Here’s an article on developing daily routines as an aid to greater productivity.
it seems to be skewed toward work-at-home moms, but I still found it useful for my day-to-day writing work ;).
I hope you’ll garner some good ideas from it too!
—Alpha

Routines Rock!
By Colette Robicheau

Having a routine doesn’t mean your life will be boring or predictable. Routines are an awesome way to get more out of each day and to allow us to do more of the things we really want to do. Complete everyday activities in the most efficient way so that you have more free time to be spontaneous. Creating routines for different parts of your day such as morning, when you arrive at work, before you leave work, when you get home, dinner time, and before bed, reap the greatest rewards.

Here’s how to create a rockin’ routine or to rework one you already have:

1. Make a list of some of the regular activities you do in the run of a day like getting the kids ready for school, exercising, email or a report at work.

2. Estimate how much time it takes to do each task. This is often where people go wrong. We tend to underestimate the amount of time needed or have no idea at all.

3. Try to group actions by similar activity and location to minimize the amount of time you spend running back and forth, such as preparing supper, getting dressed for work, or items to be photocopied or sent out at work.

4. To finish your routine, write down your tasks in the order you will perform them along with the time allotted for each.

5. Use the times to limit the amount of time you spend on an activity (like getting dressed or primping). By knowing your start and end times you will always know if you are running on schedule or not.

6. Add up the times to determine a start time to begin your routine.

7. Be sure to give yourself a buffer zone of extra time for unexpected events. As you repeat your routine it will become easier and you will be quicker at getting things done.

8. Save time and adapt to curve balls by completing tasks before you need to do them. Try packing your lunch and briefcase the night before, making a week’s worth of meals at one time or answering all your email at a set time.

9. To create some new habits try linking them to ones that are already in place. Put a load of laundry in as you start to make supper.

Once you make your routines rock, you’ll see how it can save you time, toil, and trouble every day. You’ll avoid some unnecessary stressors leaving you free to run your day by design and enjoy it however you choose.

Colette Robicheau, President of Organize Anything, is a consultant, coach, and public speaker offering corporate, residential, and personal organizing services. Colette’s humor and positive attitude are a great asset in her roles as professional organizer and life coach. An extensive background in professional organizing, project management and business development, have given Colette a no-nonsense approach to project completion with the ability to deliver on budget and on schedule. Email Colette or for more information, including great organizing tips, visit www.organizeanything.com.

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