For many years, I worked very hard at working hard. I took life at a run without thinking about my pace. But when you work in a panic, nothing is clear. Everything takes longer than it should. I have only learned how to work smart through my experiences, life lessons and listening to the advice of others. I realized that I don’t need to run at it. Here are a few simple techniques that I have added to my world to work smarter, not harder.

Have a Plan. Just as every organization needs a business plan, working smart means having a well-thought out scheme to help guide you. Schedule tasks for the days, weeks, and months ahead so that you know what’s coming and when.

Be Real. Before you plunge into something headfirst, remember that enthusiasm needs to be tempered with wisdom. Allow yourself time to think about a project, task or assignment so that you can be sure that everything can be accomplished on time and accurately.

First Things First. One of Stephen Covey’s 7 habits in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, putting first things first means taking care of the most important things before the rest. Dealing right away with whatever comes in by email or by phone is working hard, not smart. I structure my day so that the truly important work gets done first. It’s amazing how much I accomplish in a single, focused hour when I’m feeling fresh and motivated.

Get Help. To work smart, you need to let other people help you – the ones who get more done in less time and with fewer resources. Give them the tasks they’re good at and that drain you. Help can come in all sorts of forms, too. It might be emotional support, or someone taking care of the housework so that you can focus on work.

Get with the Times. Don’t take shortcuts on quality materials or ways to do something – that’s working hard, not smart. Trying to save a few bucks, but spending an extra hour or two because the tool wasn’t quite what you needed, doesn’t make any sense. Your time is worth more.

Don’t Make It Harder Than It Actually Is. Most pressure is self-induced. We set unrealistically high goals or standards for ourselves and feel like we should be doing more. By focusing on each step, rather than on the entire project, cuts down on the feeling of overwhelm.

Roll with It. Your day will not always go as planned. Try new methods and learn new things. You never know where the next brilliant idea will come from.

Timing is Everything. When you feel great and are in the flow, go for it. I’m a morning person, so I know that I go for the hard stuff right away. I save the easy stuff for the afternoon. When you finish early, if nothing else comes in, than you can play or rest.

Get some Z’s. Rest equals recharging your creativity and energy. That doesn’t just mean getting a good night’s sleep – it also means taking time off to relax and play. When I learned that this isn’t “wasting” time, I found myself with more energy and ideas and interest in my work. That also means when you’re sick, stay at home and rest, too.

If I could have written a letter to myself and sent it back into time, I would have said to myself – go easy on yourself by working smarter, not harder. Because when I work smart, the hard work gets done easily. Just sayin’.

Published: Apartment News Magazine – July/August issue 2012

As the economy inches its way forward, we think about saving money. Imagine you could wave a magic wand and leave all of your worries, stress and money behind. Like any good portfolio, the best investments you make in yourself are diversified, carefully managed, and geared to the long term.

Years ago, I gave up a lucrative “fast-track”executive postion for a simpler life after a good dose of soul searching. Here is what I discovered along the way to a better life through investing in the future:

You’re an asset. Think about that. If you work for someone else, you’re an asset to that company. If you’re married, you’re an asset to your spouse. And it goes without saying that  if you have children or grandchildren you are an incredible asset to them. You’re an asset to the community you live in, your neighbors, and to those you interact with you on a daily basis.

Be good to yourself. Give yourself a break when things don’t go the way you’d like. And reward yourself when you succeed. Celebrate little things like checking off items on your to-do list with a special cup of tea or square of chocolate. The only person you can count on is YOU.

Attitude of Gratitude. Having an attitude of graditude can change your negative thinking into a positive frame of mind. Research shows that practicing gratitude may be the best pathway to happiness, health, long life, and prosperity.

Eat Healthy. Healthy eating is not a diet. It means making changes you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life. The way we eat affects our entire well-being, helping us feel our best and have plenty of energy. It can help you handle stress better, and prevent and control many health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

Exercise. People who say they are too tired or don’t have the time, have it backwards. Exercising creates energy. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that improve mood and mental alertness. In reality, you lack energy because you don’t exercise.

