home about us business services residential services portfolio resources blog shop contact

Archive for Nurture

5 Easy Steps to Your Tidy Desk

by Clare Kumar
April 13th, 2017

tidy, organized desk

Is the your office so full it’s repelling you rather than serving as your centre of creativity, problem solving and getting great work done?

What is that about?

Is it that you are drawn to the next interesting task and not so much to putting things away?  Putting things away has got to be one of the most deadly boring things for many of my clients.

Confession: even I don’t LOVE it.  It might help to reframe it and view it as paying yourself forward. Short term pain for long term gain. You know you’ll thank yourself later.

Or, has the office become a dumping ground for those around you? This is incredibly common in home offices.  If so, boundary setting may be required, and of course making sure there are homes for those things that land in your office! A topic for another post.

Before you start moving things around, envision your ideal work space. Hold this picture in your mind as you work to create the environment in which you’ll thrive.

Now how do you go from a cluttered to calm desk space? With these 5 simple steps:

 

1. Commit

Schedule 90 minutes to tackle the re-organization of your desk top. Write this in your calendar. You’ve made an appointment with yourself.  Keep it. If you repeat this regularly, you’ll need less than 30 minutes.

 

2. Clear

Scan or file any papers, folders or reference material you wish to keep. If volumes are large, gather like categories for processing later. Schedule time for this in your calendar as well.

Recycle or shred any unimportant papers.

Gather items to be returned to others, or relocated. Use a shopping bag or a box for each location.

Use a bin or box – perhaps the one paper is delivered in – and place in it all the remaining items from your desk.  Now it’s time to make some decisions.

 

3. Cull

As you place items in the box, edit your supplies. Get rid of pens and markers that don’t work or that you simply don’t like using. Throw out dried up glue sticks. Let go of the three jammed staplers that you think might work one day and replace them with one that does.

Keep only one each of basics such as tape or glue at your desk, and place backups in a supply cabinet.

Take a closer look at all the awards, stress-busters and office trinkets you have accumulated. Be discerning and decide which have meaning to you. Let the others go.

If you like to keep photos in your office, consider mounting them on the wall, or changing to a digital photo frame to reduce their footprint.

 

4. Categorize

Sort the items into two groups – those which should remain with your desk and those that can be placed elsewhere.

Store the items you use most often close at hand. The less often you use something, the more you can afford the time it takes to retrieve it.

If you’re not sure what you’re using, place your supplies into a shoe box. Each time you use an item, retrieve it from the shoe box and put it back in your drawer. If after a week you haven’t used an item it may not need to be by the desk, in fact you may not need it at all.

 

5. Cycle

Repeat the process! Overhauling your desk area once in awhile is a good idea keep to your essential supplies. It will make it easier to clear your desk at the end of every day, enabling you to start each day with a sense of control.

When is it definitely time to do this? Before you get that heavy, cringy feeling that a cluttered office gives you.  Note the date that you cleaned up last time, and schedule the next clean up a week or two sooner, or after a big project or particularly busy time.

If you have a clear desk policy for security reasons, it is critical to establish good habits so that files are in order when you need them rather than being stashed away quickly.  Say no to the “Stash and Dash”!

 

Good luck! You can do this.

 

If you’re want some support while getting organized, we offer virtual and in person coaching. Set up discovery call here to find out more.

Categories Arrange, Business Organizing, Home Office, Liberate, Nurture, Prioritize
Comments (0)

Planning a Road Trip? Ten tips for packing smart and driving safe

by Clare Kumar
September 15th, 2015

 



Ten_Tips_for_a_Smooth_Road_Trip

 

If you’ve got a trip planned and need to carry a lot of gear in your car, the following tips will help you keep comfy and safe on the journey. Ford Canada lent me a fully loaded Ford Fusion Hybrid over a weekend during the summer. I drove six hours from Toronto to Blue Mountain and back in one day to visit friends. It was delightful to try out the latest driver assist features, some of which I share below, and to experience the quiet cabin – not only when starting the engine, but while on the highway at full speed.   I hope you find these tips handy!

Ford_Hybrid

  1. Avoid loose items.

Pack smaller articles in suitcases, bags, bins, or into storage compartments to avoid them coming free and moving about the cabin. This is especially important for water bottles, for example which you don’t want to have rolling into the foot well as it could impede access to the pedals. Another area of concern is the back window ledge. If the vehicle brakes suddenly, any loose items will be projected forward and could cause injury.

