31 October 2010 by Leave a Comment

Put your goals back on track

I am an unashamed goal-setter.

Some people don’t like to call them goals so call them whatever you like. I like to think about them as things you want to be, do or achieve.

I’ve told you before that I’ve been setting and achieving goals for about 13 years now so I have just a little bit of experience in the area.

That said, I won’t lie to you – there does come a point during the year (around August usually) when you feel like throwing in the towel.

Don’t.

That’s usually when you’re about to get a breakthrough but only if you do these 3 things:

1. Look through your goals list and note down your achievements

Recognising your achievements makes you feel like a winner. Even if you only achieved part of a goal, you’re still streaks ahead of where you’d be if you didn’t do anything.

E.g. If you had on your list to get your entire home organized and you managed to do (only) two rooms, FANTASTIC! You rock!!!

2. Ask for the necessary help

This is a big one and oh-so-difficult for a lot of us women.

I’ll confess – I also hate asking for help. It helps get you out of the “I can do it all myself” mentality and best of all, it propels you forward.

I have a blogging goal on my list that I’ve made absolutely no headway on for 8 months so I’ve hired a blog coach. There is no shame in asking for help.

3. When you do start making progress, celebrate


I’m one of those people who talks to herself. Not in my mind, but out aloud. If I’ve done good work, I say to myself, “I did an awesome job today.” The first time my one colleague heard me, he couldn’t believe it.

But I don’t think there’s anything wrong – in fact, if you don’t pat yourself on the back, who will?

Doing these three things will start giving you momentum again and put you in a place of progress.

When you keep steadily on, you’ll be sure to reach your goals.

I would love to help you and be your cheerleader as you achieve your goals.

Your action steps

1. Be brave and choose just 3 things that you want to still accomplish this year
2. Book your Success Strategy Session now.
3. Tell yourself you’re awesome!

If you’d like help creating a life you absolutely love, contact me about my coaching services.

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19 October 2010 by 1 Comment

The only 4 things to do with paper

One of the most popular questions I get from blog and mailing list readers is this:

How do I control all the paper?!

I understand completely because when I get lazy, that’s the first area that goes out of control for me too.

The first thing you have to do is decide and make decisions. I like using a timer because I’m naturally competitive (anyone relate?) and that inspires me to take action, and quickly too!

Before you start, gather the following items:

1. a timer
2. wastepaper basket
3. brightly coloured pen (I like a nice thick red gel pen)
4. notebook and/ or planner
5. post-its (the originals, not the cheap stuff)

Right, now you’re set!

There are only four actions you’re allowed to do once you’ve scanned each piece of paper. Don’t take longer than 30 seconds to scan the page.

1. Dump it

Throw it in the bin. The more ruthless you are, the less you have to file! Win-win!

If you only need one piece of information, write it down straight in your notebook and throw the piece of paper away. Some of you are hyperventilating – that’s okay 😉

2. Delegate it

If someone else has to attend to it (husband needs to phone), write the action on the paper itself or on a post-it note and put that in a separate pile.

3. File it

Please do yourself a favour and only put paper in this pile if you ABSOLUTELY need to reference it. Just a quick stat for you – only 20% of filed papers are ever referenced again.

Use your post-it pad for different categories. For example, when I’m doing my weekly paper sorting session, I use Household, Marcia, Dion and Business as my categories.

4. Do it

Here I apply the two-minute rule. If you can do it in two minutes or less, do it right there and then. When I say “do it”, I mean either action it or schedule it to action later.

For example, if you’re working on your papers at 10pm and need to make an appointment, you can’t phone right there and then, so write it on tomorrow’s to-do list. That’s within two minutes and it counts.

There you have it – the only four things to do with paper. If you stick to making decisions, your paper will be beautifully organised.

Marcia Francois is a time management coach and speaker who helps busy women break out of overwhelm, make the most of their time and take purposeful and focussed action. Visit http://marciafrancois.com for your free Organising Success Pack.

If you’d like help creating a life you absolutely love, contact me about my coaching services.

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24 August 2010 by 1 Comment

Quick! Organise your office

It’s hard to be productive when your space is not only a mess, but also disorganised.

60% of people are visual (I am too!) so clutter and “stuff” strewn all over the place will just drive you up the wall!

Before we start, let’s get ready:

(a)       put on some upbeat music (not slow love songs – fast music!)

(b)       make sure you have a BIG wastepaper basket

(c)        get another plastic basket for items that belong in another room

So what do you need to do?

1. Back up your files

Do NOT open your email programme before you start or you’ll get sidetracked!

DO put a recurring reminder in Outlook to do this on a monthly basis, or more frequently than that.

Remember last year when I lost EVERYTHING on my flash drive? It only translated to about 2 hours’ work because I’d backed up my computer a few weeks before that.

Now, while your computer is backing up…

2. Clean off your desk


You can do this in 30 seconds (that’s why you have the upbeat music) – yes, really. Play a game with yourself and say, “by the end of this song, my desk is going to be clean”. Works for me 😉

Put all items belonging in another room in the plastic basket. Don’t go to the actual room to put them away – you don’t want to get sidetracked!

