Do you ever feel stressed, overwhelmed, with way too much to do and not enough time to do it? Are you constantly putting out fires, just to turn around and find a new one starting right up?
At the end of a hectic day, do you sit down, completely drained and find yourself thinking of all the things that you tackled but for some reason you don’t feel like you truly accomplished anything. Cause your to-do list is still a mile long? And let's be real, some of those things have been on that darn list for weeks, even months now. Am I right?
But it's not like you sit around doing nothing! For most of you, you really do keep yourself extremely busy, right? Do you ever ask yourself, “If I’m doing so much, why do I feel like I’m going nowhere?”
Well, then this episode is for you!
On today's show I introduce you to Eisenhower's Urgent vs. Important Principle. I also directly apply it to Stephen Covey's Time Management Matrix (see the picture below for reference), a framework for prioritizing to-dos in regards to how important and urgent they are.
All in all, on today's episode, we talk about how to focus only on what's really important and how to let go of the rest.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode31
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Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
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Other episodes about willpower and discipline:
Episode #2: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode2
Episode #3: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode3
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
So, what is Small Business Saturday? Well, in 2010 American Express invented it as a shopping holiday to support small businesses. In the last few years, not only has Congress officially sanctioned it as a national day, but it has completely evolved into a “shop local” movement that gives retailers nationwide a considerable sales lift.
Now I know when you have shopping to do with a long list of presents to buy, it’s tempting to take the easy route and head down to the mall and shop at one of the big chain stores. And I'm definitely not against doing that sometimes. But why not shop small every once in awhile?
There's really no denying that small businesses are essential for healthy local economies. Did you know there are currently 28 million American small businesses, which account for 54% of all U.S. sales? But unfortunately, they can at times get overshadowed by major corporations and Black Friday madness. Especially since Mom-and-pop shops don’t have the resources to pull off million-dollar promotions.
So why buy from small businesses? Well, not only can they offer one-of-a-kind unique products and services, but they usually have exceptional customer service that many big companies often don't have.
By shopping small, you also get access to experts in the industry. I know from experience, that small business owners have sacrificed time, money, and more to build businesses out of their passions. They want to offer you their expertise. You technically have a better chance at getting knowledgeable answers to any questions you might have about the products or services.
Also, buying small means supporting your local community... circulating money in the same locality helps that community thrive.
American Express has created an amazing interactive map to help shoppers locate small businesses right in their neighborhood. The map can be used to search by business name or ZIP code. Shoppers can also filter the search based on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel or services. I'll include a link to the map in my show notes for this episode.
And remember, you don't have to limit your support for small businesses to just one day a year. Try shopping and dining at small businesses as often as you can. And keep in mind, there are many online small businesses as well.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Interactive Small Business Map: "Shop Small Now"
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode30
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Today, I'm keeping it real. I know that this week is Thanksgiving, which is traditionally our time to give thanks and gratitude for all that we have in life. But if you really stop and think about it, do we really always feeling so grateful and thankful?
Just because we take the time to show our thanks during this annual holiday (and we really do intend to show our gratitude) it doesn't mean we actually do. Are we really counting our blessings? Or are we just kinda going through the motions?
The fact is, it's the end of the year, Christmas is only a month away, some of us are still recovering from the craziness of Halloween. In my family, I'm not totally sure what even happened to the month of October... it was just totally gone before I knew it was even there.
Then there were the recent elections. And oh my goodness, talk about craziness!
At this time of year, we tend to glance back at how this past year has treated us... we ponder all the ups and downs that we've been through. And you know, if you look around some people are really struggling right now. You might be one of them.
Life can be so stressful! To-do lists are never ending and there's always a fire to put out or a problem to solve. Some of you may be struggling with finances, your job, or relationships.
If we were honest with ourselves, it's sometimes just too easy to get caught up in our hectic lifestyle, that we end up missing all the good in our lives. We INTEND to be thankful, especially on Thanksgiving, but sometimes it's hard.
So, during this traditional season of Thankfulness, how can we take our focus off of our problems in life? How can we take time to focus on the good in life? How can we genuinely and authentically feel thankful?
Well, I have a challenge for you today. Tune in and listen to today's episode and I'll tell you all about it!
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode29
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Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript29
In one week, all across America, family and friends will join together to celebrate one of the most beloved holidays: Thanksgiving. And how do we celebrate our thankfulness? We cook up a glorious feast, of course!
With Turkey Day – ahem – I mean Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, it’s time to make room for one thing that I know we can all be thankful for… leftovers! That’s right, it’s time to clean out your fridge and make room for a whole bunch of tupperware containers filled with leftover Thanksgiving dinner!
Sadly, Americans waste roughly 14 percent of their food purchases. All too often, food items get buried and forgotten about, particularly in refrigerators. My challenge to you this week is to spend a few minutes taking inventory of all your food items in your fridge, in your cupboards, and even pantry.
On today's episode, I give you some ideas of how to do just that. I also give you a helpful website you can refer to when figuring out what to toss, as well as a website that can give recipe suggestions to use up some of the food that's been sitting around too long.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode28
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Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript28
Now I have to give you a heads up, today's episode is a Part 2 to last week's regular Monday episode, Episode #25. It was a special Ask CarlaRae segment where I addressed a question that I received while speaking at a Mom's group recently. The question was, "How can I help my child let go of stuff?"
If you missed that episode, you might wanna push pause on this one and go back to listen to it. You can find it on my website at CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode25. Or just go to LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com.
Sometimes, kids have really hard time letting go of the toys and clothes that they grow out of. Like I explained in last week's episode, I have ALOT of personal experience in regards to this subject. Not only was I a pack rat as a child, but I now have a 6 year old son who is also a pack rat.
There's just so much psychology behind why we hang on to things when we shouldn't. And by understanding that psychology, you can better help guide your child to get to a point where there are comfortable letting things go. But it definitely takes time and a lot of patience!
So in last week's episode I give you some tips and techniques on how and where to help your child donate their unused and unwanted toys, books, and clothes. But many of you are going to find that no matter what you say or do, your child is still going to have a really hard time letting things go.
So what can you do if your child just refuses to let go of anything? What can you do if your child is a true packrat?
Well, that's what I talk about on today's Part 2 episode. I am give you some very specific strategies on how to help your child let go of things if they tend to be overly attached.
And then, whether your child is a packrat or not, I'm going to give you some tips on how to prevent the clutter from coming back into your child's room.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Free Download from PART 2: "What If My Child Is A Pack Rat?"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word PACKRATKID
Free Download from PART 1: "How To Help Your Child Let Go Of Stuff"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word HELPKIDS
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode27
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript27
Most of us have to-do lists... lists of things that we intend to get done either today, this week, or hopefully sometime soon. In addition to a to-do list, many of us should also have an ignore list to keep us focused and on track (like I explained in Episode 24).
But have you ever considered having a victory list?
The fact is, life can be so crazy sometimes. Do you ever feel like you're being pulled into hundred directions? Do you ever feel like your to-do list is just never ending? There are some days and I feel like I'd add more tasks to my to-do list, than I actually get crossed off. It can be so overwhelming sometimes!
Unfortunately, for many people, when they feel overwhelmed by too much to do, they then get discouraged. Sometimes it's easy to want to avoid your to-do list all together.
On today's episode, I explain exactly why you should have a "Victory List" and how you can make one.
Do you know anyone who is overwhelmed with a crazy, busy life? Do you know anyone who could use a little motivation to find the freedom of simplicity? Share this podcast show with them. They can find all our episodes on my website at CarlaRaeArneson.com. Or, you can just have them go to LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Be sure to stay updated on all our new episodes by subscribing to Life Made Simple on iTunes or whatever podcast app you prefer to use.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode26
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Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript26
Over the years, as a professional home organizer, I've done many workshops and other special speaking engagements. And I absolutely love any opportunity that comes up to do so! Now, I know that most people dread and fear public speaking, but for some reason I love getting up to talk in front of a huge room full of people.
