Hot Organizing Tip: Count to Three

We organizers like to keep it simple. You can't get much easier than counting 1-2-3.

There is a natural rhythm to three.

When I first learned to construct Toastmaster speeches, I found I could easily deliver a presentation without notes if I stuck to three main ideas.

Some of the most beautiful floral arrangements have three elegant flowers or three distinct elements.

Here are three ways that counting to three will help you get or stay organized:

• Bundle three tasks together. Here's an example: In the morning if you know you need a bundle of three things to successfully get out the door, it will be easier to remember to get the cell phone off the charger, turn off the lights and feed the cat. By doing all three things in sequence, it makes a unit which becomes easier to remember than three separate tasks.
• Manage your To Do list by focusing on three, and only three, tasks at a time. When those three items are accomplished, go for three more. You will gain a sense of accomplishment and find the smaller lists less daunting. 
• When it comes to areas of life focus, many of us can manage to do three things well. For example, Lucy is a great mom, a valuable asset to her workplace, and an avid bicycler. While interested in other things, Lucy cannot find the resources, including time and energy, to devote to additional focus areas.

Do you have examples of how simply counting to three can save you time and energy? Send us a message and let us know how it works for you.

Comments

[Bruce Hammitt]

Ellen:

This is tremendous advice. Counting to three can also be valuable when you are mad, it gives you time to think before you react in a negative way.
Organizing tasks can often be
overwhelming,i.e."take a bite of the elephant instead of looking at how big the elephant is".

By packaging your tasks into groups of three you don't have to be overwhelmed by the complexity of your entire day, but can take it one small bite at a time.

Bruce