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Chaos Management 101

Did I read this right? Can you learn to manage chaos?

Yes, if you can maintain a handle on your priorities!

Neat and orderly is only one way to maintain control.

I received a phone call last week from a middle-aged lady who was recently in a car accident. She is fortunate enough not to need require a wheelchair or multiple surgeries, but she is ‘off work’ for an extended length of time. She explains that she is ‘not doing anything, yet her life feels out of control’.

She needs to learn to take back control! A little insight can go a long way; we can all learn a few things from this list:

First, identify what is going on during your day.

1. Side-tracked? Are you spending too much time ‘doing stuff’ and not completing anything? Start timing how long it takes to do certain tasks and be accountable for your time: communication with e-mails, social network and personal issues may be rescheduled to focus on issues that have deadlines. Each day: Make sure you prioritize for actual work or chores before going off track, and set time limits on your devices.
2. Communication? Are you constantly interrupted and set off track? Perhaps you are not clear about your goals with your family and coworkers. Are you or someone else, inviting these distractions? If you need time for extra study, hobbies, or ‘space’ to regroup, let the people around you know what you need and what you need from them.
3. Procrastination? What are you waiting for? Do you need more information to complete the next step? If so, find another avenue and go get it. Research everything that is out there and put your best foot forwards… stay informed.
4. Tired or frustrated? Do you consistently book appointments or meetings when you are ‘not your best’? For some people, 8am is the ‘best time’ to get things done. For others, 4pm is when they accomplish the most. Figure out what is your ‘best time’ to be attentive and/or productive. Avoid conflicts and confusion: Before you agree to the appointment or meeting, coould you suggest another time to book the dentist/accountant/supervisor/errands, etc. –Try to plan each day around your most productive hours.

As for my client, she felt her general health was bringing down her fulfilment in life. She decided to clean up the Health Area in her home as well. The Health area is located right in the middle of the house or room. It could be a staircase, the kitchen or living room.

Whichever area it may be, the exercise is to pull out every drawer and cupboard to clear out old, broken or discarded items. Keep only what you need and use regularly. Repurpose or recycle the rest.

Cleaning and-cluttering is also therapeutic for mental and emotional clutter. This exercise not only helps to clear tangible clutter in the Health Area, but it helps you prioritize the items in your life and helps you to move forward.  With a clean freshness in your home, the breath of life will be easier to find, and balance can be restored.

With good intentions and a little discipline, you can work through the chaos in your life. The more you know about yourself, the better you will be able to manage the chaos.

All the best,

Kathryn

~ Kathryn Wilking is an Author, Stager and Feng Shui Consultant. She discovered feng shui 15 yrs ago and found it to be a perfect match with her experience in the Decorating and Home Improvements sector. Kathryn is available for site consultations, innovative talks and Lunch ‘n Learn programs in the Vancouver area. She delivers ‘Practical Solutions for Life!’

Contact her to discuss a topic for your group: kathryn@kathrynwilking.com

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About Kathryn Wilking

Author, Home Stager, Feng Shui Consultant

Kathryn has inspired women for more than a decade to take charge of their lives; arranging their environment, home and office, to support a positive, prosperous lifestyle. She provides informative tips and talks to organizations and small groups through her Facebook Group and Blog Posts and recorded podcasts. Contact her today for more info about bringing the practical application of Feng Shui into your space.

Her book, Practical Feng Shui for the Office; never goes out of style!
Would you like to chat with Kathryn? Join her for a Virtual Coffee Chat.

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LinkedIn: Kathryn Wilking
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Twitter: @KathrynWilking