Remove hair from hairbrushes and clean/wash them thoroughly.

When you are feeling over-extended with your schedule, it's important to remind yourself that there are only 24 hours in any given day. If you sleep the recommended eight hours a night, you're left with 16 hours. If you work, have your own business, care for children or an aging parent, or are dealing with health challenges yourself or with family members, you have even less time to spare. At some point, you may need to make a judgment call and realize you can't do everything all the time, or you will burn yourself out. It's OK to say 'No' sometimes.

1. Be brief, direct, and honest. Do not make excuses. People respect honesty. Be fair, and most of all remember to be fair to yourself. If you don't respect your time, others won't either.

2. You don't have to give a reason. We don't give reasons when we say 'yes' so why should we have to give a reason for saying 'no.' A simple 'I appreciate you asking, but no thanks' will often do the trick.

3. Set limits. If you do want to help, but your time is limited, express that. For instance, if you're asked to volunteer four hours of your time, and you can only give two, tell them that and be sure to stick to your limits. Set a timer when you get there and leave when it sounds. In addition, you might consider helping in a smaller way. For example, if you're asked to organize a bake sale, but you don't have the time or will to be in charge, politely say no, but perhaps offer to bake up a few dozen cupcakes instead.

4. Kick the guilt to the curb. Remember, you are not refusing the person. You are, rather, refusing the request for your time. And it's OK if the only thing on your calendar is staying home to read a book. That personal time may be time sorely needed for you to relax and regroup.

P.S. Searching for more time in your life? Here are 501 Tips and Ideas for Finding More Time for the Things You Love!

"Maria, You inspire me with your GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter and make me feel that you are a part of my life. Thank you for infusing the 'can do' spirit into me."
-- Dr Jayanti Seth, Associate Professor, recently retired

"I love your newsletter and you for all the help you give us lose souls when it comes to organizing. Many thanks!"
-- Barbara

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-- Margaret Buzzard


I'd really love to know your thoughts about GON in Five Minutes! Just hit Reply and let me know.

-- Thanks! Maria

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___ 1. Do today's task on my March Monthly Organizing Checklist. The March 27 TO DO focuses on socks missing mates. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my March Monthly Organizing Checklist.

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___ 3. Trim/prune some plants. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I plan to go outside in my front and back yard to trim back some of last year's plants before the new growth begins. Just one plant at a time. Perhaps you have the same TO DO on your list?

'Let today mark a new beginning for you. Give yourself permission to say NO without feeling guilty, mean, or selfish. Anybody who gets upset or expects you to say yes all of the time clearly doesn't have your best interest at heart. Always remember: You have a right to say no without having to explain yourself. Be at peace with your decisions.'
-- Stephanie Lahart

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I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comments, suggestions, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

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