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[A704]Artisan Bread In Five Minutes A Day

by Jill Borash, Jil

Keeping your home office organized when you work from home can be a real challenge. Because not only does your work end up in your home office but pieces of your home life often end up in there too. So how can you keep it under control? Spend just 15 minutes at the end of every day keeping your home office organized.

Spend 5 minutes getting the “stuff” off of your desk

If your desk at home is anything like mine, things tend to just build up there. I clean it off daily but paper and other things end up on it by the end of the day. Organizing a home office and keeping it organized means that you need to keep your desk area clear. Try to make sure that the only things on your desk are things that you need frequent access to and are projects that you are currently working on. Everything else needs to go.

At the end of the day, take everything off of your desk. Only put back those things that you need for the projects that you are working on tomorrow. For me, this helps clear my brain and get me clear on what I need to do the next day. It is a good way to put your work day to bed.

Spend 5 minutes getting rid of the things that do not belong in your home office

Organizing your home office at the end of the day also means getting stuff out of your home office that does not belong there. When you work from home, there are often things that end up in your home office that would never end up in an office at a work building. Toys, laundry, and cat toys are all things that have ended up in my home office at the end of the day. It is not always easy to separate work space from home space but make sure that this happens at the end of your day. Anything that ended up in your home office that does not belong there needs to go to it's proper home at the end of the day.

Spend 5 minutes creating an “action plan” for the next day

This is more of a time management tip than a home office organization tip but it is a good tip nevertheless. Spending time at the end of the day that gets your head straight about what you need to be doing tomorrow is time well spent. I know that I get far more done in a day when I do this. It helps get your priorities straight for the next day and gives you a game plan to follow. I try not to spend more than 5 minutes at the end of the day doing this because otherwise I end up with a list a mile long of things I need to get done. This action plan for the next day needs to be a realistic one. If you have time, it is also helpful to prioritize that list.

Here are five simple steps even the busiest person seeking a major career change can take to get the process rolling:

1. Turn griping time into planning time.

How much time do you spend every week blowing off steam about your lousy job? Instead of wasting precious time complaining about what you DON'T want, use the time to create a clear mental picture of what you DO want. Then make a plan for getting from here to there. Five minutes a day spent working your plan will move you far closer to your goal than 15 minutes of griping.

2. Keep your goal front and center.

Get out your calendar and set a target date for when you want your new life to begin. Besides being a great source of motivation, knowing how much time you have until "D-Day" lets you create a realistic plan for hitting it. Next, find creative ways to keep your dream, literally, in your face. As you come across images or quotes that reflect your dream, place them around your workspace, in your daily planner, on the refrigerator -- any place you're sure to regularly "see" your destination.

3. Buy with an eye to the future.

If your dream involves working from the comfort of home, you probably won't need all those business suits overrunning your closet. Resolve now to make do with the work wardrobe you already have. When you do take the leap, you can donate your business attire to an organization like Dress for Success that assists men and women just entering the job market. Spend the money you've saved instead on things you'll need for your new career or venture -- like courses, buying or upgrading a home office computer, purchasing equipment, inventory, and so on.

4. Avoid the nay-seers.

Erma Bombeck once said, "It takes a lot of courage to show someone else your dreams." Erma knew that most people -- especially those closest to you -- tend to discourage change of any kind. Unfortunately, other people's skepticism, like the flu, can be contagious. And, unless you've built up your immune system, these dream killers can knock you for a loop. Don't look for support from pessimistic family or friends. Instead seek out people who can give your dream the support it deserves.

5. Do what you can -- but DO SOMETHING.

As one Chinese proverb reminds us, moving a mountain begins by lifting one stone. To keep from being overwhelmed -- while still making headway -- break your larger goal down into more manageable steps. Then, no matter how hectic your day, pledge to take at least one small step. Before you know it you'll have turned your dreams into your life.

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About Author

Both Jill Borash & Valerie Young are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Jill Borash has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Food And Drink and Family. For three more easy solutions for that you can use today, go to. Jill Borash's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.

Valerie Young has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, web development and Get Ex Back. Valerie Young abandoned her corporate cubicle to become the Dreamer in Residence at Changing Course, a career change website for people who want be their own boss and work at what they love. Her career tips have been cited in The Wall Street Journal, USA. Valerie Young's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.