Throw any cooldrink cans, sweet papers, etc. in the wastepaper basket. Put all the little notes inside your desk notebook (you do have ONE desk notebook, don’t you?) and set to one side.

If you don’t use the item on a DAILY basis, it shouldn’t be on your desk. By the same token, if you use something every day, make a place for it within arm’s reach.

E.g. My headset for Skype calls is on a hook on the wall above my desk – near enough that I can just reach for it, but not taking up valuable real estate on the desk.

See? 30 seconds and you’re done!

I *do* know this is the Quick & Easy way – if you want ALL the detail, check out 7 easy steps to organise your office at http://marciafrancois.com/?page_id=17

3. Sort out the paper



Take out the desk notebook with all the little notes. I use a spiral-bound notebook with a lovely, bright yellow and lime-green cover because it makes me happy to write my notes in a beautiful notebook 😉

Write down all those bits and pieces – your internet provider’s helpline, website addresses, people to look up on Facebook, etc.

Throw away all the junk mail and paper you don’t need (and take it to your recycling bag later).

Put all the filing in ONE pile – you can do this in front of the TV later!

Now doesn’t that feel better? A lovely, neat and organised office!

Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You’ll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://marciafrancois.com for your free Organising Success Pack.

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11 May 2010 by 8 Comments

Organizing office files and folders

I am looking for ways to organize different aspects of my life.

Need ideas on organizing office files and folders, project files, etc.

Can you give me some ideas?

Regards K.P.R.Karanth| Project Manager

First off, my golden rule for filing is…….

1. Don’t keep any paper you absolutely don’t have to.

Less paper, less filing 🙂

This is how I only need to file about 10 papers every 3 – 4 weeks.

2. What type of organiser are you?

Note I didn’t say “what type of organiser do you want to be”. Be realistic.

Will you actually punch paper and put in lever arch files (3-ring binders) or do you know you’re a bit lazy and need to just toss things in a folder?

Before I went on my decluttering bend years ago, I used to be a very lazy filer and so I used these files. No punching, just toss. Lovely.

3. Decide on a solution and try it out for a month

Think carefully about your needs before you go out and buy anything! Buying is the last step in the organising process.

That said, if the system doesn’t suit your working style, stop frustrating yourself and try something else until it works for you.

If you’re lazy about filing like I used to be because of the MOUNDS of paper I’d collect, then I’d use the folders above and store them like this.


or I’d put the papers in clear display folders (flipfiles) and store them in these magazine holders


My favourite way to organise projects is by throwing everything in one of these clear plastic envelopes. You can see I toss in the pens and flash drives, everything.


When I’m done, I pare down the paper and keep only the essentials in these envelopes. They take slightly less paper and then they go in those magazine holders.

Do you know you can make your own magazine holders with cereal boxes?

What are your favourite ways to organise your office files and folders?

P.S. Check out more ways to organise your office

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8 May 2010 by 2 Comments

Great idea for an organised desk

I was visiting a friend out here on holiday and came across this great idea at her sister’s loft apartment.

This desk is ready for working at, but when they’re done, they simply let down the blinds and the “desk mess” is hidden from their living area.

So this is what it looks like as is…

close-up view of the cubbyhole shelves above

and a close-up view of the desk

This is way too cluttered for my working style but I really like the idea of having it all out mid-project and then just pulling down the blinds so you’re not distracted if you need to move onto other tasks.

What do you think?

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27 April 2010 by 1 Comment

Get motivated to organise

This week, let’s tackle some of those tasks around the home and office that we don’t get around to doing.

I’m specifically choosing Quick and Easy tasks so that you can build up some momentum and feel good about getting things done.

What gets you motivated?

Is it MUSIC? Then put on some 80’s tunes to get yourself energised.

Is it COMPETITION? Then challenge yourself and see how many of the tasks you can accomplish in an hour.

Is it being ACCOUNTABLE? Then post a comment telling me what you’re going to do and come back to tell me when it’s done!

Is it SOCIAL INTERACTION? Then make a coffee date with a friend, but ONLY once you’ve done an hour’s organising.

Is it reaching a GOAL? Then reward yourself once you’ve done all the tasks.

Right! So now that we know what motivates you, let’s get to it!

In the home

1. Declutter and sort through all the old magazines. Tear out the articles and toss the rest.
2. Organise your launch pad – that place in your home where you DUMP things when you walk in the door.
3. Collect all the clothes you need to dry-clean, declutter or get mended.
4. Clear off the front of your fridge. Toss the magnets and recipes you’re never going to use.
5. Throw away any old food in your fridge and freezer, and give the surfaces a good wipe down.

And now for some…

Office organising

1. Do your filing.
2. Collect all the bills and invoices from around the home and schedule the payment dates in your planner.
3. Shred any junk mail with your name on it.
4. Organise your desk.
5. Delete 100 emails from your Inbox and Sent Items. There are lots of tips and tricks in 7 easy steps to organise your office 😉

Whatever you manage to do, give yourself a pat on the back!

