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How to use your Agenda How to use your Agenda

First put your name in itFirst put your name in it Fold down the sheet right before the Fold down the sheet right before the

first weekfirst week Write out your classes down the side Write out your classes down the side

of each dayof each day Then write your homework down Then write your homework down

next to the classes after each hournext to the classes after each hour Check each day before you leave Check each day before you leave

school for homeworkschool for homework

Folder set upFolder set up

Get a folder for each classGet a folder for each class Mark one side in Mark one side in Mark other side outMark other side out Clean up or get new folder at Clean up or get new folder at

Semester Semester Different types of foldersDifferent types of folders

Binder set upBinder set up

#1 One binder for all classes#1 One binder for all classes Dividers for each classDividers for each class Three hole punch each sheet Three hole punch each sheet

clean out at end of semesterclean out at end of semester #2 one binder for each class #2 one binder for each class

take to your class take to your class Three hole punch each page Three hole punch each page

clean out at the end of semesterclean out at the end of semester

Expanded folder set up Expanded folder set up

Each section is a classEach section is a class Have a spot for turn in workHave a spot for turn in work Have a spot for homeworkHave a spot for homework Have a spot for suppliesHave a spot for supplies Clean out at end of semesterClean out at end of semester

Locker Set upLocker Set up

Put you books in order at the Put you books in order at the bottom of the lockerbottom of the locker

Put homework in your backpack Put homework in your backpack to take hometo take home

Clean out locker at the end of Clean out locker at the end of semestersemester

Stop at locker before school, at Stop at locker before school, at lunch, and at the end of schoollunch, and at the end of school

50 SIMPLE ORGANIZING 50 SIMPLE ORGANIZING IDEASIDEAS 1. DETERMINE YOUR GOALS.1. DETERMINE YOUR GOALS.

Before you start anything, determine its Before you start anything, determine its goal. If you don't know where you're going, goal. If you don't know where you're going, how will you ever get there? Set mini-goals how will you ever get there? Set mini-goals and reward yourself for successes.and reward yourself for successes.

2. DECLUTTER YOUR DESK.2. DECLUTTER YOUR DESK.An uncluttered desktop erases An uncluttered desktop erases unnecessary distractions and helps keep unnecessary distractions and helps keep your mind on tasks that need immediate your mind on tasks that need immediate attention. Keep only the items on your desk attention. Keep only the items on your desk that relate to your current projects.that relate to your current projects.

3. DON'T RELY ON YOUR 3. DON'T RELY ON YOUR MEMORY.MEMORY.You run the risk of letting tasks fall You run the risk of letting tasks fall through the cracks. The best way to through the cracks. The best way to never forget an appointment, a never forget an appointment, a deadline or a detail again, is to write deadline or a detail again, is to write everything down.everything down.

4. CONSOLIDATE SIMILAR 4. CONSOLIDATE SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.ACTIVITIES.Instead of starting and stopping at Instead of starting and stopping at different levels of activity, you'll save different levels of activity, you'll save time by making all of your outgoing time by making all of your outgoing telephone calls together, taking care telephone calls together, taking care of all your errands at once, etc.of all your errands at once, etc.

5. CLEAN OUT YOUR FILES.5. CLEAN OUT YOUR FILES.Before you go through the expense of Before you go through the expense of purchasing more file cabinets, folders, etc., purchasing more file cabinets, folders, etc., take the time to purge all unnecessary take the time to purge all unnecessary paperwork and materials.paperwork and materials.

6. USE ONE CALENDAR.6. USE ONE CALENDAR.The biggest mistake people make when The biggest mistake people make when using planning calendars is to keep more using planning calendars is to keep more than one. Keep personal, professional and than one. Keep personal, professional and family items on one calendar. It will help to family items on one calendar. It will help to eliminate scheduling conflicts. Remember, eliminate scheduling conflicts. Remember, 'the man who wears two watches, never 'the man who wears two watches, never knows the correct time.'knows the correct time.'

7. REDUCE TELEPHONE TAG.7. REDUCE TELEPHONE TAG.Plan telephone calls (whether to Plan telephone calls (whether to doctors, plumbers, clients, etc.) doctors, plumbers, clients, etc.) whenever possible. Have all whenever possible. Have all necessary materials in front of you. necessary materials in front of you. Write key questions down in Write key questions down in advance.advance.

