So What Is This "Cluttered Time" You Speak Of?
Although this may be your first time hearing those two words said right next to each other, I trust you are not confused when it comes to its subject matter.
If you, or someone you know, constantly swing from procrastination to frantic activity, keep reading; you might find a few tips to minimize the anxiety that comes along with all the jerking, stomping, screaming and scrunched up facial expressions that come along with running late...oh, and I can't leave out all the explanations and excuses!
This, my friend, is what we call "Cluttered Time".Â
Evening & Morning Routines
For those who live in the land of spontaneity, implementing routines may be a struggle, but having just a little bit of structure around your waking and winding down, can really make a huge difference in your attitude and experience throughout the day.
Here is a sample evening routine:
    1. Pick out your outfit, shoes and accessories. If you have time, try them on so you are able to make adjustments right then, opposed to 10 minutes before you have to leave home the next day. Iron any clothing item(s) that need to be refreshed with a little heat.
    2. Set up the bathroom counter and breakfast table with things you know you'll be using the next morning. If you make your own coffee, place your filter and measured grinds in the coffee maker so that it is ready to go, and don't forget to set out your favorite cup while your at it ;-)
    3. Take a look at your planner/calendar to see what's up for tomorrow; this is also an ideal time to create a "to-do" list as well. Round up any documents, items to be returned, coupons, event tickets, library books, bills etc. and decide in what order you should complete the tasks so that you aren't driving in circles. Now, you are ready to pack your purse, briefcase or backpack (children can do this too)!
If you are meeting someone for the first time or with someone who tends to be flaky, make a confirmation call in advance, to make sure you have the right time, address and reason why you will be meeting; this task alone, can save you TONS of time.
    4. Gather up your keys, chargers, coat, hat, gloves and shoes and pack (or) place them by the front door, along with all the bags that need to leave the house in the morning.
If you stick with this routine, even when you are too tired or end up staying up way to late, you will be so happy when you wake up! I will go into greater detail about morning routines another time, so for now, do your very best to put things where they belong after you've used them, and try to make your bed right after you wake up.Â
The last thing I'd like to share today is, the concept of "Doubling Up on Time" (constructively utilizing the time you spend commuting, standing in line or talking on the phone, when it's appropriate, to multi-task).
You can go through bills, read a good book, write a letter or respond to emails; there are always tasks you can combine. Think about all the "one-day-if-I-have-extra-time" tasks, like getting a battery for your watch or getting a pair of shoes repaired; plan your errands around getting these tasks done.
At the end of the day, no matter what you do or don't do, try and squeeze every hour, of all it's minutes, to do the things you love. I guarantee, you'll feel better and ultimately create more down time to relax. But most of all, please stop running to and fro! You deserve to slow down.