I just completed a FREE printable for you and I hope you love it. It's my exclusive Get Organized Now! 2021 Monthly Organizing Calendar, filled with daily organizing TO DOs and inspiration to help you get and stay organized, and keep you motivated along the way. To access and print it, visit:
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Happy organizing and lots of love this holiday season!

Maria Gracia

P.S. Please forward this newsletter to friends and family so they, too, can access this resource. Thank you for spreading the love!

A GON Reader Asks

Hi Maria,

Because I was having trouble getting things done at home and at work, I finally took your advice from awhile back and created a time log. Hands down, this was the best thing I've ever done, and I'm sorry it took me so long to listen. But better late, than never, right? I can now see exactly where so much of my time is being wasted.

One of my biggest challenges is lengthy phone calls. The other night, I called my sister (we talk almost every day). I got so engrossed in our conversation that it ended up being a 90-minute call...and once I was done, my TO DO list haunted me with all of the tasks not even started yet. If this was just a once-in-awhile thing, it would be OK. But it's not...and it's not only with one person. I just love talking to family and friends, and I can't seem to keep our conversations short

Plus, sometimes, when I'm in a rush myself, like if I have an appointment, it's very hard for me to end a phone call with someone else. This generally forces me to rush to wherever I have to be...and I almost always forget something because of the rushing around.

Anyway, now that I can clearly see that the phone is an issue for me, as well as for my TO DO list, what's the next step? How do I stop wasting time on the phone?

This Reader Question was submitted by:

--Corissa P., Anchorage, AK


Maria Gracia responds...

Hi Corissa,

I totally get what you're saying. Life is better with family and friends, and the fact that you're keeping in touch is a blessing. That being said, there are ways to be connected (and to enjoy those phone calls) without them being at the expense of your TO DO list. Here are some thoughts:

1. Express your time limits and focus on the important topic or two.

Sometimes you just don't have the time for a super-long conversation. At the start of the conversation, tell the other person you've only got 15 minutes to spare right now...and then choose a topic or two to chat about. When those 15 minutes have passed, tell her it was wonderful talking, but you've got to hang up for now. But continue with another phone call and another topic in a day or two.

2. Set an egg timer.

Many phone calls get lengthy because you get so involved with the conversation that you lose track of the time. Set a timer for a specified amount of time, like 15 minutes, and agree to end the call when the timer goes off.

3. Prepare ahead of time.

Before you make your calls, make a list of the items you want to cover. Check off each item as you go. This helps to keep the phone calls on track, and ensures you don't miss telling or asking something important.

4. Schedule meandering conversations for the weekend.

It can be fun and therapeutic to have a long, untimed, conversation with someone you care about. I usually schedule these for weekends, versus busy weekdays. This way, the conversation is not rushed, and more enjoyable.

5. Limit the number of conversations, in any one day, that could get long.

If you have, for example, three friends who you connect with via phone that are all very long phone conversations, divide and conquer...like one on a Friday night, another on a Saturday, and another on a Sunday...maybe different people on alternating weeks. In doing so, you're staying connected, but you still have time to accomplish your TO DOs.

Hope this helps and gives you some ideas to consider and apply.

--Maria

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Plus...in case you haven't seen these yet:

GON Monthly Checklist Our December Organizing Checklist provides an organizing TO DO for every day of the month

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'Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only time we've got.' --Art Buchwald

I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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