The best-selling Organise your home ecourse has literally helped people ALL over the world. Are you next?

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20 April 2010 by 2 Comments

5 steps to organise your home office

Wouldn’t you like to have a beautifully organised office instead of this mess?

You can, if you follow these 5 steps:

1. Have a plan and make the rules clear

Do not allow anything in there that doesn’t belong. Decide what the space is used for and only keep items relating to that purpose there.

2. Divide the space into zones

There may be a children’s desk for homework and school projects, a reading corner, the filing area and a computer desk. It is easier to keep the study organised and neat when you know where everything should go, e.g. books should only be in the reading corner and not on every desk.

3. Store items where they are used

If two people use the study, then have a wastepaper basket at each desk. And have two sets of staplers, scissors, etc. This will prevent your stuff going “missing” from your area. Have a punch and file tabs wherever you do your filing.

4. Batch routine tasks

Keep all items that you need to file together in one place so that you file 5 pieces of paper at once. Make all your telephone calls at the same time. Write out all greeting cards and wrap gifts for a month at a time. Pay all your accounts on the internet at the same time.

5. Tidy your study every day

Take just 5 minutes and do a quick tidy-up of the desk when you’re finished working every day. Throw trash away, make neat piles of paper (label with post-it notes), put pens and pencils back in the holder and take cups and glasses to the kitchen.

When you keep things under control on a daily basis, it is easy to maintain the order of an organised space.

If you want a simple to understand but comprehensive system, then read more about 7 easy steps to organise your office.

Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You’ll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://marciafrancois.com for your free Organising Success Pack.

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13 April 2010 by 4 Comments

Little-known uses for the common office in-tray

I love finding new ways to use existing items in my home. I find that it forces me to be more creative and also, it saves me money because I don’t need to go out and buy whatever I need 90% of the time.

One of those things is in-trays.

Did you know you can use them not only in the office but also all around your home?

Let me show you how:

1. In the office

Use for standard in and out trays but also for To Pay, To File or To Read trays.

2. At your command centre

Your command centre is the place in your home where everybody dumps their stuff and is usually also the place where you toss the mail.

Have a vertical stack of trays (like a plastic storage drawer system) or a hanging file in a filing box for each member of the family. When you bring in the mail or empty the backpacks, sort immediately and place each person’s mail in their tray.

3. In the kitchen

Use for recipe books, menu plans, grocery lists, coupons, etc.

I have an in-tray for my cleaning lady too so we both have a place to leave notes for one another.

4. In your craft area

In-trays work beautifully for keeping different coloured paper and project board neat, tidy and organised.

Remember to work with and not against your organising style.

If you like things visible, use a hanging folder system. If you like things out of sight, use a plastic storage drawer system and simply label the drawers.

Find out how you can get more help in organising your home here

Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You’ll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://marciafrancois.com for your free Organising Success Pack.

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2 April 2010 by 1 Comment

Keeping a clean desk and other organising dilemmas


I’ve blogged about all these before so today I’m just linking up 🙂

and last but not least

My desk at work gets a quick tidy at the end of every day and a nice detailed throwing-out-of-papers once a week.

How often do you tidy your desk?

post signature

P.S. That’s not my desk. I go around with my camera taking pics of unsuspecting colleagues 🙂

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16 March 2010 by 5 Comments

5 steps to your tidy desk

You won’t believe all the excuses I get from people about their untidy desks!

“It’s because I’m creative”

“I know where everything is”

Sound familiar?

This may very well be true. However, for most people, an untidy desk makes you feel overwhelmed and out of control. And, in the workplace, it’s often perceived that you don’t know what you’re doing if your desk is a mess.

How can you be productive when you’re overwhelmed?

The good news is that it’s a lot easier than you think.

You can have a tidy desk in just 5 steps:

1. Set up your desk properly

If you answer the phone with your left hand, then keep the phone to the left of your computer. Now this might seem obvious but you’ll be surprised at the number of people I encounter who have to scramble and reach behind their computer to get to the phone. It’s like that game Twister!

2. Touch each piece of paper once only

This step forces you to make decisions – throw away, action, forward or file. Those are the only choices you have 😉

Don’t start thinking about it and put that piece of paper back in another pile!

3. Have one notebook for all your notes

When you take messages or need to quickly jot down a note, write it in your ONE notebook. You shouldn’t have 10 post-it notes and lots of other pieces of paper on your desk. Better still, write the date on the top of every page so you can reference old information quickly. And start each day on a new page – literally!

4. Clear junk regularly

Every time you get up to go to the loo or for a coffee break, clear your desk of empty mugs, glasses, snacks, etc. The same goes for all those dry markers and pens that don’t work. Throw them out!

5. Have only the papers you’re actually working with on your desk

I have a rather strong fondness for plastic envelopes. I use these nifty tools to keep my many projects sorted. When I want to work on something, I just grab one of these and open up the contents on my desk. I even bought one on holiday in the UK.
See? Easy!

You can also have a neat and tidy desk in just 5 steps.

Now what I suggest you do is a quick, 30-second tidy every evening when you finish your work so you’re ready and raring to go the following day.


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