 

  1. Load heavy items on the bottom.

This will preserve the centre of gravity of the vehicle and help it handle smoothly

 

  1. Keep things visible.

Make sure windows are kept clear so you can see traffic and pedestrians outside.  Set your mirrors for maximum view of traffic around you. Use advanced features like the Blind Spot Information System which illuminate an indicator light on your mirrors if a vehicle is in your blind spot.

 

  1. Keep valuables accessible.

If you are going to be making stops on your trip, you’ll want to keep your valuables and necessities with you. Use computer bags and small suitcases to hold technology, jewelry, medicine and eyeglasses, and anything else critical to your trip.  Put these in an easy to access place so you can remove them when you break.

 

  1. Pack breakables securely.

Pack as if you’re moving to minimize damage. This means placing glass or dishes vertically in a box and padding any empty spaces.  If you can avoid shifting, you’ll minimize breakage.  Placing liquids in sealed containers or plastic bags may also be advisable to contain potential leaks.

 

  1. Prep your car for the trip.

Check oil levels, washer fluid and tire pressure.  If you’re going on a high mileage trip you may want to have an upcoming service visit attended to before you venture out.  Stock your car with an emergency kit, snacks and water.

 

Ford_Canada_Lane_Keeping_System

  1. Ensure you are well-rested.

Have a good night’s sleep before a long road trip.  Take breaks as needed for circulation and to boost energy. Watch out for sleep inducing foods and sugar crashes.  Caffeine can be used to boost alertness focus, but use it judiciously. Even better might be a 20 minute power nap which leaves you refreshed without jeopardizing your upcoming night’s sleep.

The Lane Keeping feature will nudge you back in the lane if you start to drift.  It will also track your driving patterns and warn you if it things you need to take a break. You’ll see the icon in the left above light up if you’re driving out of the lane.  It feels like you’re driving with a watchful friend.

 

  1. Shape your seat.

Today’s car seats come with several adjustments for your comfort. We are used to adjusting the recline of the seat. To be more alert, sit more upright as reclining can make you sleepy. Tilt the seat pan to maximize hip comfort.  If your legs are straight out as in a low vehicle, there is more pressure on your hip joints.  Cruise control provides welcome relief to tired legs.  The new Adaptive Cruise Control makes it even more user friendly – it will sense when there is a vehicle in front and automatically slow the car.

Don’t forget to take advantage of lumbar support settings. Women have curvier spines than men and often need to dial up the level of support.

 

  1. Keep the car a comfortable temperature.

Cool the car down if you’re getting drowsy to improve alertness.  Personal temperature settings are very helpful yet you may also wish to dress in layers if some of you will be in the sun while others are in the shade.  Research shows that the most productive temperature is 22 degrees Celsius (72 °F).(1)

 

  1. Wear shoes suitable for driving.

Shoe trends come and go. Some are driving friendly – like Converse “Chucks”, whereas the latest wedge espadrilles have no place in the driver’s seat.  Look for a narrow, flat, flexible-soled shoe that lets you feel the pedals.

 

Ford_Stay_Focused

  1. Bonus tip – Keep your full attention on driving.

You’re probably familiar with the concept that we only think we can multi-task. In fact instead of multi-tasking, we switch from activity to activity.  To keep your attention on the task of driving, be sure to program any maps in advance or stop and do so safely.

If you come across detours that are not addressed by your navigation system, stop and research the route before continuing on.  This happened to me on my trip. At night in the dark, I couldn’t find the detour signs so made a short stop at a gas station to tap into the locals’ know-how.

Become very familiar with any voice recognition features and use them only when necessary. It is still recommended to have your full attention on the drive. Even if using a cell phone hands-free, complex conversations can be distracting. In fact, you can get distracted by your own mind if you’re not careful (2).  Set your phone to Do Not Disturb and enjoy the ride!

 

What tips do you have to pack for a road trip?

  1. The temperature which best supports productivity.  
  2.  American Psychology Association – Summary of Research Studies.