Read. I remember that my Dad read everything he could get his hands on, and knew a little bit about everything. Cutting down on television, carrying a book with you or listening to an audio book during your commutes can squeeze a little more knowledge into time that may otherwise be neglected.

Listen. Ever notice a person who rolls their eyes, talks over you or looks away as you’re talking? I used to do that. It’s taken me a long time to learn to stop and listen. Over the years, I missed some very good advice because I wasn’t listening.

Learn. Be open to learning something new. Diversify your thinking and the people and ideas around you. Change with the  times. Your brain withers if it isn’t challenged everyday.

Hobby. Find your release, like a hobby. You may find out that a hobby could turn into a fulltime job, or an opportunity to volunteer to help others. This connection with others invests in our own wellbeing, too.

Money. I firmly believe that the key to financial happiness is spending less than you earn. Determine what’s “right” when it comes to how you earn, invest, and spend your income. If you’re not living the life you want, you won’t be able to buy enough things to make up for it.

Home. My home is a place where I gather my strength every day so that I can go back into the world. Make this place special by decorating it in a way that you love. Use color, texture and music to create this sanctuary for yourself. Even a small, sunny nook for reading or listening to music can make a difference. 

Family. We’re working longer hours and spending less time with our families. It’s easy to fall into the together but alone trap. Try eating together in the evenings at the table without distractions of TV and computer. Catch up on and with each other. 

Good friend. What I call my go to person. This person listens without judgement, advises when asked, and tells us we’re being silly, unreasonable or plain crazy when necessary. Having a person like this gives us a safe place to explore ideas and get encouragement when we need it.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” formula for the good life. Instead, I’m convinced that no matter how deep in debt or how rich, how unhappy at home or at work or content, you can make your life better. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of fine tuning, investing some time and energy into figuring out what you really want out of life. Just sayin’.

Published: Apartment News Magazine – May/June issue 2012

For some of us, the holidays are the most stressful time of year. But for me, it’s the several weeks after the holidays that really stress me out. This is when all the fun and bustle of the holidays is over and it’s back to work on all the projects we left for “later.”

Whenever I’m anxious about the future or worried about the past, I try to remember what a very old but wise horse trainer once told me. Breathe. Stay in the moment, right here, right now. Do you know how hard this is to do?

We live in an age of distractions, yet technology often impinges on our ability to pay attention to the future. I find myself fantasizing at work about being on vacation. On vacation I worry about the work piling up on my desk. I don’t appreciate living in the present because our “monkey mind” (as Buddhists say) jumps from thought to thought like monkeys swinging from tree to tree.

Realizing that I was letting my worries hinder my ability to work to my full potential, I began to do some research on how I could center myself so I could become a better person in all aspects of my life.

Here are few discoveries that help me stay in the present moment:

Recharge: I finally got tired of being sick and tired. Our bodies require energy to manage tough situations, and stress drains you. I had to figure out ways that I could get back in the game. I knew that a simple gym membership would not do the trick, and that I would only find myself yawning and leaning on the machines. I finally found something – spin class! For me, a set time and place with others struggling beside me was the ticket. Knowing that we are all here for the same reason keeps me going and coming back for more.

Renew: Once I started losing sleep, only then did I realize how important it was to get a good night’s rest. Getting back into a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time, even on the weekends, has renewed my energy during the day.

Breathe: Funny, but I forget to do this. Simple as it sounds, it works! Try it. Take a moment right now and slowly breathe in. Now breathe out. Deep breaths help me focus and center me. I do this in the car to and from work. I also try to remember to do this when I’m in a situation that is unfamiliar or strange, as it helps release the fear that comes along with it.

Getting off the grid: One day a week, I try to unplug. I read instead of watching television (with my favorite classical music planning quietly in the background). I do this on what I call my “Sanity Sundays.” It helps me get focused so I can gather my thoughts for the week ahead.

Trading on the grid: Here’s my trade off for my Sanity Sundays. If I get to a point where I can’t get ahead at the office because of all the distractions that come with running a business, I do a trade off. I take off on Friday and go down to the office on Sunday. I get three times as much work done. This totally frees me up so I can be more productive during the week .

