Do you keep losing things?

Some people are truly well organised - all of the time. Many of us are organised some of the time, but not at other times, and then there are the blessed group - those who are organised all of the time. We might have other less flattering terms for them, and I think they are a minority. However, there are definite benefits for being orgnanised - life will just flow, and we will be more efficient and can save a lot of time, and maintain our calm.

If you keep losing things - such as keys, notebooks or diaries, personal planners, cell phones etc. consider these quick tips:

• Decide a location for these items that makes sense to you
• Put these things in the same place - religiously.
• Make sure other people using these things follow the same pattern.

For example:

• Put keys in a dish, on a hook, on a lanyard and have coloured keys or key rings for identification
• Have extra copies of important keys - keep them in safe places and give a set of keys to a trusted friend or relative
• Engrave your mobile (cell) phone number onto your key ring and other items you might misplace
• Charge your mobile (cell) phone near your keys
• Keep your mobile (cell) phone in same part of your desk, office, house when not used
• Place car park tickets and access cards in the same place EVERYTIME (part of clothing, wallet, handbag)
• Park your car in or near the same part of a car park.
• Take note of your car park bay number and floor (level)

In Summary:
Put things in the same obvious place all the time
Small items are best placed close to where they are used
Have a coding system for different items (colour, size, style)
If you share items, discuss with the others and actively agree with them where to store the items.

Are You Technologically Challenged?

I admit it. It takes me a while to learn new technology, and I tend to learn it on a "needs to know" basis. What I mean is that only learn the features and functions that I need - not all that are offered. And even this can be a challenge... although I occasionally surprise myself by intuitively getting it right!

Much as women might read the manuals, maps and ask for directions and men tend to just get on with it - there are times that reading manuals is too hard. The add-ons, upgrades and special features are great if it is what you need, but confusing if you don't.

Here are some tips to assist you in choosing the next level of technology you buy, hire or desire...

Don't panic -

• Decide what you want technology to do, and what you want to continue to do.
• Think about what you really need. What is it for?
• How will you use it? Will you use it?
• Do you need the latest for your work or your image?
• Don't just buy new technology because it is the latest thing - unless it offers you something you would frequently use.
• Actively choose what technology you want to use - this makes it easier to learn to use it and you are less likely to buy unwanted or unnecessary "fads".
  

Remember:
Everyone has to learn how to use new things
Few people really understand All the intricacies of rapidly changing technology, but most manage what they need.
Decide if you REALLY need anything new.
Over time your needs and expertise change, and you might learn to use some of those pesky extra features!