
Conquer and move on.
When you get a task done, check it off and move to the next one. You’ll start to see how the list gets shorter. For instance, so far I have shred/recycled my piled up mail, cleaned out the coupon drawer and have switched out my seasonal wardrobe. Currently, I am updating the Neat Geek website. Check, check, check, and soon-to-be checked. Only 97 more tasks to defeat!
Just remember, don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get everything done in one day. Remember, it took time for these tasks to pile up. It will take time to get things back in order. But, doesn’t it feel good getting started? Be proud of yourself and know that you are on your way back. Rah-rah-rah – you can do it!
Neatly yours,
The Neat Geek
Well, a few months ago, I finally had time. I was laid off from the non-profit due to budget cuts. Rather than being too down about it, I saw this as a great opportunity to get back to Neat Geeking. I had a three week vacation coming up, but during my travels, I read up and planned my return to the business.
Stuff Happens.
Last month started with good intentions in getting back to Neat Geeking, updating the website, blogging, and finally, finally, getting out there with the business.
However, after I returned home from my vacation, I had set-back after set-back. As the saying goes, when it rains it pours. I pretty much stopped in my tracks for about a month. As time passed, things started to look up and I felt ready to get back to business. However, when I looked around, it felt like I was back to square one. It was frustrating to see all the tasks I needed to catch up on.
So, stuff happens. We've all found ourselves in that situation at some point. Unexpected, unfortunate, obstacles occur in life. When you are finally ready to get back on your feet, you are then faced with all the stuff that has piled up. It’s taken me awhile, but, I finally found it was time to get up, shake off the dust, and get moving.
But, when there’s so much to catch up on, where do you even start?
Pick your battles.
When the tasks become overwhelming, it may be helpful to make a list. For example, my list includes: going through the mail that has piled up, change out wardrobe for fall/winter, clean out the coupon drawer, update website… it seems like there are at least 100 things on my list, but I'll start with that. By writing out a list, it will get the clutter out of your head and you can actually see what needs to get done. You may also see that your tasks are not as daunting as they seemed.
Now, it’s time to pick your battle. Choose whichever one is most important to you. If it seems like everything on your list is of equal importance, go ahead and just pick any one. For instance, it was important for me to pick the task I least wanted to do – going through my mail. Now, you've chosen a task. Then what?
Attack!
What does this mean? Just go at it swinging! Unlike my previous article, I won’t suggest taking as much time in the organizing process. This situation is not about procrastination. This is for when unexpected obstacles disrupt our lives. This is for when you are ready and eager to jump back into the swing of things, but just weren’t sure where or how to start.
So, attack the task at hand. Dump it, shred it, throw it out. Grab it, take it, shake it, switch it out. Recycle, re-shelve, and remain focused. Do what is needed to tackle that task.
Conquer and move on.
When you get a task done, check it off and move to the next one. You’ll start to see how the list gets shorter. For instance, so far I have shred/recycled my piled up mail, cleaned out the coupon drawer and have switched out my seasonal wardrobe. Currently, I am updating the Neat Geek website. Check, check, check, and soon-to-be checked. Only 97 more tasks to defeat!
Just remember, don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get everything done in one day. Remember, it took time for these tasks to pile up. It will take time to get things back in order. But, doesn’t it feel good getting started? Be proud of yourself and know that you are on your way back. Rah-rah-rah – you can do it!
Neatly yours,
The Neat Geek
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