8. SET UP FILES FOR PROJECTS.8. SET UP FILES FOR PROJECTS.Don't waste time searching for Don't waste time searching for papers when you need them. Keep papers when you need them. Keep all paperwork that pertains to a all paperwork that pertains to a certain project together in one large certain project together in one large folder.folder.

9. SET TIME LIMITS.9. SET TIME LIMITS.Say, 'I've got only 5 minutes to talk.' Say, 'I've got only 5 minutes to talk.' Outline your calls, Say, 'I'd like to Outline your calls, Say, 'I'd like to discuss these 2 possible solutions to discuss these 2 possible solutions to problem A . . .'problem A . . .'

10. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.10. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.Make at least one screened Make at least one screened appointment with yourself each day. appointment with yourself each day. Screened time is quiet, uninterrupted Screened time is quiet, uninterrupted time allowing you to concentrate on time allowing you to concentrate on a project or catch up on your a project or catch up on your reading. reading.

11. DELEGATE.11. DELEGATE.Realize that you can't do everything. Realize that you can't do everything. Delegate in the office and at home. Delegate in the office and at home. To use an effective delegation To use an effective delegation system, you must train, entrust, system, you must train, entrust, follow-up and evaluate.follow-up and evaluate.

12. DON'T OVERSTUFF FILING 12. DON'T OVERSTUFF FILING CABINETS.CABINETS.There's nothing worse than having to There's nothing worse than having to file papers in a file cabinet that is file papers in a file cabinet that is overloaded! Leave enough room in overloaded! Leave enough room in file drawers so that you're not using file drawers so that you're not using all your energy to get a piece of all your energy to get a piece of paper in or out. paper in or out.

13. DEVELOP FALSE DEADLINES.13. DEVELOP FALSE DEADLINES.If you have a deadline at the end of If you have a deadline at the end of the month, record the deadline four the month, record the deadline four days earlier. You'll eliminate the last-days earlier. You'll eliminate the last-minute rush to complete the project minute rush to complete the project because you'll have given yourself because you'll have given yourself ample padding.ample padding.

14. USE TIMERS AND ALARM 14. USE TIMERS AND ALARM CLOCKS.CLOCKS.Allocate time for your daily activities, Allocate time for your daily activities, from working on projects to doing from working on projects to doing household chores. Then set timers household chores. Then set timers or alarm clocks to keep you on or alarm clocks to keep you on schedule. schedule.

15. MAKE GOOD USE OF SPACE.15. MAKE GOOD USE OF SPACE.Add shelving for reference books Add shelving for reference books and manuals. Add space extenders and manuals. Add space extenders in desk drawers. Buy full-suspension in desk drawers. Buy full-suspension file cabinets. Use stacking bins.file cabinets. Use stacking bins.

16. MAKE THE MOST OF IDLE 16. MAKE THE MOST OF IDLE TIME.TIME.Catch up on your reading while you Catch up on your reading while you wait for appointments. Audio wait for appointments. Audio cassettes of an educational or cassettes of an educational or motivational nature are a great way motivational nature are a great way to make use of your time while to make use of your time while driving to work. driving to work.

17. GET THE KIDS OFF TO SCHOOL 17. GET THE KIDS OFF TO SCHOOL QUICKER.QUICKER.The trick is don't leave decision-making for The trick is don't leave decision-making for the morning. The night before, help your the morning. The night before, help your children choose their outfits, decide what children choose their outfits, decide what they want to eat and determine what they they want to eat and determine what they need for school.need for school.

18. SET TIME LIMITS.18. SET TIME LIMITS.If you have to work late, or during the If you have to work late, or during the weekend, set time limits for yourself weekend, set time limits for yourself Whether you work for two or four hours, Whether you work for two or four hours, stop working at the end of that time and stop working at the end of that time and enjoy the rest of the evening or weekend.enjoy the rest of the evening or weekend.

19. IDENTIFY.19. IDENTIFY.Don't just toss your spare keys Don't just toss your spare keys and other widgits in a shoebox and other widgits in a shoebox without first identifying them. without first identifying them. Label each item or packet.Label each item or packet.

