Why You Need a Daily Uniform in 2024 and Winter Uniform Ideas
Welcome, style enthusiasts! As we step into 2024, let’s talk about a game-changer that can simplify your mornings, save you time, and elevate your style: the daily uniform. Today, we’ll explore the compelling reasons behind adopting a daily uniform and delve into chic winter uniform ideas that prioritize comfort, warmth, and timeless elegance.
Why You Need a Daily Uniform
1. Effortless Mornings:
Picture this: a closet filled with pieces that effortlessly complement each other. That’s the beauty of a daily uniform. Selecting your outfit becomes a breeze, allowing you to start your day with ease and clarity.
2. Time and Energy Savings:
By eliminating the decision fatigue that comes with choosing from a myriad of options, you reclaim precious time and mental energy. A daily uniform streamlines your morning routine, leaving you with more bandwidth to conquer your day.
3. Comfort and Confidence:
Comfort and confidence go hand in hand. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, your confidence soars. A daily uniform ensures that every piece aligns with your style and comfort preferences, making you feel your best every day.
4. Efficient Shopping:
Know exactly what pieces you need to complete your daily uniform template, making shopping a breeze. With a clear vision, you can invest in higher quality items that stand the test of time, steering clear of fast fashion pitfalls.
5. Investment-Worthy Pieces:
With a daily uniform, you buy less variation, allowing you to invest in better quality pieces. Focus on timeless items made with superior materials that not only look polished but also last longer, reducing your environmental footprint.
Winter Uniform Ideas
Winter brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for style. Let’s explore some winter uniform ideas that prioritize comfort, warmth, and sophistication.
1. Material and Texture Take Center Stage:
Winter is the season to let material and texture shine. Embrace wool, silk, and cashmere for their luxurious feel and superior warmth. Quality fabrics elevate your winter wardrobe, ensuring durability and a polished appearance.
2. Layering Magic:
Layering is the key to staying warm in winter. Whether it’s blazers over sweaters or cardigans paired with blouses, layering adds depth to your outfit. Opt for natural fibers to ensure comfort and avoid overheating.
3. Neutral Palette for Versatility:
Stick to a neutral color palette that complements your natural coloring. Neutrals are timeless, making it easier to mix and match your winter wardrobe. This approach allows you to invest in higher quality pieces that outlast seasonal trends.
This versatile “suit” template can be dressed up or down with different blouses or sweaters. Choose slightly oversized or looser fits for both the blazer and trousers, ensuring business appropriateness without sacrificing comfort.
Embrace comfort without sacrificing style with this work-from-home template. Opt for slightly more fitted wool joggers to maintain a polished look. The cardigan can be swapped for a fleece jacket for a casual touch.
Join the Charmed Life Master Mind
Ready to enhance not just your style but your overall lifestyle? Join the Charmed Life Master Mind for more productivity systems and personal organization tips that will elevate your quality of life. Surround yourself with a community dedicated to mastering the art of living a charmed life.
Here’s to a year of effortless mornings, stylish comfort, and the joy of embracing a daily uniform that reflects your unique essence. Cheers to a charmed life! ✨👗
xoxo,
Alexis Giostra @MissTrenchcoat, Founder of Strange & Charmed
7Home Management Systems to Put into Practice Now for an Easier and More Organized Year Ahead
Welcome to a new year, where a fresh start and an organized home await you! If you’re ready to make 2024 your most streamlined and stress-free year yet, it’s time to implement some home management systems. These practical and effective systems will not only simplify your daily life but also pave the way for a more harmonious and balanced household. Let’s dive into seven essential home management systems to put into practice now for an easier and more organized year ahead.
1. Autopilot for Bills: Autopay Your Way to Financial Ease
Say goodbye to bill-related stress by setting up autopay for your recurring bills. Automating your payments ensures that your financial commitments are met on time, giving you peace of mind and saving you the hassle of manual payments.
Pro Tip: Schedule a monthly reminder to review your account statements. While autopay is convenient, it’s crucial to stay informed about your financial transactions.