Well, last week I had the opportunity to speak to a mom's group here in the Seattle area. It was a MOPS group (which stands for mothers of preschoolers) and they invited me to talk about how to clean out your closet, which just so happened to be a recent podcast episode I did a few weeks ago, Episode #21 (so I really didn't have to spend very much time prepping for it).
Anyways, during my talk, we discussed the psychology behind why it's so hard to let things go sometimes. And since it was a room full of mothers, the conversation naturally turned into talking about our kids and going through their closets. Well, during the question and answer time at the end, one woman asked a really good question, " How can I help my child let go of stuff?"
Unfortunately, I was very limited on time while I was speaking to the group and didn't feel like I was able to completely answer her question. So this episode of Life Made Simple is going to be a special "Ask CarlaRae" episode, and I'm going to give you all my thoughts, opinions, and advice to help answer that really great question that many parents have asked me: "How can I help my child let go of stuff?"
I have ALOT of info to give you on this particular subject. So much so, that we had to divide this episode into two parts. This week we'll do Part 1, and then next week we'll release Part 2.
Today, I'm going to give you some techniques and tips on how and where to help your child donate their unused and unwanted toys, books, and clothes. And then next Monday morning, for the Part 2 episode (Episode #27) I'm also going to give you some very specific strategies on how to help your child let go of things if they tend to be overly attached. And then I'm going to give you some tips on how to prevent the clutter from coming back into your child's room.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode25
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Free Download: "How To Help Your Child Let Go Of Stuff"
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript25
I have two questions for you today. First, what's on your to-do list? Do you need to fold the laundry, schedule a dentist appointment? Maybe go to the grocery store, pay the phone bill? Well, on my to-do list is to record this podcast episode, go to a fundraiser assembly at my son's school, make a mortgage payment, and call a client who left me a message this morning. Those are the most important things that I need to get done today. What's on your to-do list today?
Now here's my next question for you. What's on your ignore list for the day? Yes, your ignore list. Do you have an ignore list yet?
On today's quick "3 Minute Thursday" episode of Life Made Simple, I tell you exactly how to focus on the important things in life without letting any other distracting tasks get your undeserved attention.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode24
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Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript24
I'm going to give you one strategy on how to improve your health and clean up your house, WITHOUT taking any additional time out of your schedule... sounds pretty amazing, right?
Back in episode #7 of Life Made Simple, I gave you My Ultimate 3-Day Jumpstart to Good Health. On Day 3 of the jumpstart plan I have you take time to schedule in movement, as in exercise. Why? Because we all know that some sort of physical activity is important... it's what our bodies were designed to do! If we don't use our muscles regularly, if we just sit around all day, they will begin to get stiff and not work as well, which then makes us feel sluggish, and can even make us feel depressed. No movement also leads to a lower metabolism and weight gain.
In that episode, I explain that if your health goals are to lose weight, build muscle, or get in shape, then you must schedule a few full body workout sessions. This could be going to the gym, hiring a trainer, joining a sports league, or even working out from home with a few workout videos.
But, I know that so many of us just don't feel like we have the time to exercise. Or for some of you, if your honest with yourself, you just don't WANT to exercise, because for whatever reason, you just don't like it. Well, then this episode is for you!
And then there's house cleaning and chores. Maybe you already have a really good exercise routine that you love. Maybe you actually enjoy making movement a priority in your life, but you completely dread housecleaning and other mundane activities you have to do throughout your day. I mean how many of us really love to clean house or pick up after our families? Well, then this episode is for you.
Exercise and housecleaning. Two things that most people dread and usually have a hard time making time for. On today's episode I help you change your attitude about both of those activities. Like I said before, I'm going to help you to get healthier, thinner, and stronger while keeping your house clean, without changing a single thing in your schedule. How? Well, I am going to help you change your mindset and approach to both exercise and housecleaning, by - in a way - combining them. Like it says in the title of this episode, I'm going to teach you how to exercise without really exercising.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Free Printout: "Exercise Without Really Exercising"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word MOVEEVERYDAY
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode23
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript23
