Have you noticed that some things are easier to do with someone else around? We call this using a Body Double, and it means that we are there for a client while they do a task that is hard for them. Many new personal services rely on this intriguing feature of human nature-collaborating, joining, grouping, not wanting to be alone. Many people want another person around to get it done. There are a few options to getting it done if you decide that this describes you to a tee:

Team Up
Find someone that needs a body double in an area you have skills and passion, and create a system to trade time. Aim for 2-3 hour blocks and define the project before you get together. Add a meal or a family BBQ after so there is something to look forward to.

Delegate
Maybe someone in your world can do the dreaded tasks that you can't bring yourself to get done, possibly better than you could. My husband loves to be out in the world, so he runs the errands while I hunker down at home and do the planning & organizing that he isn't so passionate about.

Adjust Your To-Dos
Eliminate or reduce the task. If you plan and shop for the meal but don't ever cook it, maybe it's time to change your strategy. With personal chefs, ready-made meals, dinner co-ops and assembly-meal companies-there are plenty of options. Adjust your thinking to reduce the difficulty.

Outsource
Hire someone to help accomplish tasks that you can't get done. In some cases, this is the only solution to get the support you need.

Essential to getting and staying organized is to recognize your abilities and limitations. Honestly. If you pretend it isn't an issue, you will continue to get stuck. If you recognize it, accept it, talk openly about how you work best, those around will step up to the plate and support your efforts.

 

Simple tools bring big rewards. I learned this technique long ago from my coach and have been using it ever since. When you feel overwhelmed with too many tasks and can't seem to get a handle on some projects, try this:

1. Get a timer and set it for 15 minutes.

2. For that 15 minutes, focus on ONE task.

Example: You need to input some data on your computer. Turn off your phone, shut down email and remove all distractions. Set your timer for 15 minutes and go to work! When it goes off, you put your work aside and take 5 minutes to reorganize, tidy up, return a phone or check your email. If there's time left, stretch, take a quick break and decide if you want to set your timer again to complete the task or move on.

This works for everything from housecleaning to bill paying. It stops the multitasking madness and get things done more quickly. If your task is to make a deposit, don't get distracted by the pile of mail on your desk. Allow yourself to be totally present to the one project.

Many of my clients love to beat the clock and are amazed at how much can actually be done in such a short time. They say they spent more time lamenting the project or task that required minimal time. How many times have you found yourself avoiding something that ended up taking 5 minutes? Instead, grab your timer and get moving! Action is a wonderful way to break the cycle of avoidance and annoyance.

This simple technique helps you complete a project, feel more focused and can be done anytime you feel overwhelmed or frustrated with life. And it's only 15 minutes--everyone has 15 minutes to spare...