|
It's About Time
Ruth Wong
|
Fill in life’s potholes as you see them
This month I've been like the monkey in the saying "Monkey see, monkey do" -- not in imitating what I see, but in DOing what I SEE needs to be done, particularly those small things that are inconvenient, amiss or problematic.
I like things to flow smoothly, and these little inconveniences are like potholes in life. Everyone has them -- those areas that snag you repeatedly and impede smooth progress and functioning. They can be as simple as not being able to find that magazine article you need or not having enough change to feed the parking meter.
About a month ago I decided that I was tired of just SEEing what needed to be done, and instead of just passing by as I usually did, I took the few minutes to DO something to remedy the situation.
Some of my patched potholes include putting pen and paper near each TV so I can capture good ideas or information, being sure I have plenty of quarters for parking meters and getting rid of food storage containers that didn't have lids -- small changes that make a welcome difference.
What are your potholes?
» Not being able to find receipts when you need to exchange or return an item? Create a home for them in an envelope, box or file. Or clip the receipt to the item's price tag.
» Repeatedly looking up the same phone number? Capture it the first time by entering it in your cell phone, PDA, database or address book.
» Can't find that magazine or newspaper article that you wanted to clip? If you can't tear it out immediately, flag it with a Post-it.
» Always looking for pen and paper to take phone messages? Be sure they're by each phone.
» Misplacing that parking garage ticket? Have a regular place to put it, such as on the visor, or in a certain pocket or place in your purse.
» Not sure when your next car service is due? Write the next service mileage on a Post-it and stick it below your odometer.
» Running out of a certain product or food item? When you open the last one, write it on your grocery list.
» Not having coupons when you go to the store or restaurant? Put them in your wallet or at least in your car.
Most of the time, the answer is obvious. It's a matter of SEEing and DOing.
Fixing most potholes is a minitask. I've found that taking those few minutes to patch them doesn't make a big dent in the day.
If you want your life and work to flow more smoothly, I encourage you to "Monkey SEE, monkey DO"!
See you in two weeks!
Ruth Wong owns Organization Plus. Contact her care of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813, call 488-0288 or e-mail
orgplushawaii@hawaiiantel.net.