 

Categories Arrange, Nurture, Organizing on the Go, Productivity, Wellness
Comments (2)

Book Review – Part 2 – The Pros and Cons of the Kon-Mari Method

by Clare Kumar
May 20th, 2015

For Part 2 of this blog duo, I explore some cons to the KonMari Method. Tell me if you agree?

Cons

1. It’s about more than sparking joy
I agree that taking pleasure in the use, consumption and display of things is important. William Morris may have said it best in his edict that one should have nothing in one’s home that is neither useful nor beautiful.  Salman Ahktar goes further in his book “Objects of  Our Desire – Exploring Our Intimate Connections with the Things Around Us” to talk about taking delight in our sensual relationship with things.

 

Cover Objects of Our Desire - Akhtar

Photo: Penguin Random House

Here’s the challenge though. If you are curious and creative, you’ll find joy in the multitude of usesyou for an item in the future. If you’re sentimental, it’s easy for many items to spark joy, or any variety of strong emotional responses which make it hard to part with an item.

While asking yourself if an item sparks joy is a great place to start, it simply can’t be the only question. I recommend asking yourself if you would purchase the item again today. If yes, it likely sparks joy, and I hope it also has a value relative to the life you are living today, the space you have available and the time and energy you have to take care of and honor it.

 

Cover of Better Than Before

2. Go big or go home
Some may find Marie’s approach to tackle the whole home daunting in scope and this itself might keep you from getting started. I had the pleasure of meeting Gretchen Rubin (author of The Happiness Project and her more recent best seller, Better Than Before).  In her research about successfully forming new habits, Gretchen found that some people do best by starting with a small initiative and building on it, whereas others thrive by making a major commitment. (See Disctinctions: Do I like to take smalls steps or big steps?”)  If you like small steps, the KonMari Method may feel overwhelming.

I would encourage you to determine which piece of the Four Step P.L.A.N. to Get Organized™  is the source of your organizing challenges and start there. My homework for new clients is to make a list of things that are bothering them. From that list we then identify which project is most pressing and which also fits the time energy and budget they have available.

Seasonality is also important. Comfort is king when organizing., so working on garages, for example, may be better left for temperate months.  The most important thing to do is make a decision and commit to a process of change. The size of the steps don’t really matter.

 

3. You don’t need organizing supplies
As many of you know, I developed the Pliio Clothing Management System, a line of organizing products that makes it much easier to manage folded clothes. I was very conscious as a professional organizer that I was not simply creating another product to store. I tested the product extensively to make sure it added value on many levels:

  • making the folding process so easy you can think about something else entirely
  • allowing more garments to be stored in the same space (20-30% more based on typical client experience)
  • keeping clothes in a better state (this depends on how neatly you were storing things before)
  • making it easier to see your wardrobe so more gets used. In fact, a lovely byproduct of implementing the system is thoroughly editing your wardrobe.
  • making it easier to put laundry away. (I dare you to search twitter if you think there is no angst around this!)

Once I identified all those benefits and heard them validated by hundreds of people, I had confidence in bringing the product to market.

I do support Marie’s suggestion that you can be resourceful and accomplish a lot with basic boxes, (though I prefer clear shoe boxes to a mishmash of shapes and sizes). However, there are many organizing products which assist in the storage and use of items and they deserve your deliberate consideration. Look for products with long term value and the investment will continue to serve you.

Categories Arrange, Home Organizing, Liberate, Nurture, Peace of Mind
Comments (3)

Book Review – Part 1 – The Pros and Cons of the Kon-Mari Method

by Clare Kumar
May 12th, 2015

 

Book Cover of The Life Changing Art of Tidying Up

I’m pretty judicious about buying paper books now that my bookshelves have reached capacity (more on how to handle that another time!), but I was very glad to receive a copy of Marie Kondo’s phenomenally successful book, “the life-changing magic of tidying up – The Japanese art of decluttering and organizing” as a gift from my mom this past Christmas.

This book has caught on around the world with such fervor that recently Marie was included in Time Magazine’s list of the top 100 influential people.  Jamie Lee Curtis, an inspiring woman herself, wrote a rave review of the KonMari approach calling it a “how to heave-ho”.

With its compelling and diminutive Japanese style, the book already achieved sales of over two million copies by late last year.  I recently read the book and reviewed each concept in detail.  I celebrate the attention Marie has brought to the act of getting organized and offer you these thoughts.

