Submitted by Valerie Simpson of A to Z Organizing Pros

Are you constantly rushing around? Do you have a cluttered work or home environment? Are you typically late to meetings or appointments? Are you overscheduled? These are all signs you’re not running your life as efficiently or as effectively as possible.

Such inefficiencies might be costing you more than money. They could be costing you the life you desire and deserve. Here are a few tips to help bring your life back on the right track.

1. Make a to-do list every day and follow it. One of the biggest efficiency concerns for most people is the ability to manage their time. Learning to prioritize may be the No. 1 way to handle more in less time. Some people use the excuse that they don’t have enough time to prioritize. The reality is they are afraid of how large the list will be. Stop and take two minutes to list everything you have to accomplish today. Rank these items in the order of importance. Do the most important tasks first. Now you have a plan and a goal for accomplishing what you have to do. Anything left at the end of the day should be placed on a new list and reprioritized.
2. Create a sense of self-determination. You are in control of your life. Be determined to succeed in the things that you are passionate about. We each have the ability to view things as we choose. View them through positive eyes. Laugh at yourself when you are under stress, and you will feel better. Learn how to live in the moment. There is not a thing you can do about yesterday or tomorrow. You can only prepare yourself now for the future.
3. Control your telephone calls. Take and make calls at scheduled times during the day. Do not take calls during times when you are working on special projects that require your undivided attention.
4. Schedule desk time when you will not have any interruptions.
5. Delegate tasks. You are not the only one who can get things done. There are competent individuals all around you waiting to be asked to help. Just ask any very busy person about how they handle so much, and the answer will likely be that they delegate.
6. Learn to say no. We do not have to take on everything asked of us.
7. Don’t allow random piles to build up. Take the time to put things away. You will have more time in the long run because you won't have to look for items. When you come home from the grocery store, you take the time to put your items away in specified locations throughout your home. You have a mailing address for your postal mail and maybe an email address. Why not give all your things an appropriate address in your home or office?

Simpson is a professional organizer and productivity consultant with A to Z Organizing Pros.

As of June 17, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.