20. ELIMINATE BRUSHFIRES.20. ELIMINATE BRUSHFIRES.Brush fires are almost always Brush fires are almost always caused by disorganization. caused by disorganization. Eliminate the disorganization Eliminate the disorganization and you'll eliminate the brush and you'll eliminate the brush fires. fires.

21. DETERMINE YOUR BEST TIME 21. DETERMINE YOUR BEST TIME FOR TASKS.FOR TASKS.Use your most productive time to do Use your most productive time to do your most productive work. Alert in your most productive work. Alert in the morning? Afternoon? Tackle your the morning? Afternoon? Tackle your most difficult, important work during most difficult, important work during the time of day when you're at your the time of day when you're at your best and you're most likely to best and you're most likely to complete it.complete it.

22. USE MASTER LISTS AND TO 22. USE MASTER LISTS AND TO DO LISTS.DO LISTS.Take control of your time. When Take control of your time. When used properly, these effective tools used properly, these effective tools give you a specific idea of what you give you a specific idea of what you need to accomplish.need to accomplish.

23. SET DEADLINES.23. SET DEADLINES.Setting a deadline forces you to work Setting a deadline forces you to work towards it. Set a definite date and time. towards it. Set a definite date and time. Saying, 'When I get a chance' or Saying, 'When I get a chance' or 'Sometime in the near future' is insufficient.'Sometime in the near future' is insufficient.

24. USE A GREETING CARD 24. USE A GREETING CARD ORGANIZER.ORGANIZER.Consider a greeting card organizer to Consider a greeting card organizer to remember birthdays, anniversaries and remember birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. These look like a other special events. These look like a notebook, except that each page has a notebook, except that each page has a monthly pocket to hold cards. You can monthly pocket to hold cards. You can pencil in birthdays, events, etc. for each pencil in birthdays, events, etc. for each month, plus, you can purchase your cards month, plus, you can purchase your cards ahead of time!ahead of time!

25. PLAN YOUR GARDEN EARLY.25. PLAN YOUR GARDEN EARLY.. Start planning your garden in the winter. . Start planning your garden in the winter. Decide what you'll plant. Read up on the Decide what you'll plant. Read up on the proper care of your plants, flowers and proper care of your plants, flowers and veggies. Sketch your garden out on paper. veggies. Sketch your garden out on paper. When spring arrives you'll be ready to When spring arrives you'll be ready to 'grow.''grow.'

26. STORE SIMILAR ITEMS TOGETHER.26. STORE SIMILAR ITEMS TOGETHER.Categorization is very important when Categorization is very important when you're getting organized. Keep all bill you're getting organized. Keep all bill paying supplies in one place. Gather all of paying supplies in one place. Gather all of your craft supplies in a basket. Keep your your craft supplies in a basket. Keep your photo supplies in one plastic bin. When you photo supplies in one plastic bin. When you need to work on something, everything will need to work on something, everything will be easily accessible. be easily accessible.

27. CATEGORIZE YOUR FILES.27. CATEGORIZE YOUR FILES.First, decide on broad categories First, decide on broad categories according to the particular work according to the particular work materials in your office. Then, file materials in your office. Then, file alphabetically or chronologically alphabetically or chronologically within these categories.within these categories.

28. PLAN YOUR MEALS.28. PLAN YOUR MEALS.Plan your meals before you write out Plan your meals before you write out your shopping list. It will save time your shopping list. It will save time because you'll know exactly what because you'll know exactly what you need. Your meals should:you need. Your meals should:1) be well-balanced and nutritious1) be well-balanced and nutritious2) offer variety2) offer variety3) be within your food budget3) be within your food budget4) fit your time and energy limit 4) fit your time and energy limit

29. PUT THINGS AWAY EACH 29. PUT THINGS AWAY EACH DAY.DAY.Take time to put things back where Take time to put things back where they belong. Put things back they belong. Put things back immediately after you're finished with immediately after you're finished with them or set up a 15-minute them or set up a 15-minute appointment with yourself to put appointment with yourself to put things back at the end of each day.things back at the end of each day.

30. TOSS OLD READING 30. TOSS OLD READING MATERIAL.MATERIAL.Go through your reading stack. Get Go through your reading stack. Get rid of outdated newspapers. Ditch rid of outdated newspapers. Ditch magazines older than 3 months. magazines older than 3 months. Keep only a few catalogs that you Keep only a few catalogs that you truly enjoy. truly enjoy.