2. Culinary Harmony: Master the Art of Meal Planning and Prep
Take the chaos out of mealtime with a well-thought-out meal planning and preparation system. Devote a bit of time each week to plan your meals, create a shopping list, and prepare some ingredients in advance. This not only saves time but also promotes healthier eating habits.
Pro Tip: Consider theme nights for meals, making planning even more enjoyable. Taco Tuesdays, anyone?
3. Sparkling Spaces: Establish a Cleaning Routine
Maintain a clean and organized home effortlessly by establishing a cleaning routine. Break down tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly chores. This not only keeps your home tidy but also ensures that deep cleaning doesn’t become an overwhelming task.
Pro Tip: Get the whole family involved by assigning age-appropriate chores. Cleaning can be a team effort, fostering a sense of responsibility in everyone.
4. Family Bonding Time: Schedule Regular Quality Family Time
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s essential to prioritize quality family time. Set aside dedicated moments for bonding – be it a weekly game night, a Sunday brunch, or a family outing. These moments strengthen family bonds and create cherished memories.
Pro Tip: Rotate the responsibility of choosing the family activity each week to keep things exciting and inclusive.
5. Health Matters: Schedule Doctor Appointments in Advance
Stay on top of your family’s health by proactively scheduling doctor appointments. Mark key dates for check-ups, vaccinations, and any necessary medical visits. This system ensures that your loved ones receive the care they need, without the stress of last-minute appointments.
Pro Tip: Create a family health calendar to centralize all medical appointments and make it easily accessible to everyone.
6. Home TLC: Prioritize Home Maintenance
A well-maintained home is a happy home. Create a schedule for routine home maintenance tasks, such as HVAC system checks, gutter cleaning, and pest control. Regular maintenance prevents small issues from turning into costly repairs.
Pro Tip: Use technology to set reminders for maintenance tasks. Apps and digital calendars can be excellent tools to keep you on track.
7. Financial Zen: Monthly Financial Review
Secure your financial future by implementing a monthly financial review system. Set aside time each month to review your budget, track expenses, and assess your financial goals. This proactive approach allows you to identify areas for improvement and celebrate your financial wins.
Pro Tip: Use the monthly financial review as an opportunity to set goals for the upcoming month and adjust your budget accordingly.
Join the Charmed Life Master Mind
Ready to elevate your home management systems and create a life of ease and organization? Join the Charmed Life Master Mind for ongoing support in building personalized systems that align with your unique lifestyle. Surround yourself with a community committed to mastering the art of personal organization and make 2024 your most charmed year yet.
Embrace the beauty of an organized home and enjoy the abundance of time and energy it brings. Here’s to a year filled with ease, harmony, and the joy of a well-managed home! 🏡✨
xoxo,
Alexis Giostra @MissTrenchcoat, Founder of Strange & Charmed
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, streamlining our routines can be a game-changer. One area where this simplicity truly shines is in our wardrobes. Enter the concept of the daily uniform or outfit template – a sartorial lifesaver designed to not only save time but also enhance your confidence and style effortlessly.
What is a Daily Uniform?
A daily uniform, or outfit template, is a curated set of clothing that you feel comfortable and confident wearing. It’s not about wearing the same outfit every day but having a consistent style that reflects your personality. By defining your daily uniform, you create a go-to look that aligns with your vibe, making dressing a breeze every morning.
Time-Saving Elegance
One of the primary benefits of having a daily uniform is the gift of time. Imagine waking up, knowing exactly what you’re going to wear without the stress of choosing from a multitude of options. This streamlined approach leaves you with more time for your morning rituals, setting a positive tone for the day.
Confidence in Every Stitch
Your daily uniform becomes an armor of confidence. When you consistently wear outfits that make you feel fantastic, you exude a natural confidence that can transform your entire day. Whether you’re rocking a power suit or embracing the chic simplicity of a dress, your outfit can be a source of strength and self-assurance.
Banishing Decision Fatigue
Every decision we make throughout the day, no matter how trivial, depletes our mental energy. Simplifying your wardrobe choices minimizes decision fatigue, leaving your mind clear and focused for the tasks that truly matter.
Daily Uniform Workwear Ideas
*Now, let’s explore three versatile outfit templates for the empowered working woman:*
Outfit Template 1: Sleek Professionalism
– Bottoms: Classic slacks in neutral shades (black, navy, or gray).
– Top: Crisp blouse paired with a tailored blazer or a cozy cardigan.
– Shoes: Comfortable heels or elegant loafers.
– Accessories: Statement necklace, a quality watch, and a structured handbag.
*Pro Tip:* Play with textures and patterns. A silk blouse can contrast beautifully with a textured blazer, adding depth to your ensemble.
Outfit Template 2: Cozy Elegance
– Bottoms: Fitted skirt (pencil or A-line) in a complementary color.
– Top: Chunky knit sweater in warm hues or neutral tones.
– Shoes: Knee-high boots or ankle booties.
– Accessories: Long pendant necklace, statement earrings, and a chic tote bag.
*Pro Tip:* Experiment with color blocking. Pair a bold, solid-colored sweater with a subtly patterned skirt for a sophisticated look.
Outfit Template 3: Effortless Charm
– Dress: A versatile, well-fitted dress in a style that flatters your body shape.
– Tights: Choose opaque or patterned tights depending on the season and your preference.
– Shoes: Ankle boots, flats, or heels, depending on your comfort.
– Accessories: Minimalistic bracelet, stud earrings, and a crossbody bag.
*Pro Tip:* Embrace monochromatic dressing. Opt for a dress and tights in similar shades to create a chic, elongated silhouette.
By building your wardrobe around these outfit templates, you’re not only saving time but also investing in your confidence and self-expression. Remember, your daily uniform is a canvas; accessorize, play with colors, and have fun expressing your unique style within the template. When you look and feel your best every day, the world becomes your runway.
Here’s to embracing the simplicity of a daily uniform and stepping into every day with poise and style.
With Love and Style,
Founder, Strange & Charmed 🌟
P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!
As the crisp autumn air settles in, it’s the perfect time to revamp your lunch routine with comforting and nutritious fall-inspired meals. Say goodbye to the same old packed lunches and dive into the delightful world of easy-to-make, delicious fall lunches that will make your workdays brighter. Here are some flavorful and simple fall lunch ideas that you can meal prep, ensuring you savor every bite during your busy workweek.
1. Roasted Harvest Bowl
– Ingredients: Roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, quinoa, mixed greens, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
– Meal Prep Tip: Roast the veggies and cook the quinoa in advance. Assemble the bowl by layering the ingredients, creating a colorful and hearty lunch option.
2. Apple Pecan Salad
– Ingredients: Mixed greens, sliced apples, candied pecans, crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken slices (optional), and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.
– Meal Prep Tip: Wash and chop the greens, and store them separately from the toppings. Assemble the salad in the morning before heading out, ensuring a fresh and crisp meal.
3. Butternut Squash Soup
– Ingredients: Roasted butternut squash, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, a touch of cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
– Meal Prep Tip: Prepare a large batch of butternut squash soup over the weekend. Divide it into portions and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat a portion for a comforting and warm fall lunch at work.
4. Turkey and Cranberry Wrap
– Ingredients: Whole wheat wrap, leftover roasted turkey slices, cranberry sauce, spinach leaves, and a sprinkle of goat cheese (optional).
– Meal Prep Tip: Assemble the wraps the night before or in the morning. Wrap them tightly in parchment paper, securing with a rubber band. These wraps are easy to grab and eat on the go.
5. Maple Glazed Salmon Bowl
– Ingredients: Baked or grilled salmon fillet, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, wild rice, and a drizzle of maple glaze.
– Meal Prep Tip: Cook the salmon and roast the sweet potatoes in advance. Store the components separately and assemble the bowl right before lunch. Drizzle with the maple glaze for a burst of fall flavor.
