Take A Moment to Finish Up Loose Ends

Rather than waiting until January 1st to look at what needs to be completed from 2010, I am scheduling time next week to tie up all the loose ends that can be done.  I will set my timer for 15 minutes and work on them in 15 minute increments.  To keep it interesting, I will write down all the things that I have been procrastinating about and put them in a “Project Jar” and then randomly pick out a piece of paper.  The rule I make with myself is that I must do whatever task I pick from the jar … just for 15 minutes.  Then if I am still not done, I put it back in the jar for the next random selection.  This way, it is always a surprise and I don’t spend time dreading the task.  If we just make a little progress in baby steps, we will eventually complete them.  I can guarantee that those things that are dreaded will take much less time than anticipated!

Make a promise to yourself that you will spend time between now and the New Year to clear up your loose ends so you can start the New Year with a clean slate.  Don’t even start thinking about your 2011 goals until these are cleared up.  Some ideas to put in your Project Jar:

Update your address book

Clear out your email inbox

Finish up items on your to do list

Take decluttered items to goodwill

Clean off all surfaces in your house

Schedule time / put away holiday decorations

Update your new planner with addresses, appointments, information

Clean out your tickler file

File papers

Forgive someone

Call someone

Use the 15 minute increment grid