Make time work for you and with you instead of against you. Yes, you can make time your friend by organizing your day.

I am sure you are all busy enough without one extra thing to type or prepare. So why would you need a daily-to-do-list? My guess is that most people already use such a list. It's just called by a different name--or in your head? Generally I keep my lists in my head. While this is not the best way to plan or organize your time it does help me to stay on the right track in getting things done.

You can go to the expense of purchasing a time management system such as 'Day Runner' (www.dayrunner.com) or 'Day Timer' (www.daytimer.com) But why not make your own? When I have so much to do that I feel one more thing will make my head explode, I have found that a list written on a small 1/2 size yellow legal pad works well for me. Also, I put it in my purse before I am ready to walk out of the door. If you do this, try to prepare your list the night before or early in the a.m. It can make a world of difference on how your day goes. When your list is finished tuck it in your purse and get ready to make time work with you instead of against you. If you have ever spent the day running around doing errands and chores, only to get home then find that you have forgotten something, you know that lists do work.

When you prepare your list, it should result in something like this:

Saturday, October 15, 2010

_Karen to dance lessons (must be there by 9:15 a.m.) Pick up at 11

_Pick up clothing from cleaners. Stop by One Hour shoe repair. Buy greeting cards.

_Get Karen. Lunch. Pick up shoes.

_And so on.

If possible you should make organize your day so you come full circle -- from home, back home without wasting time doubling back for anything.

My next advice may meet some objections. I advise you not to make a sheet with goals, priorities, etc. All you want to do is to get through the day and spend some quality time with your family. If something is a priority, it should be the first thing on your list.

Check out Avery.com to find free templates for your office and your home. Avery products are generally ordered for office use. However, the same products can be used for home projects. They even have a listing for home. Sign up for their free newsletter and save it on your computer. Most mail systems have folders or cabinets. (I use Yahoo!) Label one of the folders 'Avery Newsletters' and store them as you receive them. This way you can retrieve information when you need it. An excellent site.