The center of my world these days is red, about three feet high, with a tray on top and three drawers below. This red cabinet is located just inside my front door, under a mirror and next to the chair where my backpack sits when it's home and not on my back at school.
This is the last stop I make right before I go out the door every day into a world which seems to punish the unprepared. Know what I mean? It's my last chance to get it right. I think of it as my launching pad. It's also my dumping ground when I come back through the door. It's kind of like magic. If I put it there, that's where I find it the next morning! Simple.
This is the last stop I make right before I go out the door every day into a world which seems to punish the unprepared. Know what I mean? It's my last chance to get it right. I think of it as my launching pad. It's also my dumping ground when I come back through the door. It's kind of like magic. If I put it there, that's where I find it the next morning! Simple.
On the tray: everyday items like my watch, ring, wallet, keys, change, earbuds, sticky notes for reminders, pens, etc.
In the drawers: my daily gum supply, sunglasses, lip balm, stuff like that.
The night before I try to pack up my backpack and put it on the chair. That's when I check to make sure I've put everything back that I took out, add anything else I need and make sure I've got the basics like pens, pencils, etc. I try to put stuff there as I take it off or empty my pockets. I'm finding out that I always have more time the night before than in the mornings to think and plan.
If I'm missing something I try to leave some kind of reminder; for example, I'll leave my laptop zip case on top of my backpack to remind me that I need my laptop that I'm still using that night. These work like cues and make it harder to mess up.
If I'm missing something I try to leave some kind of reminder; for example, I'll leave my laptop zip case on top of my backpack to remind me that I need my laptop that I'm still using that night. These work like cues and make it harder to mess up.
Each morning when I stand at the red cabinet all I have to do is empty out the tray. Well, leaving behind the change. This is also when I see any reminders - some I put there, some other people leave for me - or any special item for that particular day. I check for what else I need before closing up my backpack, add my Peace Tea to the side pocket, zip it up and I'm out the door.
Why it works for me:
It makes it easier to remember, and harder to forget. Sounds simple, right? Things I usually need or want are in one place, in plain sight, where I'll make one stop before I leave. I think of it as the neck of a funnel: in advance there's lots of time, things, thoughts, plans, etc. but then all narrowed down to one place at one time. In the mornings, when I have the least time and the most pressure, it's all there. Not perfect, but usually and mostly.
I've found that if I have what I need and want, I can carpe the day before it can carpe me.
So I'll be blogging as I figure this stuff out. School's hard enough, and life's piling on the older I get. Some of my friends are doing OK and some are messing up. I want to shift the odds my way. Some of my friends think this stuff works. Maybe it will give you some ideas too.
Michael
So I'll be blogging as I figure this stuff out. School's hard enough, and life's piling on the older I get. Some of my friends are doing OK and some are messing up. I want to shift the odds my way. Some of my friends think this stuff works. Maybe it will give you some ideas too.
Michael
