---

Review goals as the
year winds down

Are you, like me, wondering where 2004 has gone? How has this year been for you? Has it been a year of progress in getting organized and managing time better? I'd like to begin recapping this year's columns. Let's see how you're doing!

1. In January I suggested establishing a theme for the year instead of making easily forgotten New Year's resolutions . Did you establish a theme for 2004?

2. I also wrote about John Goddard, who, when he was 15 years old, wrote a list of 127 things he wanted to do during his lifetime. Did you begin to identify your dreams? Did you write down those things you want to do, see and learn during your lifetime? Have you fulfilled any?

3. In February I invited you to improve or create a home desk. Do you have an organized place that's a pleasure to work at?

4. I also encouraged you to make use of those five, 10, 15 minutes that we all too often let go to waste. Did you make a list of small tasks you can do in pockets of time? Do you put to use at least one pocket of time each day?

5. In March I encouraged you to "carpe diem" -- seize the day. Do you set clear goals and priorities for the day? Do you take time to plan and write how and when you will accomplish your main tasks? Do you do things promptly without procrastinating? Do you eliminate time-wasters and spend that time on things that make a positive difference in your life? Do you take time for yourself and have a balance between work and leisure?

6. I also encouraged you to spring-clean your closet. Did you purge and brighten your wardrobe?

7. In April I gave some simple rules for shopping. Do you shop with a purpose? Do you resist buying just because it's a bargain? Do you aim for quality, not quantity? Do you keep your receipt handy if needed for an exchange or return? Do you buy mainly those things you can't live without?

8. I also gave some steps to attack clutter. Did you decide to make decisions? Did you create a simple plan of attack? Did you create order out of confusion? Did you gain relief?

This brings us to the end of the first quarter's columns. How did you do? There's still time to put into practice what you've read!

See you in two weeks!

---