DEVELOP A SYSTEM

Develop systems that work for you. Even the best laid plans might need adjusted. It's important to experiment with a wide range of techniques, such as scheduling errands all in one day or spreading them out throughout the week. Choose a system that best fits your lifestyle, needs and personality. Whichever one you devise for yourself, keep it simple. Remember that being organized and achieving your goals won't happen by itself - you have to work at it.

Develop a system to replenish stock. When you participate in craft shows or sell wholesale to shops, you must replenish your stock. Devise a method for making items in production-line style.

Develop a system for producing your item, for taking inventory and even for purchasing supplies. Have every segment of your business documented as a system. This will give you consistency.

A system is a process. Use the next four items to lighten up and take some of the rigid structure out of the process.

BE FLEXIBLE

There are certain things we can't control , but that doesn't mean we must let them create chaos in our life. As you bring more direction and organization into your life, you'll need a workable system that allows for flexibility. You'll find that you must adapt in order to move forward and grow. Relax your standards. The world will not end if the floor is not scrubbed because you have to complete products by a certain date.

Your ability to recoup from unexpected glitches, mistakes and even raw deals will become a measure of your success. If necessary, shift priorities, and don't chastise yourself if, as a result, you can't accomplish all you intended to. Remind yourself that even reordering your priorities is an important exercise that can be worthwhile in and of itself. Read about "Change-Ability" of Organizations.

WORRY

If you must worry , set aside 5 to 10 minutes on your calendar as worry time. At that time, concentrate on your worries, think them through, then forget about them. It is human to worry, the article Fear and Worry gives insite into why we feel as we do.

I like the idea of the Mexican Worry Dolls. There are several little woven dolls in a small wooden box. In the morning you assign a worry to a doll and put it back into the box for the day. If you have five worries, you will assign a worry to each of five dolls and put them back into the box for the day. You transfer your worry to the doll and allow it to carry your burden. It is a beneficial way to start a day.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic