Thank you Blinkist for sponsoring! Get a 7-day free trial and 25% off Blinkist Annual Premium by clicking here: www.blinkist.com/theminimalmom or scanning the QR code! And then listen or read the blinks for these books (they're life changing!): - Not Today - Eat that Frog - Making it All Work - The Checklist Manifesto Thank you for watching! Dawn
Could you PLEASE give the author's names for these books??? I just did a search on my library's website and came up with some books that were NOT what you referenced...
@@dianneroberts2786 Not Today- Erica Schultz and Mike Schultz Eat That Frog- Brian Tracy Making it All Work- David Allen The Checklist Manifesto- Atul Gawande
Hello Dawn, thanks! It is as usually a very thoughtful video. - Is the app for free? someone wrote in the playstore review it is for 4 dollars/euros a month. Is that true? Maybe former versions? On the website they advertise it as free for android and iOS. I am not sure. I do not like subscriptions that regularly cost me something. You then lose track of them and may never deregister them. So I am careful what I am installing on my phone. Thanks a bunch for helping me out to start with-
I mostly love laundry because when I'm doing it I can either think about nothing at all or ponder interesting things or watch a little television so it's like a break. I do a little bit on most days, and it's like a little treat most of the time unless I have to put extra effort into stains. I also pre-sort my laundry as it comes off of me and I trained my husband to do the same thing. I literally have a basket called "tumble and ignore." That's for stuff that gets washed on hot, then goes into the dryer and I don't have to worry about it wrinkling. Other loads usually involve hanging things immediately or partial drying things on cold air and then hanging them up, or just drawing things and being right there to catch them Before they wrinkle. I know that when I'm doing towels or my "tumble and ignore" loads that I'm going to have a TV treat! 😂
My problem is that I realize how fast time is going by and it feels like I'm just watching my self live life but not truly present. I recently realized this is due to depression. Working on that
I have been watching you and Dana and Cas for barely a month. I can now see my living room floor. I can now walk in my closet and reach my clothes. But more importantly, I’ve started taking the basic concepts to a hoarding group on Facebook and helping other people see things clearly. Thank you. Not just for me, but for those I can also now help.
I live where cell service & internet service are very poor and unreliable so I don't do phone anything. I don't carry my phone with me unless I am traveling. I go as "non-digitaI" as possible . I use old school (paper) for everything and ALWAYS carry my paper planner with me.
I’ve been doing this more and more, except I won’t leave the house without my cell phone because everything is at least 30 minutes from our home and I have two small children so if there were any emergency, I need to be able to make a phone call.
I lived in rural Vermont, and when flatlander friends came to visit with their cellphones, they got the warning that there would be roaming charges because they were “in a foreign country”! 😂😂😂
What I have realized with age is that I will never be done with my today list. I used to feel anxious feeling like I was behind because I had so much to do and thought I should be able to do it and be done. That’s not possible. I feel much more relaxed now that I have realized this.
My today list only has tasks that if I don't accomplish today, it would ruin my life lol. So the urgency is motivation enough to complete a very short list. Then I go into my future list and accomplish some of those tasks, and it feels WAY better that way.
Dawn! I just want to say that I find all of your videos extremely helpful. I am a busy homeschooling mom with 7 children and quite frequently feel overwhelmed with all of the things that I need to try to remember. I don’t know why some people felt negativity towards this video. You are not at all saying that you should do all of the things swirling through your brain but record them in a way that is best for you, so that your mind can be clear to focus on the people and things that matter most, without a fear of “what am I forgetting?” in the back of your mind. All of the stuff on the table was an excellent visual. I love all of your content, it is very helpful and your channel is one of the few I can watch that doesn’t make me feel like a failure. I believe you truly want to help people. Thank you so much and God bless you!❤
What is absolutely hilarious is that my husband bought me a shirt recently that says, “Not Today” on it. Today was my first day wearing it and I see this video drop!😂 not to mention that the content here is 100% me!
Coincidence? I saw a T shirt in Goodwill today with that on it. I go there to look for furniture to paint but actually considered buying the shirt when I saw it in the end of the rack as I walked by. 🧐
*TIPS FOR NON-DIGITAL ORGANIZERS* Great point about capturing everything! I just wanted to mention that for those of us that don't do well with the digital way, there are small dry erase boards you can get that stick on a wall or any surface with velcro. So if you're in the bathroom, you can jot down what you're thinking of in the moment, then take the board (when you have time) to your main list and transfer the items. Yep, it may look weird to guests, but you have to do what works in your life! (I actually just thought of an idea! If company is coming and you're embarrassed about your bathroom list, take if off the velcro, hide it away, and replace it with a lightweight little picture you've affixed velcro to!) These boards can be put anywhere and everywhere you need them! Your MAIN TASK LIST can be a bigger board of some kind in your CENTRAL organizing area with each to do, grocery item, etc. on INDIVIDUAL STICKY NOTES (they make sticky notes in an abundance of sizes and colors!). These sticky notes can be physically moved around much like Dawn did digitally on her computer! Put important items on brighter colored and/or bigger sticky notes. Have the days of the week across the top and your other main headings could be Special/individual Projects, Grocery List(s), Work Stuff... whatever you want across the lower half. I have ADHD, which means I have severe executive function difficulties, motivation problems and memory issues, and a thought can literally go out of my brain in a fraction of a second and be replaced with another thought, plus I'm a VERY visual person. I find I need to WRITE a thought immediately (the very act of writing, rather than typing, helps me to remember it also!) or it may be gone indefinitely, EVEN IF IT'S IMPORTANT. The ACT of opening an app on a phone and having to type or getting into a computer is enough of a barrier to me that I will forget what I needed to type or won't take the time to actually do. Like Dawn emphasized, capturing the thought is HUGE! I am also a very "out of sight, out of mind" person, so I HAVE to have things where I can see them... the more in my face, the better! Just having them on an app on my phone does not work for me, because I have to open the app and it's not consistantly in my face enough. Might sound weird to some, but that's what works for my brain! You have to realize your barriers and work with your brain to overcome them. Good luck everyone!!
I have ADHD too and most of what you said is 100% the same for me! Out of sight out of mind (sadly for me this includes people sometimes so I have to task calls and check ins too). I have to keep a paper planner and paper to do lists, but I do send myself messages all day long about things to do and once a day or every few days I add them to my master list. When I was in management at a previous job I had to use my sticky notes to prioritize my day/week and would move the tasks around as needed if a meeting went late or something like that.
Great tips! I do rely a fair bit on digital, but struggle with only having one screen in view at a time. That's where paper or something physical is really helpful.
@@korriefisher4545 I'm convinced that whoever invented sticky notes had to have (or has) ADHD! 🤣 I don't know if you've ever heard of Cass who has the Clutterbug UA-cam channel (she's friends with Dawn), but she has ADHD as well, and her "Butterfly" and "Bee" organizing styles ('bugs') are GREAT for "out of sight, out of mind" people like us. She shows that you can have everything where you can see it, but still have it look nice. 👍
@@debbydoodler33 Thanks! Yeah, wouldn't it be great to have a phone that has, like, an 8-way split screen?! I'm still not sure that would help me though! 😆
I wish I knew this stuff when I was raising my children. Now I have grandchildren. So, I’m minimizing my house, and sharing your videos with my adult kids with kids!❤
Exactly what I wish I had done but like you I'm doing it with my grandchildren. Even my own grown up children are realising how easy my home us to run etc being minimal with everything so it's trickling down x
I have 2 adult daughters, I wish I could say the are receptive to the wisdom (of yours) that I share, but eventually they come along as if they thought of it themselves…… maybe I’m too tactful…….
Having lists like this really help me prioritize what actually matters. I try to look at my lists and then think about what is actually very important in this moment- it really helps me with intentionality. I realize things like: I need to spend time with my son or intentionally hug my kids more often. I can clearly see where I have space to make sure we are playing family games and taking vacations together. I think these systems can actually really help you be intentional as a mom, wife, friend, etc.
Time management helps me free up time for my family. For after school, evening, birthdays, vacations. It’s helped me be present to them and makes our home restful.
@@candicemast4209 - absolutely. And this is where reframing helps because, for example, I've got a task of going through a lot of old papers and materials for projects. I can think of it exactly like that. Or, I can think about how happy my husband will be when that space is clear. I can think about the joy of being able to demonstrate success for my child to be inspired by and encouraged by. I can think of the anticipation of inviting others into that space to teach them a little something about sewing when they've asked to learn about it. These things are ministry to others. Not just to me. It's part of my bigger purpose of being on earth at this time and in these circumstances😊. i'm here to show the love of Christ to others, and sometimes that means leaving my to do list behind to go help others with their to do list, to visit, to cheer up, etc. I definitely benefit from having organized list that can be Easily updated to accommodate unexpected challenges during projects, or to remind me of the one teeny tiny thing that I need to do to move things forward even though I don't have time to do much on any given project. Our paper and/or digital organization should serve the greater good that we are here for. 😇 ❤!
Wanted to add going thru your lists periodically is so great. Sometimes when a task sits on there a while you find that you don’t find it necessary anymore or things have changed since you first wrote it down.
My lists are chaotic. I found a list from ten months back with a bunch of items I still haven't done. And about 5 other lists with several recurring items. Once I start crossing off things that I've finished, the whole thing looks so messy my brain just baulks.
This is exactly me! I have lists for my lists and post it notes and calendar reminders....I was missing all kids of things and constantly asking "where did that note go?" This feels like it might give me better control and praying that the the crossing out mess or missing notes may be a thing of the past :)@@thatswhatisaid8908
I am beginning to realize that I need to let a lot of my “ to do’s” list. I am tired of hearing how productive I need to be. Sometimes we just need to stop and let the little annoying things go. Organizing and productivity and “ getting things done” are making women who work outside of the home feel miserable and less than. 😔.
For me, this video was less about getting more done and more about reducing the clutter rattling around in our brains. The tool provides a means for organizing and prioritizing it all.
It's worse for women who are stay-at-home/full-time moms - "you're home all day, so why can't you get it all done?" UGH, maybe because the babies/toddlers/children don't sit quietly doing nothing all day and I'm busy tending to their needs?hmm
I increasingly feel that I'm living in the wrong era. I wasn't made to keep up with the frantic pace of today's society and it's really starting to wear on me, especially the constant reliance on screens and digital resources. I adore all of your videos, Dawn... but I feel that (for me) that instead of more organization, I need to focus on the basics and say no to what doesn't add value. I know that's the core message of your channel, and I love you for that. Thank you for everything you do for the community especially busy women!
I agree with you. People are dangerously reliant on all this technology and will not be able to function without it should it one day be unavailable, even briefly.
I was thinking as she was showing this system that there have been seriously organized people for centuries, and wondered what they used. One thing that occured to me is that good old 3x5 cards would be good for noting down tasks that need to be done periodically, especially if they're a bit complicated, and then they could be sorted in a little 3x5 box with dividers for every week, every month, etc. Remembering not only what to do but little tweaks about how you do it is very hard if you always keep everything in your head and rely on remembering how to do chore X that only happens every Christmas.
The book "more hours in my day" by Emille Barnes is a lovely home maker organisation book that was written in the 80s so very 'analog' ideas like the index cards. She is also focused on being calm, family as what matters etc. Not sure how easy it is to find. I think it has been updated too
@@dangerbook4807- I also remember an index card system, but I don't think it was Emily Barnes even though I have read some of her stuff. But exactly like that. The book I read also had index cards to mark anniversaries and birthdays, really anything to cue you to do something. I had them in a beautiful little Wood file box. The cards didn't actually organize how you run your day. I found it to be a bit much to rely on it for daily and weekly tasks that might be better posted on a wall or in a notebook that stays open on the counter if you have exceptionally long routines at different times of the day. in the same way we can discover how we like to organize things (clutter bug style!) It would behoove us all to figure out a way to support ourselves in getting things done with the least friction. And life changes so those techniques can change! I don't want to be reliant on technology, but I am using it to create easily updatable printables 😊. Note/caveat to self: I need to have a plan to shred the old ones! I have just too many fabulous ideas that have ended up on paper, often repeated.😂😂😂.
A great video Dawn! I create a similar list but do it with pen and paper. I have lost track of the amount of times I have gone to write a reminder or add something to a list on my phone and then have got distracted by messages or emails and then forgot to add the note to myself. I know it’s a bit more of a long drawn out process writing it by hand but it helps me sort out my thoughts which I guess is the most important thing about it all. Another tip that might help others is that I walk about the house very quickly and just take photos of different rooms or draws etc and then scroll through the pictures to work out what it is about that space that is bothering me, or in some cases since I’ve been decluttering I might feel happy with how it looks. For some reason seeing my home through photos helps me stand back and see a space with different eyes and also spot things I’ve got used to seeing which actually need action taken on them.
You were talking about being in this habit when catastrophe hits. I'm a two time cancer survivor. Having these lists prepared would be so helpful for the ones close to you that want to help but in those difficult times you have no idea what you need!
I usually find Dawn's videos so peaceful... this had a different feel to it. Our culture tells us we have to live at such a frantic pace. If a paper To Do list doesn't cut it anymore, it probably means we're doing too much. The world doesn't stop spinning if we don't capture Every. Single. Thought. that comes into our heads. It's OK to let some of them go! I know Dawn mentioned "task inventory," but the video still felt like a departure from her usual message of simple living - more like a tutorial on how to organize all your clutter instead of releasing it. Set yourself free from the pressure to be perfect and keep all the balls in the air! We're all juggling too much. Yes, I have a To Do list. But I'm gracious with myself and my limits. My body and brain weren't designed to handle a constant barrage of ideas, tasks, and pressures. Take a deep breath and know that you are enough, even if you sometimes forget an Amazon return.
But she is talking about inventory she needs. If we just let the reminder to get toilet paper go out the window, we would all agree that is not something we should just forget about. As a minimalist, we still have things that we consider important to us and we still need to prioritize those special and important things. To see your ideas on paper, you can study the ideas and wonder if it’s necessary/actionable/appropriate or if you should declutter it.
Yes! I used to feel like I needed to capture every single thing and that if I couldn’t get it all sorted & done, then I wasn’t doing it right. I’ve had to learn to let things go and realize that if something is important enough, I’ll think of it again at a time that I’m ready to schedule it.
I just started a free trial with TeauxDeaux .... already feeling IMMENSELY lighter. I was praying for help today, that God would send me something to ease the overwhelm in this difficult and full season of life with three little kids. I really feel this is an answer to prayer. Thank you Dawn!!😭
As I watched this video, all I could think of was how hard Dawn had to look through her decluttered, minimal home to find all those little things to put on the table. Haha. 😂
I use a Trello board sorted into priority lists. Then I can drag and drop between columns as priorities shift. And I can assign subtasks or members or due dates. And it's free!
Dawn, I’ll take this opportunity to tell you How Much I have benefitted from your videos. We are retired and downsizing soon. I’m so grateful my daughter mentioned your channel. Managing inventory, asking the right questions, simplifying and being content. It all flows beautifully together. I noticed recently that with less stuff I feel more Empowered to tackle the big jobs. Your philosophy has been life-changing. Blessings to you and your family!
I sort some of my tasks into inside and outside projects so i can decide which ones to do depending on the weather so if the weather isnt cooperating on any given day, i can easily choose something from the other list. Sometimes i add in supplies needed etc so i can be sure to have them on hand so I'll be ready to go when the time is right. Im retired so my time is more flexible than you busy moms.
Love that. I live in an area with 4 very distinct seasons so I have a summer list and a not summer list…ie. all the outdoor things that need to be done in the 3 months of nice weather.
I keep my outside projects next to the front door. Things such as errands to post office, things to bring to a relative, a post it note on the door if I have food in the refrigerator to take to a relative. I have an iPhone shopping note with subcategories for the pharmacy, Costco, supermarket, Amazon, etc. In Costco subcategory I have all the food groups listed and in the order they’re at the store so I’m more efficient shopping.
Thank you Dawn ! My take away from this is ‘take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ’. So encouraging that God worked this into his word for us and that he wants to help us in every area of our lives !!!!!!!!!
I definitely wash my shower curtain liners many times before throwing them away. Eventually, I still have to throw them out but I've saved lots of money by the time that day comes.
When I started planning using the time block system is when I realized why I was so overwhelmed. I had never realized how little time I had. It made me plan only one thing a day like today is laundry day, tomorrow is concert etc. since everything else goes to work, routines and kids. My stress levels went way down
I watched this as a workday break today and it made me realize just how scattered both my work and personal to-do lists were - even though I had dedicated notebooks for them, tasks still accumulated on sticky notes throughout the house or were forgotten if I wasn’t near a pen and paper. I’m testing out Teux Deux and switching up some Asana workflows with high hopes. Thank you for this!
Listened to this VLOG twice, second time downloaded both Teaux Deaux AND Blinklist. LOVING TEAUX DEAUX!! Filling it out as I listen to you, thanks so much.... I no longer feel scatter brained.
I also just download TeuxDeux! It looks like a great ways to combine and manage all the things I have scattered throughout my calendar, reminders, and notes. It will be a huge relief to be able to see all that inventory in one place! 💝
Love this! I am retired now and so busy with “projects”, that my head feels so full, more full than working full-time. Working on a digital time blocking plan, and this fits too!
@@jansmith2658I shared it with my husband. I think everyone can benefit from this video. I think she said "women" though because we are typically the ones that everything falls on. Carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders so to speak. Our husbands typically just worry about work and household repairs. And I feel like men can compartmentalize things a little easier. They pull from their different boxes (Mark Gungor). Women are like spaghetti, remembering all of the things.
I'm really learning this skill. I recently got a diagnosis with Lupus. I have to create better routines and work flows for my health. At the end of the day I have to tell myself I did all I could and that's good enough.
I will always be a paper and pencil girl. Especially managing a calendar. I tried digital and not much was getting accomplished. For sure you have to do what works best for you! ✌🏻
This is so relevant I watched it twice! Thank you so much! My brain very much feels like it is swirling with reminders, to-dos, tasks, grocery lists, etc. but then I feel like I have nothing to show for it & am often forgetting things. I am definitely going to work or capturing all my thoughts like this so I can organize them and prioritize at a time that works for me instead of trying to hold it all in my brain! Especially the long term things. My husband and I have noted more than once that we feel like each day is just putting out all the fires of the day and bigger or longer term projects we dream of never get accomplished.
Soooo good!!! We can be the boss of our To Do list and not let it be the boss of us!! Learning to prioritize is so wise!!! Simple but we seem to forget how so easily! Thanks for again giving us permission Dawn!!!!
Just a quick tip- those shower curtain liners- toss them into the washing machine with bleach. I promise they come out fine. I actually throw the liner and cotton curtain (I always choose white for this reason) in together, with the plastic clips still attached like a maniac. Every once in a while, a clip breaks. I should swap for the hook style. But I just keep an extra roll of clips. It is just easier for me as a short person, lol Also- Asana's free app as worked similarly for me. Its got both desktop and phone app. :)
DAWN! Are you reading my mind?! I just saw David Allen's Book yesterday while substitute teaching. I browsed and thought, oh I need to research that more. Here you are today with a video on it. Crazy! And THANK YOU
Oh my gosh! I can't believe this - just yesterday, I was thinking about how the idea of managing inventory really needs to apply to our brains and our thoughts, just as much as in our homes! I was even wondering when/if you might talk about that. LOL! I have done something similar in Trello. But I'm checking this out to see if it offers anything better than my current system. Thanks!
I use the notes app on my phone for every random thing I need to remember. Shopping lists, meals I wanna cook, things I need to do or important things to remember. Even random good ideas I have. Everything I know I won't remember.
My to do list is a novel! And yes, life goes fast. Super fast! Especially when there's been illness. Your info is helpful. Just wish I could do it all. I usually get overwhelmed and give up!
@mariellenthilesen9136 Definitely! I'd be lost without my list!!! I'm much more patient, and my priorities are different. I no longer sweat the small stuff. Enjoying life these days! ....and still trying to do a better job downsizing!!
The first few seconds that you talked, Dawn, described my entire life-never on top of anything with a to-do list constantly a mile long. You have truly changed my life. I can’t thank you enough. Love you so much!!
WOW, WHAT AN AWESOME VIDEO!!! I have seen your Blinkist offer before but this time I really think I WILL do it and you may have just won me over on the digital help because I have not been keeping tract of anything in my date book/journal. Life is just a tornado lately! I love you and thank you for all you do. I love Diana too and love seeing your videos together.
❤thank you. I sat down to do some sewing I should have done 2 months ago and put you on to keep me company. You made me remember an important task that I needed to do now. Done and back to the sewing.
I am new to this channel and I love this video! When you spoke about the swirling list of tasks that you couldn’t maintain, it spoke directly to me. That is exactly how I feel! Looking forward to trying this concept of capturing everything.
I, also, use apps on my phone for lists. AND...my calendar. Case in point. I've been wanting to paint my front door before crappy weather comes to central Ohio. Last week I looked at the weather and saw Tuesday was the perfect weather for painting. So...I put it on my calendar, which I look at much more frequently than another other app. Yep...got the door & trim painted and it looks amazing.
I like the way you said our ideas, to-dos, and could/should-dos are inventory to manage, just like the stuff in our homes. I agree, one place is key (I tend to write a list and promptly lose it, so I have a whiteboard plus apps with reminders to help me stay on track)
I read David Allen’s book and it was very good . I do find that writing every single thing down clears your mind out even if you don’t organize it, just write everything down. It’s very helpful.
This was such a great tip! I took LOVE my pen and paper notes/reminders/lists.. but you're absolutely right - I rarely have them with me. I found the Google Keep app on my phone and voila! Feels so good to get the silent to do list out of my mind and into lists on my phone. Thanks Dawn!
The information comes in from so many different sources, I like that you separate the tasks of collect and sort. I think I’ve been trying to find a system where these weren’t necessary. Now it feels like, ok, allow time to collect and sort.
Thank you for this great video. I too use the To Do Ap for various lists like Grocery List; Target, Books to Read, Shows to Watch etc. Thank you for opening my eyes even more to use it as my daily brain dump and use it for more household related tasks & a weekly to do list. I was so excited after watching it and wanted to have my husband watch how we will now manage our household easier. We already have the To Do App synched across our family phones and absolutely love it. One person can be at home adding items to the grocery list and another person can access it at the store. Or each of you can look at your grocery list in different parts of the store and get items and cross them off. It makes grocery shopping very quick with two people.
Dawn, you are just so refreshing and relatable ❤. I took a break watching your videos, who knows why, life, kids etc. I’m catching back up on your videos while decluttering my bathroom. I just wanted to say thank you for being such a joy and for all your practical advice!
OMGosh you are on fire, this is exactly how I have been feeling! Your passion for organization is such a blessing to me! Thanks for the realistic ideas and solutions.
Because I always have my phone, I use my notes app to brain dump. It relives a lot of stress and I am able to check it daily for what to do. Some things just aren’t that important so they stay on it a while. I make sure to erase each thing that gets accomplished.
Great info! Just downloaded the app to try. I do like paper but a planner is one more thing to buy and I usually don’t end up using all the extra stuff I comes with or the “vision casting” pages and all that. Also, I think a great title for this vid would have been “a video every woman can benefit from watching” and leaving the “should” in the caption out 😉 Just a thought. I like your channel because it doesn’t feel judgy or “my way is the best way.”
I’m sorting photos albums by reducing them from 22to 4 left but need boxes now to sort them into but I cannot drag myself to shops to buy those boxes to finish this task I hate shops so those 4 last books are sitting there in a pile for months now 😮 why why can’t I complete this
I have used my notes in my phone, and have a grocery list, a weekly meals list, shopping list, and to do list.. but thw notes get ignored often other than groceries, and occasionally meals, im getting the to do list app, I neeed a better way to irganized all these thoughts and tasks! Love that i can use my phone ir computer and im guessing even print it out! Perfect solution! Thank you souch for the great tips!!
Dawn, I have watching your videos for years! Your ideas have changed my life. Love how you have step by step, you write out the words on the videos, so simple, keep these videos coming. I have referenced back to your older videos all the time if i get stuck. Love how you actually show us how & what to do instead of just talking!! We need that. ❤❤❤ ! Thank you & Blessings Lori from PA.
I’m cracking up over the super cute wording of “To Do”!!😂 I love my planner but my very first one I spent more time decorating than actually writing in it!! When I’m away from home and an epiphany hits, I put them in my Notes app on my iPhone. This info is really great! (I admit I’m thinking about my son as I watch!?) Thank you so much! ❤
I tried a digital planner and it did not work for me so I am going back to paper for 2024. I still used the Notes section on my phone to capture things as I go through my day but I move them to the planner that day or the next morning. I’m so detailed organized that I have a list of my lists 😳 Now if I could get the house as organized as the planner…😂
THANK YOU! This is such timely advice for me. I recently started a new job and have felt the mental load of holding so much in my brain. Thankful to hear about this app. Checking it out now.
Thank you so much for this! I'm trying to transition from paper to digital too, so I've actually been implementing this strategy myself over the last 8/9 months using the documents app on my phone. Unfortunately, I'm now noticing that the "project item list" keeps growing, and at the same time, the daily list is not getting done which is now causing more stress than it was alleviating. Your perspective and recommendation of Blinkist, Not Today, and the To Do app was timely and helpful. Again, thank you so much! I absolutely needed to hear this today.
Hi Dawn, I love the idea of everything to do in one place! It’s an idea I’ve been working on when decluttering and reducing things in my home. Also, less things in my head mean I’m way more relaxed, so thank you. Elizabeth
My latest to do list system has become a Watsapp text between me and my husband 😅. And we updated it as we go. It includes what we need to do individually and also the shared project that we need to do together. It works great for us as it keeps both of us on the loop and in the same page. It also helped us to see and appreciate how much each of us do individually and how much we need each other to get big project done. No more nagging and asking what are you doing all day and when you will get that done 😂. And what so nice about this to do list is whenever and wherever we are and we have some free time we would pull out the list and pick something to do and cross it out of the list.
Of all the advice you've given over the last couple of years (about how long I've been watching), this is the piece that I believe will help me the most. Thank you. Also, I hope you love Greg McKeown's book, Essentialism, as much as I do. I think he is the Stephen Covey of our day.
I was at a part of life where I had done the things to live happy comfortable and organized in my home. Then things happent that my kid and my grands had to move in. Sad to say my kid was most certainly not respecting the way I needed life. Not good for my mental health. She moved out this weekend but her kids stayed with me. I am so overwhelmed right now and to sick to fix my house again! Hoping that I can soon. Also my husband’s mom and dad are moving in in March and will spend the remainder of their lives here. One has cancer. Now we Have a bedroom to remodel and a garage to convert to a living room for them so they can get away and get peace and quit from my 4 yr old grands when they need it. I need some prayers please!!! And maybe some counseling… lol. I will be binge watching your videos for motivation again. Thank you for all you do!!!
I needed to hear all of this! Thank you! I have been feeling the need to simplify my mind and you explained it so well! I downloaded the app right away! I have so many lists around my house it ends up just being clutter. This is worth a try!
I'm sticking with paper. I have a planner then a planner as a journal of what happened and what was paid. They stay with me in my backpack. AND There is nothing like taking a cellphone picture of your time do list. You can edit the picture with the draw function. and toss it out when done. I keep shopping list in my notes in the phone. Once I buy it I erase it.
Hi Dawn, I love watching your videos. This is exactly what I needed. I have so many to do lists and have tried many apps and diaries. Thank you for helping us simplify our lives. 😊
Thank you for this video!!! For me, it was an answer to prayer. I watched it twice in a row and thought of my friends I wanted to share it with that struggle with this too. My system is off and you had some REALLY great explanations. I LOVED it!❤
Thanks Dawn for the great input! For those who love their paper planer, I found the “Rocketbook” a great tool for planning a to do list. It is a reusable notebook, that has different categories and can be digitalised into different folders on your phone/computer(if something needs to be saved). I have one list for my weekly shopping, one for projects around the house, one for upcoming events (birthdays, trips) and one for important one time tasks like calling the dentist or picking up something from the pharmacy. My weekly chores are not on there, I have a cleaning plan for that, which hangs in my kitchen and by now is pretty much autopilot.
Thank you, this mental decluttering is good to not be repeatedly reminded of tasks I forgot. That feels a bit shocking when it happens. It also helps to consider wich idea is matching my values, is important for me and when it's possible to do a bit for it. Two things I want to offer from my perspective. One. I don't need to collect those tasks or whishes daily. It's calming to remember, my needs are already met. There are maintenance tasks that keep my live comfy and my family well enough cared for according to my standard. Those are repetitive things like keeping the laundry circle going. Doing the groceries, sunday's new bed sheets, sunday's plant care...That's important to not overload myself with pretty things I see from others lives. To have my boundary protecting my resources and peace of mind. Then there are tasks to make things better. For those I like a project list. Second: Making live even better it's a process. Often I don't have enough free capacity for a complete project. Then it's helpful to have it on paper and divided in little steps and to be gracious with me when I do only one tiny step in the right direction even if it means to try and fail and learn. For me it's so easily frustrating to invest my resources and not get an immediate benefit from the investment like: the problem got solved and is off my to do list. Especially when maintenance is using all my resources and I'm inspired to add something new. Or in need to deal with lives lessons. Then this waiting list is good to not feel shocked by all these waiting or open processes. I needed to adjust it to my possibilities. Thank you for sharing the option to write down our ideas and wishes
Yes to all of this! I have been doing a version of this for years. I have a brain dump note in my phone, and then when I am by my papper planner, I add them to a project list or assign them to a day.
Thank you Blinkist for sponsoring! Get a 7-day free trial and 25% off Blinkist Annual Premium by clicking here: www.blinkist.com/theminimalmom or scanning the QR code!
And then listen or read the blinks for these books (they're life changing!):
- Not Today
- Eat that Frog
- Making it All Work
- The Checklist Manifesto
Thank you for watching! Dawn
Could you PLEASE give the author's names for these books???
I just did a search on my library's website and came up with some books that were NOT what you referenced...
@@dianneroberts2786
Not Today- Erica Schultz and Mike Schultz
Eat That Frog- Brian Tracy
Making it All Work- David Allen
The Checklist Manifesto- Atul Gawande
Hello Dawn, thanks! It is as usually a very thoughtful video. - Is the app for free? someone wrote in the playstore review it is for 4 dollars/euros a month. Is that true? Maybe former versions? On the website they advertise it as free for android and iOS. I am not sure. I do not like
subscriptions that regularly cost me something. You then lose track of them and may never deregister them. So I am careful what I am installing on my phone. Thanks a bunch for helping me out to start with-
@@leonieharry2941can I know the name of this app as I didn’t get it from video
What app do you use for the "to do " list. I couldn't find it. Thanks
My mom once told me “when you finally accept that the life cycle of your laundry is infinite, you will find inner peace.”
I call it "the stuff of life." It ends when you die.
I mostly love laundry because when I'm doing it I can either think about nothing at all or ponder interesting things or watch a little television so it's like a break. I do a little bit on most days, and it's like a little treat most of the time unless I have to put extra effort into stains. I also pre-sort my laundry as it comes off of me and I trained my husband to do the same thing. I literally have a basket called "tumble and ignore." That's for stuff that gets washed on hot, then goes into the dryer and I don't have to worry about it wrinkling. Other loads usually involve hanging things immediately or partial drying things on cold air and then hanging them up, or just drawing things and being right there to catch them Before they wrinkle. I know that when I'm doing towels or my "tumble and ignore" loads that I'm going to have a TV treat! 😂
My problem is that I realize how fast time is going by and it feels like I'm just watching my self live life but not truly present. I recently realized this is due to depression. Working on that
So often that’s me and I too am working on it❤
Same!
I really understand this.
My heart goes out to you. Please get help for your mental health before spending time on to-do lists. ❤️
Girl, I feel this deeply!😔
I have been watching you and Dana and Cas for barely a month. I can now see my living room floor. I can now walk in my closet and reach my clothes. But more importantly, I’ve started taking the basic concepts to a hoarding group on Facebook and helping other people see things clearly. Thank you. Not just for me, but for those I can also now help.
These 3 ladies are so amazing! I am finally learning how to manage my home well after being married foe over 15 years!
That is so awesome for you to share what Dawn gives us so generously! ❤ Great support from so, so many here!
Way to go! That's awesome! ❤❤❤
These ladies have changed my life after four years!!
I liked to read, that you now are teaching your clothes and they don't talk to you anymore.
I live where cell service & internet service are very poor and unreliable so I don't do phone anything. I don't carry my phone with me unless I am traveling. I go as "non-digitaI" as possible . I use old school (paper) for everything and ALWAYS carry my paper planner with me.
We must be neighbors 😂
I’ve been doing this more and more, except I won’t leave the house without my cell phone because everything is at least 30 minutes from our home and I have two small children so if there were any emergency, I need to be able to make a phone call.
Another neighbor here!!😅😄🤦♀️
I want to live where you live 😅
I lived in rural Vermont, and when flatlander friends came to visit with their cellphones, they got the warning that there would be roaming charges because they were “in a foreign country”! 😂😂😂
What I have realized with age is that I will never be done with my today list. I used to feel anxious feeling like I was behind because I had so much to do and thought I should be able to do it and be done. That’s not possible. I feel much more relaxed now that I have realized this.
My today list only has tasks that if I don't accomplish today, it would ruin my life lol. So the urgency is motivation enough to complete a very short list. Then I go into my future list and accomplish some of those tasks, and it feels WAY better that way.
It’s like the laundry basket and the dishwasher- it’s only empty momentarily- because it’s a process.
SAME! It took me a while to realize I can do ALLLL the laundry in one day…more will be waiting for me the next day
Great reminder as I start retirement too busy!
Dawn! I just want to say that I find all of your videos extremely helpful. I am a busy homeschooling mom with 7 children and quite frequently feel overwhelmed with all of the things that I need to try to remember. I don’t know why some people felt negativity towards this video. You are not at all saying that you should do all of the things swirling through your brain but record them in a way that is best for you, so that your mind can be clear to focus on the people and things that matter most, without a fear of “what am I forgetting?” in the back of your mind. All of the stuff on the table was an excellent visual. I love all of your content, it is very helpful and your channel is one of the few I can watch that doesn’t make me feel like a failure. I believe you truly want to help people. Thank you so much and God bless you!❤
I fully agree with this woman, I love your genuine gentle sharing and showing us all you know.
I feel the same !
@@smoothtruth❤
💯
What is absolutely hilarious is that my husband bought me a shirt recently that says, “Not Today” on it. Today was my first day wearing it and I see this video drop!😂 not to mention that the content here is 100% me!
Love those synchronistic moments! Thanks for sharing.
Well if that’s not a sign I don’t know what is
Coincidence? I saw a T shirt in Goodwill today with that on it. I go there to look for furniture to paint but actually considered buying the shirt when I saw it in the end of the rack as I walked by. 🧐
My husband got me one that says " today is a beautiful day to leave me alone"😅 GOTTA Love the cool t- shirts❤
Too funny 😂 so perfect!
*TIPS FOR NON-DIGITAL ORGANIZERS*
Great point about capturing everything! I just wanted to mention that for those of us that don't do well with the digital way, there are small dry erase boards you can get that stick on a wall or any surface with velcro. So if you're in the bathroom, you can jot down what you're thinking of in the moment, then take the board (when you have time) to your main list and transfer the items. Yep, it may look weird to guests, but you have to do what works in your life! (I actually just thought of an idea! If company is coming and you're embarrassed about your bathroom list, take if off the velcro, hide it away, and replace it with a lightweight little picture you've affixed velcro to!) These boards can be put anywhere and everywhere you need them!
Your MAIN TASK LIST can be a bigger board of some kind in your CENTRAL organizing area with each to do, grocery item, etc. on INDIVIDUAL STICKY NOTES (they make sticky notes in an abundance of sizes and colors!). These sticky notes can be physically moved around much like Dawn did digitally on her computer! Put important items on brighter colored and/or bigger sticky notes. Have the days of the week across the top and your other main headings could be Special/individual Projects, Grocery List(s), Work Stuff... whatever you want across the lower half.
I have ADHD, which means I have severe executive function difficulties, motivation problems and memory issues, and a thought can literally go out of my brain in a fraction of a second and be replaced with another thought, plus I'm a VERY visual person. I find I need to WRITE a thought immediately (the very act of writing, rather than typing, helps me to remember it also!) or it may be gone indefinitely, EVEN IF IT'S IMPORTANT. The ACT of opening an app on a phone and having to type or getting into a computer is enough of a barrier to me that I will forget what I needed to type or won't take the time to actually do. Like Dawn emphasized, capturing the thought is HUGE! I am also a very "out of sight, out of mind" person, so I HAVE to have things where I can see them... the more in my face, the better! Just having them on an app on my phone does not work for me, because I have to open the app and it's not consistantly in my face enough. Might sound weird to some, but that's what works for my brain! You have to realize your barriers and work with your brain to overcome them. Good luck everyone!!
I have ADHD too and most of what you said is 100% the same for me! Out of sight out of mind (sadly for me this includes people sometimes so I have to task calls and check ins too). I have to keep a paper planner and paper to do lists, but I do send myself messages all day long about things to do and once a day or every few days I add them to my master list. When I was in management at a previous job I had to use my sticky notes to prioritize my day/week and would move the tasks around as needed if a meeting went late or something like that.
Genius idea! Thank you
Great tips! I do rely a fair bit on digital, but struggle with only having one screen in view at a time. That's where paper or something physical is really helpful.
@@korriefisher4545 I'm convinced that whoever invented sticky notes had to have (or has) ADHD! 🤣 I don't know if you've ever heard of Cass who has the Clutterbug UA-cam channel (she's friends with Dawn), but she has ADHD as well, and her "Butterfly" and "Bee" organizing styles ('bugs') are GREAT for "out of sight, out of mind" people like us. She shows that you can have everything where you can see it, but still have it look nice. 👍
@@debbydoodler33 Thanks! Yeah, wouldn't it be great to have a phone that has, like, an 8-way split screen?! I'm still not sure that would help me though! 😆
You are SO GREAT at picking revelant topics. You are such a blessing.
I wish I knew this stuff when I was raising my children. Now I have grandchildren. So, I’m minimizing my house, and sharing your videos with my adult kids with kids!❤
Exactly what I wish I had done but like you I'm doing it with my grandchildren. Even my own grown up children are realising how easy my home us to run etc being minimal with everything so it's trickling down x
I have 2 adult daughters, I wish I could say the are receptive to the wisdom (of yours) that I share, but eventually they come along as if they thought of it themselves…… maybe I’m too tactful…….
Same!
Also love you and share with my 42 and 39 yr old daughters.
Same here. I wish I knew all this information but I will take it now to improve my life.
Time management is important but so is living...hold your families close ,life is short x
Having lists like this really help me prioritize what actually matters. I try to look at my lists and then think about what is actually very important in this moment- it really helps me with intentionality. I realize things like: I need to spend time with my son or intentionally hug my kids more often. I can clearly see where I have space to make sure we are playing family games and taking vacations together. I think these systems can actually really help you be intentional as a mom, wife, friend, etc.
Time management helps me free up time for my family. For after school, evening, birthdays, vacations. It’s helped me be present to them and makes our home restful.
@@candicemast4209 - absolutely. And this is where reframing helps because, for example, I've got a task of going through a lot of old papers and materials for projects. I can think of it exactly like that. Or, I can think about how happy my husband will be when that space is clear. I can think about the joy of being able to demonstrate success for my child to be inspired by and encouraged by. I can think of the anticipation of inviting others into that space to teach them a little something about sewing when they've asked to learn about it. These things are ministry to others. Not just to me. It's part of my bigger purpose of being on earth at this time and in these circumstances😊. i'm here to show the love of Christ to others, and sometimes that means leaving my to do list behind to go help others with their to do list, to visit, to cheer up, etc. I definitely benefit from having organized list that can be Easily updated to accommodate unexpected challenges during projects, or to remind me of the one teeny tiny thing that I need to do to move things forward even though I don't have time to do much on any given project.
Our paper and/or digital organization should serve the greater good that we are here for. 😇 ❤!
Wanted to add going thru your lists periodically is so great. Sometimes when a task sits on there a while you find that you don’t find it necessary anymore or things have changed since you first wrote it down.
Or you find you've written it twice cause you forgot it was already there XD.
My lists are chaotic. I found a list from ten months back with a bunch of items I still haven't done. And about 5 other lists with several recurring items. Once I start crossing off things that I've finished, the whole thing looks so messy my brain just baulks.
This is exactly me! I have lists for my lists and post it notes and calendar reminders....I was missing all kids of things and constantly asking "where did that note go?" This feels like it might give me better control and praying that the the crossing out mess or missing notes may be a thing of the past :)@@thatswhatisaid8908
I am beginning to realize that I need to let a lot of my “ to do’s” list. I am tired of hearing how productive I need to be. Sometimes we just need to stop and let the little annoying things go. Organizing and productivity and “ getting things done” are making women who work outside of the home feel miserable and less than. 😔.
For me, this video was less about getting more done and more about reducing the clutter rattling around in our brains. The tool provides a means for organizing and prioritizing it all.
It's worse for women who are stay-at-home/full-time moms - "you're home all day, so why can't you get it all done?" UGH, maybe because the babies/toddlers/children don't sit quietly doing nothing all day and I'm busy tending to their needs?hmm
I increasingly feel that I'm living in the wrong era. I wasn't made to keep up with the frantic pace of today's society and it's really starting to wear on me, especially the constant reliance on screens and digital resources. I adore all of your videos, Dawn... but I feel that (for me) that instead of more organization, I need to focus on the basics and say no to what doesn't add value. I know that's the core message of your channel, and I love you for that. Thank you for everything you do for the community especially busy women!
I agree with you. People are dangerously reliant on all this technology and will not be able to function without it should it one day be unavailable, even briefly.
I was thinking as she was showing this system that there have been seriously organized people for centuries, and wondered what they used. One thing that occured to me is that good old 3x5 cards would be good for noting down tasks that need to be done periodically, especially if they're a bit complicated, and then they could be sorted in a little 3x5 box with dividers for every week, every month, etc. Remembering not only what to do but little tweaks about how you do it is very hard if you always keep everything in your head and rely on remembering how to do chore X that only happens every Christmas.
The book "more hours in my day" by Emille Barnes is a lovely home maker organisation book that was written in the 80s so very 'analog' ideas like the index cards. She is also focused on being calm, family as what matters etc. Not sure how easy it is to find. I think it has been updated too
Thank you @@stephallen9819 , I'll try to find it!
@@dangerbook4807- I also remember an index card system, but I don't think it was Emily Barnes even though I have read some of her stuff. But exactly like that. The book I read also had index cards to mark anniversaries and birthdays, really anything to cue you to do something. I had them in a beautiful little Wood file box.
The cards didn't actually organize how you run your day. I found it to be a bit much to rely on it for daily and weekly tasks that might be better posted on a wall or in a notebook that stays open on the counter if you have exceptionally long routines at different times of the day.
in the same way we can discover how we like to organize things (clutter bug style!) It would behoove us all to figure out a way to support ourselves in getting things done with the least friction. And life changes so those techniques can change!
I don't want to be reliant on technology, but I am using it to create easily updatable printables 😊. Note/caveat to self: I need to have a plan to shred the old ones! I have just too many fabulous ideas that have ended up on paper, often repeated.😂😂😂.
It does look satisfying how everything can be spread out and seen in that app. Especially the grocery lists for specific stores.
A great video Dawn! I create a similar list but do it with pen and paper. I have lost track of the amount of times I have gone to write a reminder or add something to a list on my phone and then have got distracted by messages or emails and then forgot to add the note to myself. I know it’s a bit more of a long drawn out process writing it by hand but it helps me sort out my thoughts which I guess is the most important thing about it all.
Another tip that might help others is that I walk about the house very quickly and just take photos of different rooms or draws etc and then scroll through the pictures to work out what it is about that space that is bothering me, or in some cases since I’ve been decluttering I might feel happy with how it looks. For some reason seeing my home through photos helps me stand back and see a space with different eyes and also spot things I’ve got used to seeing which actually need action taken on them.
You were talking about being in this habit when catastrophe hits. I'm a two time cancer survivor. Having these lists prepared would be so helpful for the ones close to you that want to help but in those difficult times you have no idea what you need!
I usually find Dawn's videos so peaceful... this had a different feel to it. Our culture tells us we have to live at such a frantic pace. If a paper To Do list doesn't cut it anymore, it probably means we're doing too much. The world doesn't stop spinning if we don't capture Every. Single. Thought. that comes into our heads. It's OK to let some of them go! I know Dawn mentioned "task inventory," but the video still felt like a departure from her usual message of simple living - more like a tutorial on how to organize all your clutter instead of releasing it. Set yourself free from the pressure to be perfect and keep all the balls in the air! We're all juggling too much. Yes, I have a To Do list. But I'm gracious with myself and my limits. My body and brain weren't designed to handle a constant barrage of ideas, tasks, and pressures. Take a deep breath and know that you are enough, even if you sometimes forget an Amazon return.
Completely agree 💜🇬🇧
I needed to read this. Thank you. Videos like this make me anxious and I had to stop watching 1/3 way through.
Agree!!!
But she is talking about inventory she needs. If we just let the reminder to get toilet paper go out the window, we would all agree that is not something we should just forget about. As a minimalist, we still have things that we consider important to us and we still need to prioritize those special and important things. To see your ideas on paper, you can study the ideas and wonder if it’s necessary/actionable/appropriate or if you should declutter it.
Yes! I used to feel like I needed to capture every single thing and that if I couldn’t get it all sorted & done, then I wasn’t doing it right. I’ve had to learn to let things go and realize that if something is important enough, I’ll think of it again at a time that I’m ready to schedule it.
I just started a free trial with TeauxDeaux .... already feeling IMMENSELY lighter. I was praying for help today, that God would send me something to ease the overwhelm in this difficult and full season of life with three little kids. I really feel this is an answer to prayer. Thank you Dawn!!😭
As I watched this video, all I could think of was how hard Dawn had to look through her decluttered, minimal home to find all those little things to put on the table. Haha. 😂
😂
Me too
I thought the same thing!
I don’t know if you realize how well you enunciate your words but I really appreciate it!
I use a Trello board sorted into priority lists. Then I can drag and drop between columns as priorities shift. And I can assign subtasks or members or due dates. And it's free!
I highly recommend Trello too!
This is such a great idea!
@@lemonsama52...is trello an app?
@@singingwindrider9881yes it is
OneNote allows drag and drop also, such a luxury! Also free!
Dawn, I’ll take this opportunity to tell you How Much I have benefitted from your videos. We are retired and downsizing soon. I’m so grateful my daughter mentioned your channel. Managing inventory, asking the right questions, simplifying and being content. It all flows beautifully together. I noticed recently that with less stuff I feel more Empowered to tackle the big jobs. Your philosophy has been life-changing. Blessings to you and your family!
I sort some of my tasks into inside and outside projects so i can decide which ones to do depending on the weather so if the weather isnt cooperating on any given day, i can easily choose something from the other list. Sometimes i add in supplies needed etc so i can be sure to have them on hand so I'll be ready to go when the time is right. Im retired so my time is more flexible than you busy moms.
Great idea.
Love that. I live in an area with 4 very distinct seasons so I have a summer list and a not summer list…ie. all the outdoor things that need to be done in the 3 months of nice weather.
I keep my outside projects next to the front door. Things such as errands to post office, things to bring to a relative, a post it note on the door if I have food in the refrigerator to take to a relative.
I have an iPhone shopping note with subcategories for the pharmacy, Costco, supermarket, Amazon, etc.
In Costco subcategory I have all the food groups listed and in the order they’re at the store so I’m more efficient shopping.
Thank you Dawn ! My take away from this is ‘take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ’. So encouraging that God worked this into his word for us and that he wants to help us in every area of our lives !!!!!!!!!
That verse kept popping into my mind, too!😄
Far out Dawn, just on a side note- your hair, make up, earrings- everything is just *chef’s kiss* today.
Looking gorgeous!
Did you know that shower curtain liners can be machine washed and hung back up to dry? And they come out really clean!
Especially when you wash it with a few old towels or rags.
I definitely wash my shower curtain liners many times before throwing them away. Eventually, I still have to throw them out but I've saved lots of money by the time that day comes.
Ditto. I wash mine with either cleaning rags or the bath mats.
I have a reminder on my phone to wash my shower curtain liner once a month! 😮
When I started planning using the time block system is when I realized why I was so overwhelmed. I had never realized how little time I had. It made me plan only one thing a day like today is laundry day, tomorrow is concert etc. since everything else goes to work, routines and kids. My stress levels went way down
My mood uplifts when I watch all of your videos : The Minimal Mom, Rusty Judgement AND the videos with your sister. Thank you for how you help me.
Just got the decluttering bug back! It’s crazy how just doing one or two spaces gives you a lot of motivation!
I watched this as a workday break today and it made me realize just how scattered both my work and personal to-do lists were - even though I had dedicated notebooks for them, tasks still accumulated on sticky notes throughout the house or were forgotten if I wasn’t near a pen and paper. I’m testing out Teux Deux and switching up some Asana workflows with high hopes. Thank you for this!
Listened to this VLOG twice, second time downloaded both Teaux Deaux AND Blinklist. LOVING TEAUX DEAUX!! Filling it out as I listen to you, thanks so much.... I no longer feel scatter brained.
I also just download TeuxDeux! It looks like a great ways to combine and manage all the things I have scattered throughout my calendar, reminders, and notes. It will be a huge relief to be able to see all that inventory in one place! 💝
Love this! I am retired now and so busy with “projects”, that my head feels so full, more full than working full-time. Working on a digital time blocking plan, and this fits too!
Your TED talk should be titled, “It All Comes Down to Inventory!”
❤ yess
totally going to watch it!
"Inventory, Seasons, And Bandwidth" a call for balance!
Yes “A video every woman should watch” is sexist. I missed the point why only women?
@@jansmith2658I shared it with my husband. I think everyone can benefit from this video. I think she said "women" though because we are typically the ones that everything falls on. Carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders so to speak. Our husbands typically just worry about work and household repairs. And I feel like men can compartmentalize things a little easier. They pull from their different boxes (Mark Gungor). Women are like spaghetti, remembering all of the things.
I'm really learning this skill. I recently got a diagnosis with Lupus. I have to create better routines and work flows for my health. At the end of the day I have to tell myself I did all I could and that's good enough.
Thank you for your awesome videos, Dawn! You speak my language and make me feel more normal!
I will always be a paper and pencil girl. Especially managing a calendar. I tried digital and not much was getting accomplished. For sure you have to do what works best for you! ✌🏻
Lol. I literally just wrote the same thing. I can’t keep up with the latest and greatest🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
This is so relevant I watched it twice! Thank you so much!
My brain very much feels like it is swirling with reminders, to-dos, tasks, grocery lists, etc. but then I feel like I have nothing to show for it & am often forgetting things.
I am definitely going to work or capturing all my thoughts like this so I can organize them and prioritize at a time that works for me instead of trying to hold it all in my brain!
Especially the long term things. My husband and I have noted more than once that we feel like each day is just putting out all the fires of the day and bigger or longer term projects we dream of never get accomplished.
Soooo good!!! We can be the boss of our To Do list and not let it be the boss of us!! Learning to prioritize is so wise!!! Simple but we seem to forget how so easily! Thanks for again giving us permission Dawn!!!!
Just a quick tip- those shower curtain liners- toss them into the washing machine with bleach. I promise they come out fine. I actually throw the liner and cotton curtain (I always choose white for this reason) in together, with the plastic clips still attached like a maniac. Every once in a while, a clip breaks. I should swap for the hook style. But I just keep an extra roll of clips. It is just easier for me as a short person, lol
Also- Asana's free app as worked similarly for me. Its got both desktop and phone app. :)
I will be watching this video Multiple times. It is very valuable to me personally ❣️ Thank you for taking the time to make it.
DAWN! Are you reading my mind?!
I just saw David Allen's Book yesterday while substitute teaching. I browsed and thought, oh I need to research that more. Here you are today with a video on it. Crazy! And THANK YOU
Oh my gosh! I can't believe this - just yesterday, I was thinking about how the idea of managing inventory really needs to apply to our brains and our thoughts, just as much as in our homes! I was even wondering when/if you might talk about that. LOL! I have done something similar in Trello. But I'm checking this out to see if it offers anything better than my current system. Thanks!
I use the notes app on my phone for every random thing I need to remember. Shopping lists, meals I wanna cook, things I need to do or important things to remember. Even random good ideas I have. Everything I know I won't remember.
I use the notes app too.
My to do list is a novel!
And yes, life goes fast. Super fast!
Especially when there's been illness. Your info is helpful. Just wish I could do it all. I usually get overwhelmed and give up!
At least it's "written down" and not in your head anymore! That alone feels great! Still you must give yourself grace. 🥰
@mariellenthilesen9136 Definitely! I'd be lost without my list!!!
I'm much more patient, and my priorities are different. I no longer sweat the small stuff. Enjoying life these days!
....and still trying to do a better job downsizing!!
The first few seconds that you talked, Dawn, described my entire life-never on top of anything with a to-do list constantly a mile long. You have truly changed my life. I can’t thank you enough. Love you so much!!
WOW, WHAT AN AWESOME VIDEO!!! I have seen your Blinkist offer before but this time I really think I WILL do it and you may have just won me over on the digital help because I have not been keeping tract of anything in my date book/journal. Life is just a tornado lately! I love you and thank you for all you do. I love Diana too and love seeing your videos together.
This is what The Sunday Basket does. The whole time I’m watching this I just kept saying The Sunday Basket
What is the Sunday basket?
Saves me so much time and brain space. I love my Sunday Basket!
@@DeannaBourgeoisDawn had a video about it.
❤thank you. I sat down to do some sewing I should have done 2 months ago and put you on to keep me company. You made me remember an important task that I needed to do now. Done and back to the sewing.
Boy did this video hit home - especially with the holidays coming!!! Thanks Dawn.
I am new to this channel and I love this video! When you spoke about the swirling list of tasks that you couldn’t maintain, it spoke directly to me. That is exactly how I feel! Looking forward to trying this concept of capturing everything.
If the soap dispenser is stuck on with adhesive pads try and remove by running floss behind it! It might work🤞 Brilliant informative video as always💗
Or fishing line :) with a drop of Goo gone if necessary
@@bethanyatkinson6944 Love goo gone🤣
I, also, use apps on my phone for lists. AND...my calendar. Case in point. I've been wanting to paint my front door before crappy weather comes to central Ohio. Last week I looked at the weather and saw Tuesday was the perfect weather for painting. So...I put it on my calendar, which I look at much more frequently than another other app. Yep...got the door & trim painted and it looks amazing.
I like the way you said our ideas, to-dos, and could/should-dos are inventory to manage, just like the stuff in our homes. I agree, one place is key (I tend to write a list and promptly lose it, so I have a whiteboard plus apps with reminders to help me stay on track)
SUCH A GREAT VIDEO!!! Your channel is LIFE GIVING!! Thank you for your genuinely caring heart! 🩵🩵🩵
I read David Allen’s book and it was very good . I do find that writing every single thing down clears your mind out even if you don’t organize it, just write everything down. It’s very helpful.
This was such a great tip! I took LOVE my pen and paper notes/reminders/lists.. but you're absolutely right - I rarely have them with me. I found the Google Keep app on my phone and voila! Feels so good to get the silent to do list out of my mind and into lists on my phone. Thanks Dawn!
The information comes in from so many different sources, I like that you separate the tasks of collect and sort. I think I’ve been trying to find a system where these weren’t necessary. Now it feels like, ok, allow time to collect and sort.
Where were you all my life! Omg I’m so happy I came across your channel! Absolutely so inspiring, motivating and creative ❤ Super thanks
Thank you for this great video. I too use the To Do Ap for various lists like Grocery List; Target, Books to Read, Shows to Watch etc. Thank you for opening my eyes even more to use it as my daily brain dump and use it for more household related tasks & a weekly to do list. I was so excited after watching it and wanted to have my husband watch how we will now manage our household easier. We already have the To Do App synched across our family phones and absolutely love it. One person can be at home adding items to the grocery list and another person can access it at the store. Or each of you can look at your grocery list in different parts of the store and get items and cross them off. It makes grocery shopping very quick with two people.
Wow. This list just seems like another very overwhelming task to organize & maintain...I'm going to go do a 5 minute pick up now.
Another way to capture "todo" items with your phone is to take a picture of the problem item. I do that while I'm mowing (rider mower) as it is quick.
Dawn, you are just so refreshing and relatable ❤. I took a break watching your videos, who knows why, life, kids etc. I’m catching back up on your videos while decluttering my bathroom. I just wanted to say thank you for being such a joy and for all your practical advice!
OMGosh you are on fire, this is exactly how I have been feeling! Your passion for organization is such a blessing to me! Thanks for the realistic ideas and solutions.
Hi dawn , big fan of your channel. I started to declutter and I am using a similar calendar app as you and I love it. I parted with a lot of stuff.