6. Pumpkin and Sage Pasta
– Ingredients: Whole wheat pasta, roasted pumpkin cubes, fresh sage leaves, Parmesan cheese, a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
– Meal Prep Tip: Cook the pasta and roast the pumpkin in advance. Sauté fresh sage leaves in olive oil just before serving. Toss everything together for a cozy and satisfying fall pasta dish.
7. Veggie and Hummus Wrap
– Ingredients: Whole grain wrap, hummus, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and baby spinach.
– Meal Prep Tip: Spread a layer of hummus on the wrap, then add the veggies. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks. These wraps stay fresh, making them a convenient and healthy option.
8. Autumn Fruit Salad
– Ingredients: Sliced apples, pears, grapes, dried figs, walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
– Meal Prep Tip: Slice the fruits and mix them with the other ingredients except for the honey/maple syrup. Pack them in an airtight container. Drizzle honey or maple syrup just before eating for a refreshing and sweet fall dessert-inspired salad.
These fall lunch ideas are not only delectable but also incredibly easy to prepare in advance. Embrace the flavors of fall, and let your lunch break be a delightful pause in your day. With a bit of meal prep, you can enjoy wholesome, homemade meals that fuel your body and warm your soul during the autumn season.
Happy Lunching!
With Warmth and Flavor,
Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂🍴
P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!
October, with its crisp air and vibrant colors, is not just a prelude to winter; it’s a prologue to the warmth and togetherness of the holiday season. By embracing this month as a time of preparation and anticipation, you can pave the way for a peaceful, joyous, and stress-free holiday period. Here’s a guide to help you prepare your home, your family, and your heart for the wonderful chaos that November and December bring.
1. Declutter and Organize
Begin by decluttering your living spaces. Clear out the old to make room for the new. Organize your closets, cabinets, and pantry. Donate items you no longer need. This not only creates a sense of order but also makes room for holiday decorations and new gifts.
2. Prepare Your Home
Start decorating your home for the holidays. Bring out your favorite decorations, and let your creativity flow. Ensure your holiday china and serving ware are accessible and clean. Create a cozy ambiance with candles, fairy lights, and warm blankets. Make your home a haven of comfort and cheer.
3. Plan Your Holiday Meals
Research and organize recipes for your holiday feasts. Consider trying new dishes and experimenting with flavors. Plan your menus in advance, making note of any dietary restrictions or preferences. Create a shopping list and stock up on essential ingredients.
4. Capture the Moment
If you plan to send out holiday cards, schedule a family photoshoot. Choose a theme or setting that resonates with your family’s personality. Remember, these photos capture beautiful memories and spread love to your friends and family.
5. Delegate and Collaborate
Involve your family in the preparations. Allocate tasks based on everyone’s strengths and interests. Whether it’s cooking, decorating, or addressing holiday cards, sharing the workload fosters a sense of unity and excitement.
6. Practice Gratitude
Encourage your family to reflect on what they are grateful for. Create a gratitude jar where everyone can jot down their blessings. This practice instills a sense of appreciation and sets a positive tone for the season.
7. Embrace Self-Care
Amidst the busyness, don’t forget to nurture yourself. Take moments for self-reflection, indulge in your favorite activities, and prioritize self-care. A well-rested and content you will spread love and joy effortlessly.
8. Prepare for Guests
If you’re expecting guests, prepare your guest rooms with fresh linens and cozy touches. Stock up on toiletries, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Plan activities and outings that will entertain your guests and create unforgettable memories.
Dear friends, October is the canvas upon which we sketch the outline of our holiday season. By embracing this month with intention and preparation, you pave the way for a seamless and heartwarming holiday period. Remember, the essence of the season lies not in perfection but in love, connection, and the joy of giving.
Wishing you a month filled with anticipation, love, and beautiful preparations.
With Warmth and Excitement,
Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂✨
P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisper, it’s time to harness the power of a Fall Braindump. Think of it as a mental harvest, a process where you gather all your ideas, dreams, and plans and lay them out on paper. This simple activity can transform your Q4, helping you make better plans and unforgettable memories during this vibrant season.
What is a Fall Braindump and Why is it Essential?
A Fall Braindump is your ticket to a more organized, intentional, and joyful season. It’s a creative process of getting all your thoughts and aspirations out of your head and onto paper. By doing so, you create a visual roadmap, ensuring that no wonderful idea gets lost amidst the hustle and bustle of autumn and winter.
How Will a Fall Braindump Improve Your Q4?
1. Clarity and Focus: Writing down your ideas brings clarity. It helps you visualize what you truly want to experience and achieve in the upcoming months. It acts as a guiding light, focusing your attention on what matters most.
2. Efficient Planning: When your ideas are on paper, planning becomes efficient. You can organize your thoughts into actionable steps, making it easier to schedule activities, events, and moments with loved ones.
3. Preventing Overwhelm: Q4 often comes with a flurry of activities. A Fall Braindump ensures you don’t miss out on anything important. By organizing your thoughts, you can prioritize what truly matters and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
4. Creating Lasting Memories: By brainstorming seasonal activities and events, you’re setting the stage for memorable experiences. It’s not just about checking off tasks; it’s about crafting moments that will be cherished for years to come.
Fall Braindump Prompts
What are all the expected events you can think of for Q4?
Holiday Gatherings
Seasonal Events
Travel
EOY Conferences
Campaigns/Promotions
Events for your spouse/partners work
Events for your children
Community events
Sports events
List each event and the associated dates/times
What are all the fun seasonal activities and memories you want to make time for in Q4?
Apple/Pumpkin Picking (Which farm and have you consulted their schedule?)
Family Photos + Holiday Cards (don’t forget to book the photographer)
Movie nights (which movies did you want to watch?)
Reading (list the books)
Hiking/Camping (campsites or trails you want to try)
Cooking/Baking (list the recipes you want to make)
Visiting friends and family (who do you want to see and what will you do together?)
Vacation/Travel/Exploring (where do you want to go?)
Visiting gravesites for loved ones (where are they, what will you bring)
List each activity and the frequency or date you want to set aside for each.
How to Start Your Fall Braindump
1. Find a quiet space and gather your favorite writing tools – a notebook and pen or your digital device.
2. Reflect on the prompts provided, letting your mind wander and jotting down any ideas that come up.
3. Organize your thoughts into categories – events, activities, family, self-care, etc.
4. Create a timeline for each activity or event, marking specific dates and times.
5. Prioritize your list based on what aligns best with your goals and desires for the season.
By doing your Fall Braindump, you’re not just planning; you’re setting the stage for a season filled with purpose and joy. Your plans and memories will be as vibrant as the autumn leaves, making Q4 a truly magical time.
Happy Braindumping!
Warmly,
Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂✨
P.S. If you struggle with planning, time management and personal organization, I have the perfect planner for you! The Charmed Life Master Planner is a Functional Planning System that includes all the inserts you need to generate ideas, formulate plans and schedule the time to execute successfully on it all! Click here to purchase your copy now.
In this work from home world we are now part of, keeping your desk space organized plays a critical role in our motivation, stress and productivity. What you see on your desk, the tools, the clutter, and the open space, directly affects our brains and can send us subconscious messages to either get to work, or to procrastinate. So, keeping your desk organized is a simple task and habit to build that can ultimately help you get into a more positive workday routine.
It doesn’t have to be a complicated process, and you don’t need to do any special to organize your desk, but here are 5 tips for keeping your desk organized that I have learned can be very impactful for your productivity and success with accomplishing your work.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Desk Organized
#1. Use a large enough desk for your needs and the space you have
#2. If your desk doesn’t have enough storage, create your own under desk storage system with a cabinet, boxes or a standing organizer. Avoiding adding too many organizers to your surface space.
#3. Only keep your current work on your desk.
#4. Clear your desk off and quickly organize it at the end of the workday
#5. If you have work to continue the next day, organize any paperwork, tools or resources in neat piles
That’s it! That is all you have to do to start building a positive habit and momentum around your desk space and your work.