Pros

1. Honour your things
While Marie might take it to an extreme level of appreciation in thanking her accessories for working so hard to keep her beautiful each and every day, the concept of treating our possessions with respect, and consequently caring for them appropriately is worth adopting.  I’m not sure the sweater at the bottom of a pile feels crushed by the weight of items above it, but if the pile is so high that the item is never used, or it is so messy that pieces are never seen, what is the point of keeping the item? Practicing mindful gratitude towards our things improves our relationship with them, moving them from mere commodities to treasures. And that’s a beautiful thing.

 

2. Let go before you organize
On this point, Marie and I clearly align. It can be exciting to go shopping for an organizing system with the rush of researching (yes, some people love this part of the process) and acquiring a solution.  In the rush of the rush so-to-speak, it’s quite possible that the solution misses the mark completely.
It’s better to go through the liberation (see my Four Step P.L.A.N. To Get Organized™) of things that aren’t serving your life now, and invest only in storage and organizing accessories that help you access, use and protect the items you need. If liberating feels challenging, you might need to go back one step to get really clear on your priorities.

 

Scarves folded with the Pliio Clothing Filer

3. Get vertical
Marie recommends folding her socks and other garments and storing them vertically. I’ve done this for years and fully recommend it for a couple of reasons.  First, it keeps socks visible, one of my three criteria to make sure you can easily use what you own. In addition, the elastic will stay in better shape, and the socks will take up less space in your drawer. If you don’t believe it, just give it a try. On top of that it can be faster to fold than ball up your socks. Be sure to divide your drawers into rows that are narrow enough to support socks using shoe boxes or drawer organizers – whichever you prefer.

 

 

Decanted soap and hand cream

4. Dial down visual noise
As someone who is keenly aware of their environment, another practice I heartily agree with is the removal of packaging from products. Whenever I can, and it won’t affect the safe use of a product, I peel labels off containers or decant products into those which are simpler, prettier or easier to use.I have bought matching containers of hand soaps and creams to use in the kitchen and bathroom instead of purchasing new pumps which are often expensive and fragile, or too tall. I’ve filled many a clear shoe box or bin, and subsequently lined the front with scrapbook paper to make it less busy to look at. If you feel like your things are shouting at you, take a look around and see what you can visually turn down.

Stay tuned for Part 2 – The Cons!

In the meantime, what was your favorite takeaway from the book?

Categories Arrange, Home Organizing, Liberate, Nurture
Comments (2)

When Abundance is A Bad Thing – An anthropological look at clutter

by Clare Kumar
March 30th, 2015
A Cluttered Life: Middle-Class Abundance - Title Image

Image credit: Screenshot from www.uctv.tv/clutter/

Fascinating video series inspired by the book, “Life at Home in the Twenty-First Century: 32 Families Open Their Doors” from UCLA  anthropologists, Jeanne E. Arnold, Anthony Grasesch, Enzo Ragazzini and Elinor Ochs.

 

What was discovered in the examination of clutter?

  • We have responded well to marketing and become excellent consumers.  Not enough thought, attention and action is given to creating ways to let go of things.
  • North America has 3% of the world’s children yet consumes 40% of the world’s toys.
  • Cortisol levels are highest in women who remark on the effects of clutter. It is described by some as an “ever-present burden”, often lurking in the corners of every room.

This video talks about clutter, but check out the one on food (and refrigerator doors) and space, as well.

Check out the Streamlife facebook page for more like this.

 

Categories Arrange, Home Organizing, Liberate, Nurture, Organizing with Kids, Prioritize, Psychology of Organizing, Wellness
Comments (0)

Guests Arriving in Minutes? Sure strategies for a quick clean up

by Clare Kumar
March 26th, 2015

Clare Kumar with Cynthia Loyst and Traci Melchor on The Social

Does this ever happen to you? A phone call that friends or family are around the corner and want to drop by for a visit. If you’re like me, you want to embrace the opportunity and create a welcoming space for your guests. With the normal level of busy living that goes on in my home with two kids, two cats and one dog, that means a quick clean up is in order.

Here is a link to my last segment on The Social where you can watch as I chat with Traci and Cynthia about how to handle this.