31. CLEAN OUT YOUR LIBRARY.31. CLEAN OUT YOUR LIBRARY.Look through your bookcases and Look through your bookcases and give away books you've had for give away books you've had for years and will never look at again. years and will never look at again. Charities are always looking for Charities are always looking for donations to their reading programs.donations to their reading programs.

32. ENLIST YOUR FRIENDS.32. ENLIST YOUR FRIENDS.Does your house need to be Does your house need to be painted? A great way to get the job painted? A great way to get the job done quickly is to throw a painting done quickly is to throw a painting party. They supply the help. You party. They supply the help. You supply the pizza, sandwiches, supply the pizza, sandwiches, beverages and dessert.beverages and dessert.

33. KEEP RECEIPTS TOGETHER.33. KEEP RECEIPTS TOGETHER.Keep an envelope in your purse or wallet to Keep an envelope in your purse or wallet to hold receipts that you may need for hold receipts that you may need for expense records or tax purposes. When expense records or tax purposes. When you get back to the office, put the receipts you get back to the office, put the receipts in pre-designated envelopes (business in pre-designated envelopes (business meals, fuel, rental expenses and so on), meals, fuel, rental expenses and so on), then keep all the envelopes in a larger then keep all the envelopes in a larger expanding file or box.expanding file or box.

34. DITCH OUTDATED COMPUTER 34. DITCH OUTDATED COMPUTER STUFF.STUFF.Toss software disks, CDs, computer Toss software disks, CDs, computer manuals, etc. for computer programs you manuals, etc. for computer programs you no longer use and never will again.no longer use and never will again.

35. COORDINATE WITH OTHERS.35. COORDINATE WITH OTHERS.Work together with others--family, or Work together with others--family, or co-workers--to come up with co-workers--to come up with organizational systems that are organizational systems that are simple and effective for everyone simple and effective for everyone involved.involved.

36. USE A DESK ORGANIZER.36. USE A DESK ORGANIZER.Keep a sufficient supply of pens, Keep a sufficient supply of pens, pencils, paperclips scissors and pencils, paperclips scissors and other necessary supplies in a other necessary supplies in a desktop holder on your desk or a desktop holder on your desk or a tray inside your desk. tray inside your desk.

37. CREATE AN EFFECTIVE WORK 37. CREATE AN EFFECTIVE WORK AREA.AREA.Create a pleasant, well-equipped work Create a pleasant, well-equipped work area. Whether it's a nook, cranny or a large area. Whether it's a nook, cranny or a large office, your work area should be conducive office, your work area should be conducive to performing your daily work. It should to performing your daily work. It should contain all necessary supplies and contain all necessary supplies and equipment within arms reach or in easily equipment within arms reach or in easily accessible areas.accessible areas.

38. MAGNETIZE YOUR MEDICINE 38. MAGNETIZE YOUR MEDICINE CABINET.CABINET.Mount a long magnet along the back of Mount a long magnet along the back of your medicine cabinet to hold tweezers, your medicine cabinet to hold tweezers, clippers, little scissors and other small clippers, little scissors and other small metal objects. metal objects.

39. REST AND RELAX.39. REST AND RELAX.Get a good night's sleep (7 hours or more.) Get a good night's sleep (7 hours or more.) Adequate rest tonight will help you to be Adequate rest tonight will help you to be alert, on schedule and effective tomorrow.alert, on schedule and effective tomorrow.

40. MAKE YOUR MOVE EASY.40. MAKE YOUR MOVE EASY.Color code your boxes with a self-stick Color code your boxes with a self-stick yellow dot for those that go to the kitchen, yellow dot for those that go to the kitchen, a red dot for the office, a blue dot for the a red dot for the office, a blue dot for the garage and so on. Go to your new garage and so on. Go to your new residence ahead of time, and place a residence ahead of time, and place a corresponding colored dot on the corresponding colored dot on the appropriate rooms.appropriate rooms.