REMAINING ORGANIZED AND MOTIVATED ISN’T ALWAYS EASY
It’s not easy being an ambitious working woman in today’s society. Women have more responsibilities on their shoulders now than they ever have that can make getting organized and motivated feel impossible and overwhelming, which is why goal getters like you and I need to stick together!
If you would like more guidance, support and inspiration for living your best life, I welcome you to join the Productivity + Planning Mastermind!
This is what I created the Mastermind for:
To be a safe space for women like you and I who see beyond the surface of our societal expectations, challenge the accepted norms, and know there is a better way to live.
It’s a place for support, encouragement, accountability and ongoing personal development for us to continue challenging accepted norms and choosing our own unique path to success.
→ The Mastermind includes so many resources to help you on your journey, from multiple live calls each month, to on-demand strategies, tools, and even a complete course on productivity!
→ We have our own private chat forum where we connect and discuss topics ranging from planning, metaphysics, mindset, and wellness.
→ We have a monthly book club to help nurture a growth mindset and continue to learn.
→ We even have a dedicated group for small business CEOs to learn and connect as well!
→ The best part is, when you join the Mastermind, you get immediate access to the entire library of resources, masterclasses and bonus materials that I have been creating since it’s launch.
→ There is no waiting, content isn’t dripped to you, it’s all there for you to explore and access on-demand as you please.
→ And of course I am there as well for guidance and to answer your questions along the way.
When you know better, you do better.
Are you ready to do better for yourself, your family and your future by committing to your personal development to become the best woman, mother, spouse, sister, daughter, aunt and friend that you can be?
Today, I wanted to share with you 5 Key Dates to Schedule into Your Planner Right Now for a more Productive and Organized Year Ahead!
Since we are halfway thru January already, I recommend making sure you have these dates clearly marked off in your planner as soon as possible to avoid any overwhelm or complications later in the year.
1. Birthdays + Anniversaries
First, and this is an easy one, go ahead and make sure you have the birthdays and anniversaries for people you celebrate in your planner as soon as possible. I know this is a simple one, however, with covid I’m sure many of us will be mailing cards or gifts again this year as opposed to celebrating face to face and that requires some extra lead time that you might not normally take into account for celebrations. This is such a simple thing, but I’m sure for the loved ones you are celebrating it will be that much more meaningful that you sent your cards or gifts to arrive in time for their special day, so take this as just a gentle reminder of an easy thing to do to spread happiness during a difficult time.
2. Doctor’s Appointments
Second are doctors appointments, specifically annual checkups or well visits. Covid has put a strain on many doctors offices, so scheduling out those annual visits now is going to be crucial to ensure you fit in those important health appointments and that you get seen in a timely manner. I know last year I didn’t do this and when I went to schedule my annual exams I ended up having to wait several weeks to get in to see my doctors, so avoid that hassle this year, call and schedule those appointments as soon as possible and get the dates locked into your planner.
3. Vacation Time
Third is your vacation time, another great thing to have scheduled out now in January to avoid issues later this year. Some of you, I’m sure, need to get your vacation time approved by a manager, so getting those requests in now avoids any scheduling conflicts that might happen later in the year. I’m always surprised to see the statistics on how many Americans do not use all of their paid vacation time during the year, and I want to make sure you take the time you are owed because you work hard and you definitely need the break. If you are like me and work for yourself, take some time and map out the days you want to take off. I’m going to try to take some vacation time on a quarterly basis as opposed to what do now, which is not schedule any vacation and then just take a bunch of time off when I burn out at some point during the year. I think scheduling time off might work better for me productively and I hope it does for you as well.
4. Scheduled Maintenance
Fourth, think about scheduled maintenance you might need to have done on your home, vehicles or appliances and get those dates in your planner and any necessary appointments scheduled. Again, don’t just wait until you’re closer to the approximate maintenance date to get those things scheduled because with covid we have no clue how backed up maintenance workers are going to be. Better to have the foresight now and get it scheduled in your planner.