Multi-tasking: I’m so tired of doing ten things at once and fighting with myself. Ever notice that person who says that they can juggle twenty things seems to be in a foul mood more often than not? I’d rather do one thing at a time and be present (and happy) than juggle ten things and forget I’m doing it at all. Or do all of them poorly.

Flow: I realize that I can’t control everything. But it’s hard to roll with the punches sometimes. When this happens, I try to breathe and remind myself that other people must have the freedom and trust to do their jobs. As long as the outcome is good, letting go of the micromanaging.

Being in the moment: General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt said, “Do every job like you’re going to have it forever. People start to get derailed when they say [about a task], ‘This one is beneath me.’ Being the best ______ (fill in the blank yourself) you can be, in the moment, is very rewarding.”

When I get anxious, fretting about all the things I need to do, phone calls to return, projects to put back on the front burner, I keep these tips in mind to be right here, right now. Just sayin’. 

Published: Apartment News Magazine – March/April issue 2012

When I was younger and for many years, in what I call my other life, I had a wonderful and demanding career that required a lot of my time. Or so I thought. I felt I had to prove that I was worthy of the cause by working long hours. But I wasn’t thinking smart. Now that I’m older with more experience, I realize that I was worthy. Or they wouldn’t have hired me. I was promoted several times, and earned awards and bonuses.

Back then, juggling a career with travel, dressing the part, being married with two small boys, dogs and feeling like I needed to keep up with the Joneses, I was drained. The effort took a toll on me both physically and mentally. I missed important events and lost time with family and friends. I was married to my job. My work life and personal life were out of control, which left my stress level out of whack.

I’m grateful that I had my grandmother (we all called her Gigi). She was smart, savvy and very wise. I would go to her for advice on life and situations that were not familiar. She would always have a profound answer. I thought to myself, how does she know this? Well, she had lots of years of experience. Now, after my experience trying to balance work and home life, I have to tell you, it’s totally different these days!

Here are a few ideas for a better work/life balance. Or, you can wait until you’re a grandparent to rack up the experience: 

Keep it simple. Last year I wrote a three-part article on “Simplifying your life, home and business.” Read it again to start out the year by moving into balancing it all out. Go to www.sharonjustsayin.com 

Rise and shine. Try waking up several hours before leaving for work. A few more added minutes to your morning can help with tasks around the house – defrosting something for dinner or starting the dishwasher. It’s the small things that we do on a daily basis that add up. By waking up a little early you eliminate frantic dressing, lack of breakfast and forgotten tasks that add up at the end of the day and week.

Food to go. Keep nuts and health bars in your car. This helped me when I’d leave work to go directly to a soccer game. Then the family could eat a healthy meal later at home. I still do this today and it’s been a real lifesaver!

Go-to place. Near the door, find an area for items that you need on a daily basis: keys, briefcase, purse, school backpacks or letters to be mailed. Also, keep a petty cash jar handy for all household members to use for parking, lunches or a tip for the delivery person.

Go-to person. Find a trusted friend that you can vent your frustrations to. And equally important, allow them to vent to you. Share your feelings to ease your pain. Put a time limit on the pity party, then do something fun together. 

Routine. You’ve heard it before. Repetition strengthens and confirms. Develop routines in your life. Days that you don’t have that Zen mojo you can put yourself on autopilot. Knowing you can fall back on built in routines will get you through the day. 

Say no. Quit doing things out of guilt or a false sense of obligation. You will make more room in your life for the activities that are meaningful to you and bring you joy.

Leave work at work. With the technology to connect to anyone at any time virtually anywhere, there’s no boundary between work and home – unless you create it. Make a conscious decision to separate work time from personal time. When you’re with your family, turn off your cell phone. When it’s time to take a vacation, take that time off. You need that time to recharge for when you’re back to work. 

You’re worthy. Eat healthy foods and include physical activity as a part of your life. Better yet, discover activities you can do with a partner or friend – such as hiking, walking or taking cooking classes (my favorite). 

Laugh. Look on the bright side and have a sense of humor. Everyone feels sad, angry or frustrated sometime. It has been proven that laughing can help ease difficult situations.

In the struggle to meet the demands of an increasingly complex world we all need to develop strategies for maintaining balance in our lives. Just sayin’. 

