put things in order
December is usually a very busy month for me, but this year was probably the craziest one yet!
The fact that I had been working from home for nine months meant a lot of changes. My dining room table has become the center of my office and each chair has specific file cabinets with forms that I use. Yes, I am from the days of yore when everything has been and continues to be in paper format.
The new software allows me to see my clients on a secure platform that has expanded the “reach” for all of us. No more driving, parking, or waiting for customers. In fact, many clients have asked if they can continue this even if the office is open again. But that meant I had to develop some skills and patience.
Since I still have paper files, I created a system that works for my staff. Client files for the next two business days are kept in a rolling suitcase. Twice a week I go to the office when no one is in the building and change my bags. I leave the one with the complete appointment information and take home the one for the next two business days.
The pandemic has made me rethink my future practice and I decided that this is a good time to start downsizing. So every time I get to the office, I set my alarm for an hour. Then I do “power work,” aiming to clean one file drawer at a time. It’s like dealing cards while I dump the contents into one of three boxes. One is for storage, one for shredding, and one for things my son might use in his practice. It’s amazing how this method allows for slow but steady progress!
Christmas was another challenge. Gifts were bought and wrapped, the tree put up and menus planned, all the while knowing she could be alone. And I was. But it was wonderful. My daughter and her family decided to send me Christmas dinner from the Medicine Hat Lodge and it was fantastic. Although it was quiet in my condo, I had many conversations with friends and family through technological means. And a lot of peace.
Finally, I had to prepare for the end of the year, which meant making sure all transactions were recorded and supplies ordered.
And now we stand on the threshold of a new year. The best gift I think I can give you is some clues as to how I did everything.
- Think reasonably. Divide tasks into small parts. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
- Make a list that is divided into time frames. I had a big list that had several parts according to when things would be completed (Today, By Friday, November, December, January).
- Group things into categories. For example, wrap all gifts at the same time and limit grocery shopping to a minimum number of trips.
- Organize your environment to be more efficient so you can find the things you need when you need them.
- Think smart, not hard. Never walk with something in your hands. He’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get things done and save steps with a little planning.
- Use technology as a tool and not as entertainment. It’s easy to waste time once you start exploring the “rabbit holes” the Internet has to offer.
- Focus on people and not things, on blessings and not losses, on progress and not procrastination.
I hope these simple tips help you start the year on a positive note.
Happy New Year to all!