41. PREPARE OUTGOING MAIL AHEAD OF TIME.41. PREPARE OUTGOING MAIL AHEAD OF TIME.If you send the same brochures and other materials to If you send the same brochures and other materials to prospective clients, make your packages ahead of time. prospective clients, make your packages ahead of time. Include all necessary materials and store them away until Include all necessary materials and store them away until you need them. They'll be all ready to go in a snap.you need them. They'll be all ready to go in a snap.

42. CREATE REFERENCE LISTS.42. CREATE REFERENCE LISTS.Reference lists are wonderful tools for remembering and Reference lists are wonderful tools for remembering and accessing everything easily.accessing everything easily.

--Create reference lists for:--Create reference lists for:

--Personal goals and dreams--Personal goals and dreams--Birthdays--Birthdays--Favorite restaurant phone numbers--Favorite restaurant phone numbers--Web sites you'd like to explore--Web sites you'd like to explore--Books you'd like to read--Books you'd like to read--Things to pack when traveling--Things to pack when traveling--Gift ideas for friends and family--Gift ideas for friends and family--Computer files--Computer files--A wish list for yourself--A wish list for yourself--. . . and more. Your choices are endless! --. . . and more. Your choices are endless!

43. CREATE FORMS FOR EVERYDAY 43. CREATE FORMS FOR EVERYDAY TASKS.TASKS.For example, type up your own Fax For example, type up your own Fax Transmittal Form that includes your name, Transmittal Form that includes your name, company name and other pertinent company name and other pertinent information. Make copies and leave them information. Make copies and leave them by your fax machine for efficient and by your fax machine for efficient and effective communication.effective communication.

44. CREATE A DRIVING DIRECTIONS 44. CREATE A DRIVING DIRECTIONS FOLDER.FOLDER.Create a file folder for Driving Directions to Create a file folder for Driving Directions to places you go to infrequently. Write down places you go to infrequently. Write down the directions and keep them in this folder the directions and keep them in this folder for future use. You won't have to keep for future use. You won't have to keep asking how to get to where you're going.asking how to get to where you're going.

45. GIVE DRIVING DIRECTIONS WITH 45. GIVE DRIVING DIRECTIONS WITH EASE.EASE.Create driving directions to your home or Create driving directions to your home or office, coming from North, South, East and office, coming from North, South, East and West. Make copies and keep in a file. West. Make copies and keep in a file. When someone asks, you can mail them, When someone asks, you can mail them, fax them or read them over the phone.fax them or read them over the phone.

46. DETERMINE HOW LONG IT WILL 46. DETERMINE HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE.TAKE.Estimate how long it's going to take to get Estimate how long it's going to take to get there. Divide the total miles of the trip, by there. Divide the total miles of the trip, by your average speed (e.g. 60mph) The your average speed (e.g. 60mph) The result will be your driving time. (Example: result will be your driving time. (Example: 120 miles to be traveled divided by 60mph 120 miles to be traveled divided by 60mph is approximately 2.0 hours of driving time).is approximately 2.0 hours of driving time).

47. CUT DOWN ON JUNK MAIL.47. CUT DOWN ON JUNK MAIL.Visit the Direct Marketing Association Web Visit the Direct Marketing Association Web site and ask them to remove you from site and ask them to remove you from direct mail lists you don't wish to be on: direct mail lists you don't wish to be on: http://www.the-dma.org/consumers/offmailinglist.html

48. COMBINE YOUR TIME.48. COMBINE YOUR TIME.Look for things you can combine to save Look for things you can combine to save time and accomplish more. Walk your dog time and accomplish more. Walk your dog and you'll be exercising at the same time. and you'll be exercising at the same time. Go to the beach with a motivational tape, Go to the beach with a motivational tape, and you'll be relaxing and getting inspired and you'll be relaxing and getting inspired simultaneously!simultaneously!

49. END EACH DAY ON A GOOD 49. END EACH DAY ON A GOOD NOTE.NOTE.Save your easiest tasks for the end Save your easiest tasks for the end of each day. You'll be able to of each day. You'll be able to complete them, and end each day on complete them, and end each day on a positive, rewarding note!a positive, rewarding note!

50. CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE.50. CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE.Get organized and stay organized Get organized and stay organized with the many available products with the many available products from Get Organized Now! Check out from Get Organized Now! Check out all of our Get Organized Now! all of our Get Organized Now! goodies: goodies: Go!