So good to visit with you again! Did you download your F-R-E-E printable and do your homework ? If you missed the last post, you should go read it now! Ever been to a Disney park? They think of everything! No need to dig in your 
purse for money. Nope, they’ve got you covered with Magic Bands. Ever misplace your key? Don’tworry! Magic Bands give you keyless entry freedom! Ever waste time standing in line? Please! Fast Pass to the rescue. Does it take too long to stop and search for your camera to snap a pic? Or stop a stranger and ask if they’ll take one with you in the photo? That’s why Photo Pass was created! Disney masters the art of eliminating the obstacles to enable their “guests” to spend more time enjoying themselves (and spending money!) Think of the things you could do if someone took care of the small stuff. It would allow you to focus on the things that matter! Guess what? It can be done! No, I am not suggesting you move into Cinderella’s castle. All it takes is a little preparation. Last time we were together we talked about intentionally scheduling time to work on a project even if you only have 15 minutes. Now let’s talk about how to make the most of your time.
//Gather Your Supplies//
Sometimes the barrier that prevents me from getting started is locating all my supplies then having to put them away. My cutting table is also the kitchen table, the homework table, the craft table and the board game table. How do you get around this? Gather all those things you’ll need ONE time! Scissors, pins, marking tools…anything you’ll need to get the job done. Now put it all in a cute (doesn’t HAVE to be cute, but it helps!) tote or even a bin if you have larger pieces to your puzzle. I’m giving you an excuse to make a new bag, buy a bag, or re-purpose a bag already in your stash! Do you need to buy an additional pair of scissors or measuring tape to make this method work for you? Then do it! Anything you can do in advance will make the project easier when you get started.
When Jack was a baby, I was so exhausted. He was addicted to his pacifier and had to have it in the middle of the night to go back to sleep after a bottle. The problem was he would push it out of his mouth while sleeping. Inevitably, he would wake up, realize he was without his pacifier and scream. I would be startled awake, on my hands and knees searching for a pacifier in the dark, heart beating wildly trying to find the pacifier so he would go back to sleep. I was relaying this scenario to a friend, and she asked, “Why not keep 5 pacifiers by the bed?” Oh my. Why had I never thought about it? I felt so stupid, but immediately put the plan in action.
//Create a Checklist//
Do you find yourself working on similar projects? Is there something you do every six months and have to stop and think through the process each time? Make a checklist! Include each step in the process. You will save so much time by eliminating the guesswork about which task comes next. Each task you write should be a single action. So instead of writing, “gather supplies,” you will include specific supplies you need. Because you have already gathered your supplies, this should be simple. I know, I know. This sounds so robotic and un-creative. Again, we are trying to utilize the time you have to its up-most potential! You do not want to squander your 15 minutes by trying to remember how you did this project last time. Do this once for each project, and you will be amazed! Each time you do this type of project, you will learn how you can improve the process. Jot those notes down, and you’ll be ready for your next go-round.
//Store Your Supplies with your Checklists//
Really! It is that easy. Toss the checklist you create into the bag or bin you have designated for your project. When your system is in place and you know it works, you will
free all sorts of creative juice! The goal is to make working on the project as easy as possible. Reduce the friction as much as you can to begin building that momentum. Easy means you’ll do it. Are you ready? Download your F-R-E-E checklist and supply list printable. Tell me in the comments below…what project in your life could use a little attention?
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