Published: Apartment News Magazine – January/February issue 2012

The holidays are here, and I’m not looking forward to the annual extra weight I (and everyone else) will gain. I have solved the mystery surrounding why I am out of shape, though. Yep I know, I’m a little older but no excuse. I figured out that I don’t move! Shocking, isn’t it? Getting to this simple conclusion took a little research on the whys and wherefores, and also uncovered a pretty easy solution. And guess what? The solution is free and will last a lifetime.

Here’s what got me going in the right direction. I read an interesting article. In it, a doctor asked his patient, “I can give you medicine that will treat one condition and cost money, or I can give you a prescription for physical activity that will help prevent a whole range of diseases.” Which would you choose? I know I’d rather NOT take medication, especially when there is something I can do that costs nothing and could have beneficial side effects. 

Here are some of the ideas I discovered that you could implement, too. All are low cost or no cost and require only a little gumption. Being physically active is key to living longer, healthier, happier lives and can help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight and lowers the risk for certain diseases. 

Prescription Trails. Healthcare professionals assess their patients’ fitness at the beginning, then write a tailored walking prescription based on the current physical condition. Walking programs can contribute to the treatment and prevention of a number of chronic conditions such as diabetes, depression and high blood pressure. For more information on local walking trails and parks go to: www.prescriptiontrailsnm.org.

Walk the dog. You and your best friend will benefit from a quick stroll around the block. This is something that I personally need to do more often. Our dogs love to get out, but when it’s cold and getting dark at the end of a long day, it sure is hard to go for the leash and head outside. That’s when I look at my furry children and remember that their health is just as important as mine.

Buddy up! Exercising with a friend is one of the best ways to get and stay motivated. You make a commitment to each other – and no one wants to disappoint their friend. Plus, you wind up pushing each other to do more, faster and longer than if you go it alone. 

10,000 steps. Conventional wisdom says that 10,000 steps a day is the minimum we need to move. In the normal course of events — just living and working — the average person takes anywhere from 900 to 3000 steps in a day and not much more. Walking 10,000 steps is the approximate equivalent of walking 5 miles. You can totally do that. 

Pedometer or iPhone app: Unless you are really good at counting, you will probably want to pick up a quality pedometer to measure your steps. Some pedometers also monitor distances, and even heart rate, calories burned, etc. or if you’re lucky enough to own an iPhone you can down this aps to your phone. 

Truck it. You’ve heard this one over and over again. Park as far away from entrances when you shop. I started this years ago when I got my first new car, and didn’t want any door dings. Then I realized, it takes just a few seconds longer but worth it to burn that few extra calories. It all adds up. 

Hit the mall. Did you know that most malls open an hour or so early for walkers? Cold weather is right around the corner, so move your walk time indoors. And even if the stores are open, you can leave your cash and credit cards at home and simply stroll around the mall in a temperature-controlled, relatively safe environment. As long as you plan your route away from the food court, you’ll be fine. 

Take the stairs. Elevators and escalators were fun when we were kids, but taking the stairs adds steps to your daily total, and it is a great, easy calorie burner. 

Just move it. Can’t get out to walk? Do something else! Dance! Swim! Bike! Hike! Jog or run! Take an aerobics, Pilates or yoga class! Box or do a martial art! The idea is that moving your body more than you do now will be beneficial.

I promise that if you try any of these suggestions, you’ll start to feel better, your clothes will fit better and your mood will improve. Just sayin’.

Ask most managers, executives and business owners what stands in the way of greater effectiveness in their businesses, and they will say communication, whether you have 5 employees or 5,000 employees. When a business suffers from poor communication among employees this generally leads to: 

• Misunderstandings
• Lack of perceived importance
• Frustration and poor performance
• Increased staff turnover 

No matter your experience and expertise, your ability to communicate effectively can make the difference between success and simply “getting by.” But effective communication doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a consistent process requiring time, research, and coordinated effort. 

Here are a few helpful hints to help open the door to better communication: 

Personal Contact. In this age of electronic communication, far too many of us use our business emails as a substitute for personal interaction. Set aside consistent time to meet in person. People relate to one another better when they can read each other’s body language and hear tonal inflections, that’s how you feel the energy and connect. If personal contact is not possible, the next best way to connect is by talking on the phone or Skype. 