Video (available for a limited time) and Blogpost

To summarize, you’ll want to focus on three things:

1. Clearing – move away the cluttered trouble spots – especially near the entryway, kitchen counters and couches

2. Cleaning – wipe down surfaces and sweep up dust bunnies

3. Caring – get yourself ready first and then think of making a comfortable space for you and guests to relax

Love if you’d add your tips below!

Categories Home Organizing, Nurture, Organizing with Kids
Comments (0)

Facing Fall – Seven strategies to boost your energy for the “Dark Half”

by Clare Kumar
October 5th, 2014

 

Clare Kumar walking outside in the sun

Making the most of a sunny day!

I know fall has technically just started, but I’m feeling it full force in the mornings. We are entering the dark half of the year, when light levels are lowest north of the equator.    Light levels affect our melatonin production. In darkness, we produce more, making us sluggish and sleepy.  It’s harder to get up, and once home at the end of the day, harder to go out.

When I worked in a corporate cubicle and travelled there by subway, I used to feel anxiety about the impending change of seasons as early as July 31st. Any of you know what I’m talking about? I was never diagnosed, but I figured I had a solid case of SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. In the mid-90’s, my impression of November in Toronto was in various shades of sombre gray – the depressing, not titillating kind.  I committed to leaving the city, which I did for nine years.

During that time I was able to shift to work from home in a light-filled space, and with more flexibility in schedule to get outside in natural light, I now have nowhere near the anxiety I used to fear. It hasn’t turned into a love of winter, but I’m now able to appreciate the sun bouncing off the snow and the afternoon glow that penetrates further into my office.

 

1. Get enough sleep

Most people need between 7 and 8 hours per night.  If you’re like me and suffer from “just one more thing” syndrome which prevents you from getting to bed early enough, consider setting an alarm for “bed time”.  With enough sleep and a consistent routine, you will likely not need a wake-up alarm in the morning.  Here’s what the National Sleep Foundation has to say about how much sleep is ideal.

 

2. Spend time outside each day

It takes more time and energy just getting around in cold winter, so it pays to be more selective in what you choose to invest your time and energy.  I will be cutting back on activities which take me out in the evening when I would rather be winding down the day.

If it’s not your natural urge to be outside in cold weather, you’ll want to find ways to boost your exposure to daylight. Walk part of the way to work, take part in an outdoor winter sport, park a little further from the mall entrance.   If that’s difficult, consider using a now-widely available light lamp to amp up (ooh, catch that?) the quality and number of rays you’re receiving.  If you’re considering purchasing one, you’ll want to read this list of things to consider.

 

3. Respect your energy levels

It takes more time and energy just getting around in cold winter, so it pays to be more selective in what you choose to invest your time and energy.  I will be cutting back on activities which take me out in the evening when I would rather be winding down the day.

 

4. Supplement your Vitamin D

Even with natural light and a healthy diet you may not be getting enough Vitamin D, a key ingredient for our bodies for fighting inflammation and for repair.  Here is a guide to recommended dosing from the Mayo Clinic.

 

5. Limit carbohydrates and sugar

Watch the ratio of carbs to other foods.  Carbs can make you sleepy and prone to talking yourself out of the exercise that will boost your endorphins and therefore your energy.

 

6. Dress warmly

It took moving to Montreal for me to concede that it was better to dress warmly than try to stay stylish in the cold.  Good thing that coincided with the advent of down coats becoming fashionable and affordable, though I confess to having started with head to toe sheepskin. I had to wait for a bus to work, and nothing blocked the wind like that coat.  If you are feeling cold, your body is under stress, you think less clearly and are ultimately less productive, never mind the fact feeling frozen is horribly uncomfortable.

 

7. Incorporate colour

Checking out stores for fall clothing and you’ll see the palette is decidedly more sombre, but who says your wardrobe has to be?  I’ve had persimmon orange and radiant orchid down coats and I swear they energize not only me, but the people I meet. It’s as if your clothes are smiling.  If you have a dark winter coat, add some pizzazz with a bright scarf and toque!

 

How do you keep your spirits up through fall and winter.  Please share your secrets below!

 

Note: The information on this site is offered as an information resource only.  It should not be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

 

Categories Nurture, Productivity, Technology
Comments (1)

Coming Clean on Procrastination

by Clare Kumar
August 11th, 2014
cute cats in office window

How can you resist?

