Julie Morgenstern travels all over the world as a global consultant, working with corporations to help improve the time management practices of employees. Jean talks with Julie about a few simple things you can do to keep your life organized, whether you are a CEO or a stay-at-home mom.
Between family and work, Julie says many people have too many obligations and are stretching themselves thin. "I think that we weren't built to be constantly on the go like this—there is no breathing time, there is no slow-down time, there is no thinking time," she says. Instead of trying to do it all, Julie says you should try to follow the "four Ds" of time management:
Delete. If there is something on your schedule that isn't necessary, delete it and make room for the important stuff, Julie says. "Say, 'You know what? In the grand scheme of things, if I never get to this no one is going to get hurt, life is going to go on, no big shakes,'" she says.
Delay. There is a difference between procrastinating and delaying, Julie says. "Procrastinating is just aimlessly avoiding something because you are kind of afraid or intimidated by doing it," she says. "Delaying something is scheduling it for a more appropriate time."
Diminish. If you have big plans to clean your home but don't have the time, Julie says just dust, sweep and mop instead. "You just lighten up—you find a shortcut for what it is you need to do," she says.
Delegate. It can be hard to delegate tasks around the house or in the boardroom, but Julie says if you articulate what you want, the results will be positive.