Positivity. Having a positive upbeat attitude lets people know that you care. People like to communicate with friendly, likeable and approachable people. The words “please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” show that you appreciate a person’s effort. Try saying, “Would you please…” instead of just, “Please…” You will sound more sincere. 

Open Door Policy. People need to know that you are not sitting on your “throne.” Be approachable as an individual. If your time is not to be interrupted let them know when you will be available. We all get so caught up in our own little worlds that we forget who is helping us reach our goals. Your employees should feel like they work with you, not for you. 

Find the time. It is critical to carve time out of your schedule for regular one-on-one and group employee meetings. Not doing this puts you back on that throne you shouldn’t be on! 

Consistency. Consistency builds trust. You can’t be nice one day and bite someone’s head off the next. You will be feared instead of admired. 

Expectations. Clearly share your expectations with your employees. Then there’s clarity on the work to be done. They will comprehend what you expect without misunderstandings. 

Read My Mind. When you give instructions or discuss a business situation, do not assume that everyone understands you. Ask whether you’ve been clear or if further information or explanation is necessary. Make sure that everyone understands what needs to be done. At times, everyone feels like others should know what’s in their heads. But no one can read minds! Pause and with a smile, ask, “Did I explain this clearly enough for you?” Assure yourself that they understood what you said. 

Listen. Perhaps the most difficult communication technique of all is effective listening. By listening to others you show respect. Don’t interrupt. Pause and make sure that the other person has stopped talking before you start talking. Make your conversation like a game of tennis and keep the ball going back and forth. If you both serve at the same time the game will not go well. 

Ask Questions. If you hear something that confuses you, ask. Maybe you missed a detail or maybe you remembered something others forgot. Chances are if you’re confused, then others are too. 

Speak Up. If people have trouble understanding you, they will stop listening. If you speak with a very soft or slow voice, or if you mumble, you’ll appear lacking in confidence. You don’t have to be the loudest one in the room, just speak with assurance so that others can hear you loud and clear. 

Read. Educate yourself about current affairs so that you can talk intelligently about subjects in a conversation. I like to read the local paper, business weekly and a popular magazine so that I’m up on what’s happening in my area. Also make sure that you know a little of what’s going on around the world. This helps round you out. 

Meaningful Feedback. A well-considered annual performance evaluation can be a valuable communication tool. But do not limit feedback to a once-a-year event. People do not like surprises. They desire an opportunity to develop and improve throughout the year. Provide continuing constructive on-the-job evaluation. Focus on situations as they arise, while they are still fresh. Point out the positive as well as the negative. 

Reward. Consistently emphasize the good and reward achievements with private accolades and in groups meetings. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in business. 

I promise that if you try these techniques your communication with your employees will improve. Just sayin’.

Published: Apartment News Magazine – September/October issue 2011

Misunderstandings and mistakes happen in every business. At some point, everyone in business has to deal with an upset customer. The challenge is to handle the situation in a way that leaves the customer satisfied and thinking you work for a great company.

When it comes down to it, most customers don’t even bother to complain. They simply buy from your competitor. Research suggests that up to 80 percent of customers who leave you were “satisfied” with you. Obviously, customer satisfaction is not enough to keep customers coming back. Businesses must positively delight their customers if they want to earn their long-term loyalty and business.

Working in a service business, I deal with some customers who are quicker to complain than others. I have to remind myself that without these customers, there IS no business. They ultimately pay the bills and keep the business rolling. How you deal with their complaint is extremely important. After all, you don’t want them to take their business elsewhere.

Handling customer complaints doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right tools and responses, you can use complaints to help build your business. Follow these tips for effectively dealing with their challenges. 

Listen. As soon as someone starts to complain we think of how we will respond to the accusation before we are done listening. Too often we already have the response ready to fight back. Try instead to take a second, breathe and carefully listen to what the customer has to say. Let them finish and don’t get defensive. They are not attacking you personally; they have a problem and are frustrated. 

