I am a little older, but still having fun, of course. I have noticed my memory isn't quite that good anymore. I don't look at it as a problem, however. It really shows my creativity is on full blast and I am always thinking about the next activity. I also have a five year old son so taking care of his needs is ongoing. My focus has to shift at a moment's notice when a toy is lost or a big mess needs to be immediately cleaned up.

While I am enjoying my daydreaming of my big ideas, I still need to keep the small tasks in place. If I let them go, there is no outlet for the big ideas to see their birthdays. Small tasks like laundry are not so small when you are running around looking for your favorite outfit hours before an important meeting. Organization and planning are crucial to successful outcomes.

It seemed easier in college and early in my life but now I am living "jam packed." Keeping it calm and together takes some reflection and supportive habits. Taking time first thing in the morning and some time before bed are important moments to evaluate recent activities so plans can be updated. This doesn't have to take much time at all. Many people multitask and do their thinking in the shower! Having paper and a pen in the bathroom helps. I keep a small notebook by my bedside and scrap paper in the car. At the end of the day I merge my notes into my "Success Notebook."

I built my own "Success Notebook" because I have found I do not like most day planners. I like to look at a week at a time and a full month's calendar opened up together on two pages. Most planners I have browsed through at my favorite office supply store don't leave enough room for my ideas that I am jotting down throughout the day. I need plenty of room for a checklist so I can prioritize my day first thing in the morning.

I made my own templates and print copies as I need them. I picked out an attractive binder and add as many pages as I want to carry at one time. When I open up my binder, I have a week's schedule on the left page with room for my big goals and smaller tasks. On the page on the right is a month's calendar and space to list weekly appointments. I don't copy both sides of the paper because I use the back sides to write my extra brain storming notes.

It took me a while to custom build my "Success Notebook" but it was an enjoyable process. I probably spent more time obsessing over the day planners I found at the store that didn't suit my needs. The most important secret is to use it. It needs to be easy to carry with a pen attached so it is always with me.

With a special notebook and time set aside to make plans and reflect, forgetfulness or lack of focus shouldn't be a problem. When ideas and tasks are written down, there are no worries. The "Success Notebook" becomes a valuable companion.

Tags & Keywords : time management, stress, stress management, overwhelm, anger, dissatisfaction, life satisfaction