I have been thinking about this post for a while.  Just kidding!  I was reviewing a book on time management over the weekend and got to thinking about how I procrastinate. Most people do. In all my experience consulting on productivity, I have only met one person who said they don’t procrastinate.

First of all, a definition of procrastination, according to the Oxford dictionary:

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing something.

For me, there’s a sense that I’m choosing to do something I enjoy slightly more than something I should be doing which is more important but less enjoyable.  Truth is that it might be something that just feels difficult to start doing because it’s challenging to accomplish or worse, it’s boring!

Livening up mundane tasks with music or good company helps. Breaking down complex or daunting tasks into smaller steps, and in particular identifying the immediate next steps will help get you on your way.  An earlier post shares other ways to beat procrastination.

But, in the spirit of fun, here’s a list of some favourite ways to procrastinate (forgive my love of word play):

1. Pro-cats-tination

The real reason behind the onslaught of cute cat videos.  That and taking pictures of your own cats. Example above.  Yes – that’s my office window. When my assistant left last month, she presented me with a parting gift – a mug covered in cat pictures – taken on her desk.  I wasn’t the only one with no immunity to cat cute!

 

2. Procras-tea-nation

Starting to work only after having a second cup of tea.  Applies to coffee, too.

 

3. Consumed with Cleanliness

Surely if the laundry looks good, it’s because there’s something you dislike doing even more on your to do list.

 

4. Virtual Socializing

Conversing on social media a few times a day is today’s office water cooler, especially for solo-preneurs. How else can you stay culturally literate?

 

5. Analysis Paralysis

The comfort and safety of fully researching a project. If you can spend all your time learning about what you want to write about, you really never have to worry about finishing it and finding out if it’s any good.

Okay, maybe these are my favourite ways to procrastinate.  Curious, what are yours?  Let me know in the comments below…

Categories Nurture, Procrastination, Psychology of Organizing, Time Management
Comments (0)

When Things Go Wrong: Is it human error or poor design?

by Clare Kumar
April 29th, 2014

Don Norman's The Design of Everyday Things

This morning, I walked full speed ahead into a glass wall. A glass wall I knew of. A glass wall I even anticipated someone walking into, I just didn’t think it would be me.  It wasn’t pretty. Unlike Martha Stewart, I will spare you the photo.

So you know how this story will end, but allow me to back up a bit to explain how I got there. Yesterday I had a full day planned. Full of good things – a walk with my dog, a lunch with inspiring entrepreneurs, delivery of a quick but meaningful productivity primer at the Women in Biz Conference, time to read the beginning of “Thrive” by Arianna Huffington while taking the subway (and revelling in NOT being stuck on our sadly in need of repair Gardiner “Expressway”, a complete misnomer for the next two years), an hour to sit in the sun and get creative, dinner and meeting fellow organizers in Toronto, and the highlight for me, listening to Don Norman, esteemed thought leader and author of “The Design of Everyday Things” in discussion at the Rotman School of Business. It’s my desire to have Pliio® become an “everyday thing” so you can imagine how interested I was to hear him speak.

I don’t often have insomnia (thankfully), but last night my mind was on fire after listening to Don’s talk and reading “Thrive” so I ended up awake for over half an hour in the middle of the night. Despite the lack of sleep, I was eager to attend my regular 8am yoga class with a teacher who I respect for his breadth of knowledge, how he practices what he preaches, his sense of humour, and his redefinition, for me, of the term “hot” yoga.  Have a peek at www.mryoga.com where you can meet Daniel and discover a wealth of information on how to practice yoga.

The  class was wonderful – working out the kinks (my word for pain in muscles I didn’t know I had) of a conditioning workout I did with Brent Bishop and his crew on Saturday morning over at Think Fitness.  We finished as we normally do with a restorative, mind cleansing Shavasana also known as the far less elegant sounding corpse pose. Whether I’m getting better at the meditative state or whether, more likely, it was my bout of insomnia last night, I came out of the class feeling a little out of this world.

I had  a regular client scheduled across town for 10am, so knew I had to move quickly this morning to make it there after class. Being a bit time pressured, I decided to change my route on the way out of the gym. I normally wash my hands before leaving, but figured I’d head home quickly and get ready there so I made my way straight to the gates.