Pause. Don’t say anything for five long seconds after the customer has stopped talking. Take another breath, then move on with educating them. Never defend or justify. People don’t care if you were shorthanded or if you’re having a bad day. They only care that they get their problem resolved. No excuses, just solutions. 

Ask. Ask questions in a caring and concerned manner. The more information you can get from the customer, the better you will understand their perspective. I’ve learned it’s easier to ask questions than to jump to conclusions. 

Repeat. You should always keep a cool head and be specific so there is no miscommunication. Get the facts straight and show the customer that you’re listening. Repeat back to them their complaint in a clear, slow and professional manner. 

Apologize. Always apologize, even if you did nothing wrong. Don’t blame another person or department. From the customer’s perspective, he or she has a legitimate complaint, and they expect an apology. It could be as simple as “I’m sorry about that.” A sincere apology will usually diffuse a lot of frustration that the customer has. 

Make it right. Solve the problem, or find someone who can solve it — quickly! If a complaint is valid and demands action, then move fast to correct it. Make an effort to resolve the problem. Urgency is the key. You must show the customer that you intend to take steps to correct the problem immediately. 

Satisfy. Find out from the customer what would be an acceptable solution. Whether or not the customer knows what a good solution would be, I’ve found it’s best to propose one or more solutions to alleviate their pain. Stress the point that your company is eager to work out any problems and focuses on customer satisfaction. 

Thank. At the beginning, at the end, in the middle, it doesn’t matter. Thank the customer for calling. A happy customer will tell two or three friends, but an unhappy customer will tell at least ten friends about their experience and it always multiplies through word of mouth. 

Learn. Keep records of your complaints. This will allow you to analyze what went wrong and to make changes to help avoid problems in the future. 

There is no getting around customer complaints, regardless of the industry. However, by employing these steps and taking the time to review the issue with the customer, you can turn challenges into something constructive. 

Published: Apartment News Magazine – July/August issue 2011

I hope everyone made the opportunity to read “Simplifying your Life for the New Year,” Parts I and II. Part I looked at how we could improve our overall personal lives. That led us forward to Part II – our home life. In Part III we will streamline our businesses to operate at optimum levels. You’ll enjoy more wealth and happiness in less time, money and effort than ever before.

We live in a world of “too much.” We’re bombarded everyday with messages to buy, consume, collect and need. This leads to clutter and stress. Because of that we can’t see how we have reached our goals over the mess we’ve accumulated in our lives. Consequently we feel swamped and continually pressured trying to make the “right” choices. Unfortunately, there are too many choices to make. But simplifying is like cleaning the house, we’re never really finished. Accepting the fact you need to look at these areas again and again is the first step on the path of simplifying.

The solution? Hans Hofmann, an artist who is an acclaimed abstract expressionist said, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” The answer is definitely to “eliminate the unnecessary.” Here are my tips on eliminating the unnecessary to simplify your work life.

Toss/File/Act. Organization will be a breeze if you toss, file, or act on those papers immediately. Use this strategy to first tackle the paper piles and then any paper that enters your office after you get it organized. Once you get the piles of papers under control, keep them under control! 

At Close Range. To organize the desk, you will want to think about what you use on a daily basis and keep those things within close reach. So, organize whatever you need to grab often. Warning! Don’t keep too much stuff on your desk, or you won’t have room to move and work. 

Avoid Extra Supplies. Do not store extra supplies in or around your working area. Store extra supplies in a cabinet or store room.  

Out of Sight. When you have a big project to focus on, the quickest way to do that is to clear away the junk around you. (Remember Hoffman’s mantra?) Move the papers, mugs, notes, and other distractions. Anything you don’t need for the project, get it out of your line of sight. 

The Social Network. The computer based social network is one of the greatest inventions ever. But there are limitations. I have made a rule to check Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn ONCE in the morning while I’m drinking my coffee, around 6 am. Checking it throughout the day can be a real time siphon. It’s so tempting to check in several times a day to laugh and connect with your friends. Don’t give in. Notice how much you get accomplished at work when you give yourself clear cut boundaries. 

Reading Material. Collect articles you want to read from magazines and newspapers in a folder marked “Reading.” Take the folder with you wherever you go. Read through it while waiting for appointments, planes, or eating lunch alone.

