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It's About Time
Ruth Wong
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Today’s tasks should not be put off
Do you tend to let things slide from one day to the next? Do you sometimes lack a feeling of urgency and relax when there are important things to do?
Workshop
Ruth Wong will be teaching three classes at University of Hawaii:
Oct. 29: How to Manage Time and Get Things Done
Nov. 5: Overcoming Roadblocks to Getting Things Done
Nov. 12: Organize Your Workspace for Greater Productivity
Classes are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Cost per class is $45; $120 for all three for $120. Call 956-7221 to register
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If so, you're not alone. Even I can get lulled into a state of complacency and think there's always tomorrow, causing me to let tasks slide from today's To Do list to tomorrow's.
Although there are things I should do -- finish undone tasks, organize certain records and items better, or just clean up -- I sometimes slack off.
Even my regular routine of paying bills as they arrive, putting things away promptly, filing weekly, putting one load of laundry away before doing another, or even hanging up clothes each night can get derailed.
Such was the case recently. At home I had let things slide, but then I was unexpectedly reminded of my mortality, thanks to a wayward centipede.
I had attended an outdoor reception where my friends and I sat on a wall to eat. I was wearing a long dress that extended to the ground. I noticed ants but didn't think much about other insects that might be present.
When I got into my car and put the seatbelt across my shoulder, I felt the worst sting I had ever felt in my life! Upon inspection, I noticed a small blood blister and immediate swelling.
I rushed home to shake out my dress, find the culprit and clean the wound. I did find the culprit -- a centipede that had apparently climbed up my dress! I watched the swelling and redness spread, and prayed that I wouldn't end up in the hospital, for I had too many unfinished tasks.
In the following hours as I monitored the swelling, I got busy and did all those things I had put off -- pay bills, pick up, put away, straighten up -- just in case I was going to be indisposed. I really regretted the time I had wasted in previous days.
Thankfully, by midnight the swelling receded and I knew there would be no complications. I was so relieved. If I were to be incapacitated, I sure didn't want to leave a tangled mess of undone tasks for my family.
It was a good reminder and lesson for me to keep current with tasks and relationships, just in case anything unexpected happens.
I encourage you to do today's tasks today and make it a point to tie up loose ends. By doing so, there will be few regrets regarding how you've spent (or misspent) time, and you will be better prepared for the unexpected.
See you in two weeks!
"It's About Time," by Ruth Wong, owner of Organization Plus, runs the fourth Friday of each month. Contact her at "It's About Time," care of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813; or e-mail
features@starbulletin.com