5. Due Dates for Projects
Fifth and finally, make sure to schedule the due dates for projects- this could be work and personal projects, whatever pertains to you, but that is something I am making sure I have clearly scheduled into my planner. I’ll take the due dates from my project plans, especially ones that pertain to my annual goals, and make sure they are clearly tracked in my planner. I’m going to even take those a step further and schedule reminder dates like 1 week and 1 month until a project is due based on it’s size. Whatever you can do to keep those projects on the top of your mind the better. Time moves so fast, especially in quarantine so its easy to loose sense of time and urgency and this is a way we can combat that for ourselves and be a little more organized and productive this year!
Watch this video on the 5 Key Dates to Schedule In Your Planner
Also, if you are interested in learning more about planning your year and improving your productivity, I welcome you to join my Productivity + Planning Master Mind. February’s master class is on the topic of functional planning and it will be filled with tips for managing your tasks and time.
I hope this information helps you plan a more productive and organized year. I would love to hear from you in the comments and know what other tasks for the year you like to plan out ahead of time?
In today’s video I am sharing 5 rules that I follow for managing my email inbox. Reaching email inbox zero is a productivity and organization practice I use to keep me from missing important information or tasks that come from my emails on a weekly basis. But in addition to that process, I try to follow some simple rules when engaging with my emails on a day to day basis to ensure I remain focused and efficient with my email management.
If you would like to watch a dedicated video on my Email Inbox Zero Process, click here! Both videos are great resources to help you efficiently organize your email. I hope you enjoy!
I have been on the internet for a very long time. I was building my own websites and doing an early form of micro blogging back in the early 2000s while I was in high school. Yea, it’s been a while and with each new iteration of tech, software and internet enabled gadgets, I feel like I have accumulated so much digital clutter. And I don’t think you even had to be active in the digital space for as long as I have been to feel similarly. Most of us have a backlog of emails in our inbox, a camera roll cluttered with photos, videos and screen shots, and just too much digital stuff to look at, scroll through, listen to and watch!
It’s time for us to do a digital declutter- at least, it’s time for me to do a digital declutter.
If you are not familiar with the concept of a digital declutter, it’s very similar to the concept of a home, room, closet or drawer declutter. We are going to go through our digital devices and start clearing things out.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. Why is this necessary? Our digital devices are equipped with enough hard drive and cloud backup space to keep every single email, picture, screen shot, app, and note- so why would we actively declutter this if we can just keep it forever?
You’re right, we do have nearly unlimited storage space for all our digital information, however, when was the last time you truly went back and reviewed older files? I know for me, I occasionally scroll through files looking for something I know I saved and because of all the other digital clutter, it’s hard for me to find that one single thing I’m looking for. Even when I use the search function in an app like my email to find something I know I saved, I find it hard to locate that specific email. I’ve frequently lost digital files on my devices, and so, perhaps we give that seemingly unlimited storage capacity and search functionality too much credit. Like physical clutter, digital clutter can absolutely be an eyesore or weight on our shoulders, complicating things that should be an organized convenience. So, if you are ready to lighten your digital load and have an easier time with your devices, here are some ways you can start your own digital declutter.
7 Ways to Declutter Your Digital Life
#1.Get to Email Inbox Zero: I’ve created an entire video on the exact process I use to get to Email Inbox Zero, so click here to check it out. No, Inbox Zero doesn’t mean we are going to delete all of our emails. Instead we are going to use a system of organizing to process through unread emails and properly store or delete emails as necessary to ensure our inboxes are as organized as possible and that no email is left behind.
#2.Unsubscribe from Email Lists You No Longer Enjoy: While you are completing your Email Inbox Zero project, I know you’ll find emails from subscription lists you no longer enjoy. So to cut down on future email clutter, let’s just take a minute, before deleting those old emails, to locate and use the unsubscribe function to prevent future necessary email clutter.