Go Paperless. I know this can be a huge task. Once you move into it, it can really free you up. Microsoft Office has got to be the greatest invention ever. It has everything you need to run a productive business. Also, I have my Outlook hooked up to my Blackberry so that I can receive my contacts, my calendar with reminder notices, and email messages on my phone.

Add Plants. Add a few fresh indoor plants in your office. Plants help in clutter control and help make your office a nice place to work. 

Give yourself a break. Some days we just don’t have the Zen mojo to accomplish everything, or even anything. Don’t be afraid to put your work aside and enjoy some time relaxing with friends, family or by yourself. Life awaits you on the other side of risk. Sometimes it’s a risk to do nothing and let your energy recharge.

Keep it simple. Each day, spend about 10 minutes keeping the office space well organized. Go through the mail and toss, file, or act on it. Throw away things you don’t need at the end of the day and reorganize your desk before you quit working. Write out a “To Do list” at the end of each day. When you walk into your office the next morning, you’ll have a handy reminder list of things to work on.

Organizing your office will help you be at your best. So, to increase productivity and keep you on top of your game, use these simple tips to keep your office humming along.

Published: Apartment News Magazine – May/June issue 2011

I truly hope all of you invested time reading part one of “How to simplify your life for the New Year.” This is part two of my three part series of proven ideas for you to simplify your life.

Very few of us were blessed with organizational genes. How many times have you lost important documents or stared in despair at piles of mail or unwashed clothes? Cluttered environments literally drain your energy causing additional stress! Conversely, beautifully decorated soothing environments are a haven where you escape life’s stressors.

Learning to organize your stuff and your life can be challenging, but not impossible. Certain activities will increase your organizational skills every day. Eventually, activities will become habits and you’re one step closer to being “naturally” organized like you always wanted. Work on de-cluttering your home; get organized about cleaning. Try feng shui or another principle to help with your goal of a beautifully organized living space. Here are some great ideas to get you started. 

Establish routines. The key to keeping your life simple is creating simple routines. 

Purge your stuff. To get started, devote a weekend and purge things you don’t want. Get boxes and trash bags to accommodate this effort. 

Get rid of unnecessary things. This applies not only to belongings but services and subscriptions are sources of stress, too. 

De-clutter before organizing. Simplify the process. Get rid of as much junk as possible then organize what’s left. If you de-clutter enough you won’t need to organize as much.

Get rid of big clutter items. There’s a lot of little clutter in our lives. By starting with the big items, you’ll simplify your life in a big way. 

One room at a time. Once you go through the main part of a room, tackle the closet. Then do drawers or shelves one at a time. Donate things or give them to friends and family. For valuable items find a consignment store in your area and take these items there. Don’t do garage sales. Your new motto should be “If I haven’t used it in a year, get rid of it.” 

A place for everything. Age-old advice but great for organization after you de-clutter. “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

 In & out. For every new item you bring into the house, get rid of an old one. 

Take care of it, Right Now! Clean as you go. Don’t throw mail on the kitchen counter vowing to open it tomorrow. Sort through the mail before you put it down; junk mail in the recycling, bills in another bin or basket, personal mail same way. Do this on your desk and handle bills at the appropriate bill payment time. Don’t pile it up into an overwhelming mess. Likewise, if you see an item that’s out of place pick it up and put it away. Don’t walk past it and wonder how your house got to be so messy. 

Go for quality, not quantity. Don’t have a ton of stuff in your life. Instead, have fewer possessions but ones that you really love. These quality items will last for a very long time. Mentally ask, “Do I really need this?” If you hesitate, you don’t.

 Heart of the house. Today’s kitchen is the heart of entertaining and family life. Go through the kitchen cabinets (one at a time of course). You will be amazed what you can throw out. 

Holiday decor. Don’t buy more decorations simply because they are half price after the holidays, unless you need to replace something. Have one box that is all Christmas decorations, another with Thanksgiving, others with birthday and celebrations and label them.

Pack the night before. This always helps me, especially when my two sons were young. It works from packing lunch to laying out clothes for the next day. I also check my list of things to do. It keeps me nice and organized. An advantage is that it avoids additional drama that next day, too. 