Because I always have my phone, I use my notes app to brain dump. It relives a lot of stress and I am able to check it daily for what to do. Some things just aren’t that important so they stay on it a while. I make sure to erase each thing that gets accomplished.
I put all of the things I need to do in the reminders app. I feel overwhelmed seeing how many things I need to do.
I really like this app. I also pin 📌 the main lists such as errands, daily, scheduled, etc.
Great info! Just downloaded the app to try. I do like paper but a planner is one more thing to buy and I usually don’t end up using all the extra stuff I comes with or the “vision casting” pages and all that. Also, I think a great title for this vid would have been “a video every woman can benefit from watching” and leaving the “should” in the caption out 😉 Just a thought. I like your channel because it doesn’t feel judgy or “my way is the best way.”
What is the app called.
I like paper list. Less electric bill, less chance of lithium battery catching fire. Paper comes in small, back pocket size too, then put in computer
I’m sorting photos albums by reducing them from 22to 4 left but need boxes now to sort them into but I cannot drag myself to shops to buy those boxes to finish this task I hate shops so those 4 last books are sitting there in a pile for months now 😮 why why can’t I complete this
I have used my notes in my phone, and have a grocery list, a weekly meals list, shopping list, and to do list.. but thw notes get ignored often other than groceries, and occasionally meals, im getting the to do list app, I neeed a better way to irganized all these thoughts and tasks! Love that i can use my phone ir computer and im guessing even print it out! Perfect solution! Thank you souch for the great tips!!
Absolutely time goes. I was barely getting started being young and as I turned around for only an instant I was old.
Dawn, I have watching your videos for years! Your ideas have changed my life. Love how you have step by step, you write out the words on the videos, so simple, keep these videos coming. I have referenced back to your older videos all the time if i get stuck. Love how you actually show us how & what to do instead of just talking!! We need that. ❤❤❤ ! Thank you & Blessings Lori from PA.
Please make another video about how you use TeuxDeux!!!!!!!
I’m cracking up over the super cute wording of “To Do”!!😂 I love my planner but my very first one I spent more time decorating than actually writing in it!! When I’m away from home and an epiphany hits, I put them in my Notes app on my iPhone. This info is really great! (I admit I’m thinking about my son as I watch!?) Thank you so much! ❤
Definitely. Easy to understand and share with others in their own season of readiness for effective change. God bless and keep smiling!
I tried a digital planner and it did not work for me so I am going back to paper for 2024. I still used the Notes section on my phone to capture things as I go through my day but I move them to the planner that day or the next morning. I’m so detailed organized that I have a list of my lists 😳 Now if I could get the house as organized as the planner…😂
You're just amazing. You've helped me so much over the past few years and I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Minimal Mom!
THANK YOU! This is such timely advice for me. I recently started a new job and have felt the mental load of holding so much in my brain. Thankful to hear about this app. Checking it out now.
Just got started with TeuxDeux! Excited!
Thank you so much for this! I'm trying to transition from paper to digital too, so I've actually been implementing this strategy myself over the last 8/9 months using the documents app on my phone. Unfortunately, I'm now noticing that the "project item list" keeps growing, and at the same time, the daily list is not getting done which is now causing more stress than it was alleviating. Your perspective and recommendation of Blinkist, Not Today, and the To Do app was timely and helpful. Again, thank you so much! I absolutely needed to hear this today.
I use the container method for my to do list. If there are too many things to manage on paper, then I let go of some of the things.
Hi Dawn, I love the idea of everything to do in one place! It’s an idea I’ve been working on when decluttering and reducing things in my home. Also, less things in my head mean I’m way more relaxed, so thank you. Elizabeth
My latest to do list system has become a Watsapp text between me and my husband 😅. And we updated it as we go. It includes what we need to do individually and also the shared project that we need to do together. It works great for us as it keeps both of us on the loop and in the same page. It also helped us to see and appreciate how much each of us do individually and how much we need each other to get big project done. No more nagging and asking what are you doing all day and when you will get that done 😂. And what so nice about this to do list is whenever and wherever we are and we have some free time we would pull out the list and pick something to do and cross it out of the list.
Of all the advice you've given over the last couple of years (about how long I've been watching), this is the piece that I believe will help me the most. Thank you.
Also, I hope you love Greg McKeown's book, Essentialism, as much as I do. I think he is the Stephen Covey of our day.
I was at a part of life where I had done the things to live happy comfortable and organized in my home.
Then things happent that my kid and my grands had to move in. Sad to say my kid was most certainly not respecting the way I needed life. Not good for my mental health. She moved out this weekend but her kids stayed with me.
I am so overwhelmed right now and to sick to fix my house again! Hoping that I can soon.
Also my husband’s mom and dad are moving in in March and will spend the remainder of their lives here. One has cancer. Now we Have a bedroom to remodel and a garage to convert to a living room for them so they can get away and get peace and quit from my 4 yr old grands when they need it.
I need some prayers please!!! And maybe some counseling… lol.
I will be binge watching your videos for motivation again.
Thank you for all you do!!!
I needed to hear all of this! Thank you! I have been feeling the need to simplify my mind and you explained it so well! I downloaded the app right away! I have so many lists around my house it ends up just being clutter. This is worth a try!
I'm sticking with paper.
I have a planner then a planner as a journal of what happened and what was paid.
They stay with me in my backpack.
AND
There is nothing like taking a cellphone picture of your time do list.
You can edit the picture with the draw function. and toss it out when done.
I keep shopping list in my notes in the phone. Once I buy it I erase it.
Hi Dawn, I love watching your videos. This is exactly what I needed. I have so many to do lists and have tried many apps and diaries. Thank you for helping us simplify our lives. 😊
Thank you for this video!!! For me, it was an answer to prayer. I watched it twice in a row and thought of my friends I wanted to share it with that struggle with this too. My system is off and you had some REALLY great explanations. I LOVED it!❤
Yes, I really like thinking about this as mental inventory. Many parallels with what you've taught us about managing physical inventory...
Thanks Dawn for the great input!
For those who love their paper planer, I found the “Rocketbook” a great tool for planning a to do list.
It is a reusable notebook, that has different categories and can be digitalised into different folders on your phone/computer(if something needs to be saved).
I have one list for my weekly shopping, one for projects around the house, one for upcoming events (birthdays, trips) and one for important one time tasks like calling the dentist or picking up something from the pharmacy.
My weekly chores are not on there, I have a cleaning plan for that, which hangs in my kitchen and by now is pretty much autopilot.
Thank you, this mental decluttering is good to not be repeatedly reminded of tasks I forgot. That feels a bit shocking when it happens. It also helps to consider wich idea is matching my values, is important for me and when it's possible to do a bit for it.
Two things I want to offer from my perspective.
One. I don't need to collect those tasks or whishes daily. It's calming to remember, my needs are already met. There are maintenance tasks that keep my live comfy and my family well enough cared for according to my standard. Those are repetitive things like keeping the laundry circle going. Doing the groceries, sunday's new bed sheets, sunday's plant care...That's important to not overload myself with pretty things I see from others lives. To have my boundary protecting my resources and peace of mind. Then there are tasks to make things better. For those I like a project list.
Second: Making live even better it's a process. Often I don't have enough free capacity for a complete project. Then it's helpful to have it on paper and divided in little steps and to be gracious with me when I do only one tiny step in the right direction even if it means to try and fail and learn. For me it's so easily frustrating to invest my resources and not get an immediate benefit from the investment like: the problem got solved and is off my to do list. Especially when maintenance is using all my resources and I'm inspired to add something new. Or in need to deal with lives lessons. Then this waiting list is good to not feel shocked by all these waiting or open processes. I needed to adjust it to my possibilities.
Thank you for sharing the option to write down our ideas and wishes
I use my Plum Paper Planner for daily tasks and projects, and my phone calendar is for appointments. This works the best for me. :)
Thank you for visual explanation showing the table in disarray and how better it is when organized. This was so helpful.
For one so young you have so much wisdom. God given I am sure
Yes to all of this! I have been doing a version of this for years. I have a brain dump note in my phone, and then when I am by my papper planner, I add them to a project list or assign them to a day.
I read Getting Things Done over a decade ago and loved the book. This is a great visual representation of his concepts!
I like this video format! Very clever way to help visual learners think about intangible things like task management