#3.Delete Unused Apps On Your Devices: As I am completely integrated into the Apple ecosystem, whenever I get a new device, like a new iPhone for instance, it automatically downloads all the apps from every other device I own. Ugh! This is such a pain because I use certain apps on my iPad and not on my iPhone, and I end up with pages of apps I need to organize or remove. Let’s save ourselves the hassle and just purge all the old apps we no longer use. So check your phone, tablet and even your computer for old apps or software you can remove to save space and processing power for other things.
#4.Review and Clean Up the Pictures, Videos and Screenshots on Your Phone: The photo albums on my phone are a particularly cluttered part of my life. I take so many photos, videos and screenshots and very rarely delete any of them. So, if you are like me, I recommend you first take a moment to back up your photos from your phone to either your computer or to a cloud storage system. I have a Dropbox Pro membership so I can set my photos to back up to the cloud there just to ensure I don’t loose anything important. Then once everything is safe, I will go through my photos/camera roll and just clear out anything that doesn’t need to be on my phone.
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#5.Create a Digital Filing System on Your Computer: Now, this happens to be one the few areas of my digital life that I do have pretty well organized already, but I know so many people have a computer desktop covered with files and no clear system for storing information to future reference. For me, my system begins with folders in my “Documents” folder of my Mac. In there I have sub folders for different areas of my life and of course a dedicated folder for my business. It’s not just on folder, of course, but I keep folders nested inside each other for different aspects of my business in a file system that makes logical sense to me, so I always know where I need to store specific files and where to find them when I need to reference them again. My in progress files go in a dedicated folder called “In Progress” and I try to declutter this folder on a somewhat monthly basis. Although I always try to ensure I am saving photos, documents and other files to their appropriate place in my filing system, sometimes when I have a number of items I need to reference for a project, it’s easier to just leave them in one folder and put everything “away” once the work is complete. Whatever system makes sense to you, put something in place where you can properly organize the files on your computer, because again, search doesn’t always work out, especially if you name a file something random, forget to change the name on a file that might have had a generic title or if you misspell your file name as I sometimes do and then loose things in plain sight. At least when files are in their proper place in my system, I can narrow down where I need to look for them!
#6. Scrub through Your Podcast Subscriptions and Replace some Old Shows with some New Ones: I don’t know about you, but when it comes to free platforms like podcasts, I tend to go overboard subscribing to all different types of shows I might be interested in. In truth, however, there are few I follow through with listening to. So, it’s a great idea to review my podcast subscriptions and make sure I take off any shows I thought I’d want to listen to but didn’t like or never got around to while my interest was high. The thing about podcasts, especially if you use a podcast app like the one that comes standard on your iPhone, is that the episodes technically download to your device so they do take up storage space. If you don’t listen to a show for a while, the episodes stop downloading automatically, but if you are subscribed to a lot of shows that can be a big chunk of your hard drive taken up. So, review the podcasts you’re subscribed to, remove subscriptions to shows you don’t like, and perhaps even unearth a new show or two that piques your interest.
#7. Unfollow Instagram Accounts that No Longer Inspire You and Find a few New Ones that Light You Up: One of the aspects of the digital declutter I didn’t even touch on yet is how having soo much content at your fingertips can sometimes overwhelm you in a negative way. Specifically, when it comes to social media platforms like Instagram (but feel free to replace IG with any platform like Twitter, Facebook, YouTub, TikTok, etc) we might start following people or accounts for certain inspirational content, but then after a while it becomes a game of comparison to us. If you aren’t looking to your social content feeds feeling uplifted and inspired, and instead feel judgey, overwhelmed or brought down by what you see, it’s time to purge your feed. Remove, unfollow or unsubscribe from feeds that bring you down, and replace some of them with new content to lift you up.
So, those were 7 Ways to Declutter Your Digital Life. I’d love to hear what you thought of these ideas and how things go for you as you start your digital declutter process. To make this process even more methodical, if that’s something you’d enjoy, perhaps consider turning this into a 7 day challenge for yourself and performing one of the activities per day for a week. Let me know how it goes!