Simplify your closet. Part one of this series talked about choosing solid colors that complement you. Get rid of anything you don’t actually wear and create a minimal wardrobe focusing on simple styles that all mix and match each other. 

White. Ever gone to a five star hotel or well respected spa? They always have plush white towels and elegant white sheets. Buy white sheets, towels and kitchen towels. It’s easier when wash days comes, and no more colors bleeding into each other. 

Make a menu for the week. Make a meal menu and shopping lists. This keeps you from having to rush to the store every day after work. 

Clean out your refrigerator regularly. Things growing in the refrigerator can’t be classified as your “pet.”

Published: Apartment News Magazine – March/April issue 2011

This is part one of a three part series of ideas to simplify and grow our home and business lives.

Fires rage, winds bellow, floods torrent, and the earth shakes. Nature simplifies the environment through a seasonal system of change. We can use a similar system to simplify our lives.

A simplified life means eliminating all but the essential, trading chaos for peace, and spending time doing what’s important to you. It also means getting rid of some of the things you do so you can spend time with people you love and do the things you enjoy. It means getting rid of the clutter to focus on what you value.

However, getting to simplicity isn’t always an easy process. It’s a journey, not a destination, and it can often be a journey of two steps forward, one step back. Here are some simple ways to jump start your life in 2011. Once you simplify this part of your life, you can move forward with parts II and III that will follow later.

Identify what’s most important to you. What do you value most? What 4 or 5 things do you most want to do in your life? Simplifying starts with identifying these core priorities so you can make room in your life for time for these things.

Organize your time. Keep a schedule to make the goals you just identified happen. Learn to say no to demands on your day that don’t align with these goals. You’ll be less frantic and have more time to do the things that energize you. 

You’ve got a friend. Find a supportive social circle, even just one close friend or partner to be accountable to and lean on in times of crisis. With this sounding board, you’ll enjoy a healthier, less stressful life and have more fun living life! 

Be imaginative. Spend some time with yourself each day. Some quiet time alone gives your mind the opportunity to renew itself and create order. Imagine who you want to be in life. If you can imagine it in your mind, you can do it. 

Speak and act honestly. Are you able to stand behind what you do and say? If not, reexamine your words and learn to articulate your thoughts in an open and honest way. This helps eliminate mistakes and misunderstandings down the road.

Learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. We usually make a lot of them during our lifetime. As long as they aren’t repeated and are looked at as learning experiences, they can, in fact, be a good thing.

Give it 24 hours. Give yourself 24 hours to digest an upside down situation, conversation or important decision. By giving yourself some time, you’ll find a solution. By not overreacting immediately, you avoid drama that may follow later. 

Laugh out loud. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Humor is a positive coping mechanism that not only improves your mood, it builds self-esteem. Learn to laugh at yourself.

Helping others. Be a volunteer in your community. Helping others is a rewarding way to get something more out of life. When you give, you get back tenfold.

Waiting to exhale. Stress can have a huge effect on your productivity levels. When stressed, I personally forget to breathe! Take the time to breathe deeply and improve the oxygen flow to your brain.

Simplify your wardrobe. Choose solid colors that complement you. This makes it very easy for you to mix and match your clothes – it keeps things nice and simple. 

Find something you like to do. We all need something that takes us away from our daily routines. It could be as simple as walking your favorite pet around the block or reading a book. Try a massage or pampering yourself in some way. You’re worth it! 

Take care of your body. If your body is healthy and in good repair you’re better able to handle any stress in your life. However, an unhealthy body can cause great amounts of additional stress. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. These are all ways to take care of your body and make stress management easier.

Renew your spirit. Read daily inspirational thoughts that motivate you.

Always ask: Will this simplify my life? If the answer is no, you need to reconsider it. If the activity doesn’t help you accomplish your goals, don’t do it. If a relationship doesn’t work for you, change it. If you haven’t used it in six months, get rid of it.

Follow nature’s lead and you will soon be on your way to living a simpler, more fulfilling life.

Published: Apartment News Magazine – January/February issue 2011