The gym where I work out is in a corporate office building with a lovely atrium over the stairs. When the gym was renovated recently, they built glass walls around the atrium to preserve light (which I love). The shortest way to leave the gym is around the atrium and through the cardio area to the entrance gates. I came down this wide hallway, narrowed by the recent placement of exercise balls (storage always seems to be a challenge in the gym, but that’s another story).

Glass walls at gym

I could see the gates right in front of me and walked purposefully towards them.  Head up, not texting, not distracted by something at my side, eyes forward. In fact eyes forward gazing directly on the parking ticket machine I needed to put my receipt in. Only thing is, I forgot to take the sharp left, through the too narrower passage way that actually gets you there.

Narrow passageway at the gym

Instead, I walked this way. Glass_walls_across_from_gate-001

Turns out I’m not the only one. At least five other people have walked into the same wall.

One of the concepts Don talked about was that accidents happen, but often not why you think they do.  Sometimes design plays a part in guiding a person to move a certain way.

If you notice the floor, the edges of the hallway are marked on the left side, except the hallway no longer goes that way.  With the renovation, this wasn’t updated.   Glass walls block the commercial sized hallway, and you must rather travel through a residential sized passageway into the cardio area to get to the gates. So why write about this?

I am suggesting a few things, all of which could have been avoided, combined into a rather unfortunate experience for my nose this morning. And when something goes wrong, it’s always worth learning from.  Here they are, not necessarily in order of importance:

1. Lack of time 

2. Lack of rest

3. Change of routine

4. Poor design

Don Norman

Which brings me right back to Don’s presentation and the concept he shares on page 14 of his book. Don created the term “signifiers” for communicating “where the action should take place”.  We count on cues to tell us how to use things – whether to push or pull on a door, for example.  Signifiers are important for the clear-minded, well-rested folks among us, but even more important for the sleep deprived, distracted, crew that abounds.

I can find many other examples where errors have emerged because of time pressures and changes in routine.  I have already blogged about two examples. “Losing” my car and the unfortunate occurrence of forgetting a child in the car.   Don’s book is full of design examples, and Arianna’s book starts off talking about accidents due to lack of sleep.

What have you noticed?  What have you learned? What can you share with us? On my to do list for tomorrow – buy flowers as a thank you for the staff who took care of me this morning. I am praying there is no video to go viral.

 

UPDATE – March 26, 2015

It took almost a year, but I’m happy to say that pursuing this safety improvement paid off:

2015_03_26_Goodlife_Etching

 

Categories Arrange, Business Organizing, Nurture, Time Management
Comments (0)

It’s Tax Time: Do you know where your receipts are?

by Clare Kumar
April 9th, 2013

Short and sweet post today to make a simple point. Make it easy to collect and find your tax receipts by creating one easy to access home for them.  Then, without fail, make sure every time a receipt comes in during the year, you put it in that place.

Let everyone who handles mail in the household know about this simple system, and you’ll save yourself aggravation and likely a pile of money.

Here’s a pic of my tax file.  I keep it in my ‘prime real estate’ filing drawer.

Categories Arrange, Business Organizing, Home Office, Home Organizing, Nurture
Comments (1)
Next Page »

Hello, and welcome to the Streamlife blog. I get excited about taking the bumps out of life, both at home and at work, so life flows a little more smoothly. Please join me and invited guests in conversation...

 

Connect

email twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Instagram
Join our Mailing List

 

Categories

  • Arrange
  • Business Organizing
  • Ergonomics
  • Events
  • Holiday Organizing
  • Home Office
  • Home Organizing
  • Liberate
  • Media
  • Move Organizing
  • Nurture
  • Organizing on the Go
  • Organizing with Kids
  • Peace of Mind
  • Play
  • Prioritize
  • Procrastination
  • Productivity
  • Products
  • Psychology of Organizing
  • Reduce-Reuse-Recycle
  • Relationships
  • Streamlife 4 Step P.L.A.N. to Get Organized
  • Technology
  • Time Management
  • Uncategorized
  • Wellness
Streamlife
Copyright © 2018 All Rights Reserved
iThemes Builder by iThemes
Powered by WordPress