One of the best tag lines of all time is from Nike. It’s simple yet so powerful. “Just Do It.” How many times do we say, ‘Oh, I’ll do that later. I am too busy now.’? It’s time to take another tactic—either do it now or schedule the time in your schedule to get it done. There are so many gadgets in our life that have the potential to increase our organizational skills. But there’s a catch—they require us to put in the time to program them to do their jobs. Make the decision to ‘Start now’ on the tasks that will make your life easier in the long run.
Train Your Phone
When you get that new smartphone, take the time to program it completely. Put all contacts in with addresses, emails, contact information, and birthdays. This will take a bit of time, but when you go to address Christmas cards, you will have all the information you need. When you can’t remember your niece’s birthday, it will be right at your fingertips. Also, remember to keep your contacts updated as people move or change emails. You will find your life will be so organized and manageable. Remember, saving future time and energy equals money.
Tell Your Money Where to Go
Take the time to research what will work and set a budget that works for you. Once you’re set-up, review every month to analyze and make any appropriate changes. It takes time and energy to set up properly, but the results could change your financial situation forever.
Use the Tech
When starting a new food or workout program. Do the steps that are necessary to succeed. If you only complete half of the steps, then you will only get 50% out of the program. There are so many great programs out there that allow you to track your food and exercise but they only work if you put in 100%. Again do the work, do the research and find what works for you and just do it!
Keep the Books Tidy
- When you begin bookkeeping for a business, do it 100%. Take the time to enter all the data in the beginning, including your income and expense accounts. When it is tax time, you will already be organized and ready. All you’ll have to do is transfer the information to your CPA. Or maybe you’ll be so organized that you can do your taxes yourself. Whether you prefer digital versions or a set of old-fashioned file folders on your desktop, file or scan each 1099, W-2, or expense statement as they come in the mail. Then you’ll have everything streamlined and ready.
These are just a few examples of things you can do with a little bit of effort and time. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Putting in the work first will save you so much time overall, and you’ll have more time to the things you love. Plus, big tasks broken into small sections won’t be so tedious. One of my favorite sayings is, “Short-term pain for long-term gain.” Let this be your mantra moving forward. It can be a game-changer in your life!
