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Articles by Julie Gray

Browse published articles attributed to Julie Gray, with full-archive search.

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By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

6 Quick Ways to Clear Winter and Welcome Spring

The trees have started to bud, the birds are singing, and the daffodils are popping open everywhere. You can just feel spring on its way! When it gets like this outside I have the strong urge to shake up the stagnant winter energy inside my home. The air indoors seems in such stark contrast to the fresh, vibrant breeze making its way through the trees. We have such little time each day to devote to a big spring cleaning job, so I have outlined here some of my favorite quick and easy ways to refresh the energy in your home and make it feel ready to welcome spring. Enjoy! 1.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

2,058 views3.6/5 (5)

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Are you a Chronic E-mail Checker? Yeah me too.

Last night I got the chance to relax on a beautiful backyard porch home to a number of potted tomato plants, herbs and ivy – even the occasional rabbit. Trees and singing birds surround its high walls - it is a little haven of nature in the middle of the city. Being from the country, I appreciate any chance I get to ‘commune with nature,’ a practice critical to my mental well-being. As I sat there grateful for my good fortune, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow this is beautiful! I wonder if I have any new e-mail!” Wait – What?! Am I for real?

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,150 views3.8/5 (4)

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Ten “Knock Your Socks Off” Productivity Statistics

1. “In 2005, a psychiatrist at King’s College in London administered IQ tests to three groups: the first did nothing but perform the IQ test, the second was distracted by e-mail and ringing phones, and the third was stoned on marijuana. Not surprisingly, the first group did better than the other two by an average of 10 points. The e-mailers, on the other hands, did worse than the stoners by an average of 6 points.” (Tim Ferriss, The Four Hour Work Week http://nymag.com/news/features/24757/)

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,587 views4/5 (1)

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

I’m Scared to Share This With You

In the last week alone I’ve done the following: > Consistently eaten far more sugar than what feels good to my bodyrn> Procrastinated and rationalized my way out of yoga class three timesrn> Found it mind-numbingly exhausting to empty my dishwasherrn> Stayed up past midnight a handful of timesrn> Watched an obscene amount of reality TV What’s my point in sharing all of this with you? > I want you to know that while I am committed to walking my talk, I slip up and get off track too.r

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,437 views4/5 (1)

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

How to Prioritize When Everything is #1

When I am speaking in front of a group on the topic of productivity and organization, inevitably I get this question: “I have so many tasks I need to get done that are ALL are TOP priorities. How do I figure out what to do when everything is a #1 priority? Good question. I have some good news and some bad news for you. The good news is that there is a way out of this feeling of frustration and overwhelm so that you can choose which tasks are the TRUE priority in any given moment. I call this micro-prioritizing.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,952 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Are You Overwhelmed By Donation Requests?

While speaking to my friend and colleague Christine Lucas of the Salvation Army last month, it dawned on me that I needed to write this article. Often I find in my client’s homes stacks of solicitations and donation requests. These free address labels, greeting cards, and pleas for cash can be a BIG part of paper overwhelm. Especially if you haven’t created yet a “Giving plan” that can streamline the entire process.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,773 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

6 Savvy Email Habits

Check Email Only When You Can Process Email. We all love to ‘check’ our email to see what has arrived since we last viewed our inbox. But this means we continually add to our to-do list (and our anxiety) without giving ourselves the time to actually deal with the email (i.e. respond, delete, file, etc.). When you really think about it, constant email checking is like running down your driveway to the mailbox every few minutes to see what’s inside and then closing it back up with everything still in there. Talk about exhausting.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,588 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Are You A Disorganized Person? Learn the Truth.

Are you a disorganized person? Is that what you are telling yourself when you can’t find your report in the morning or your socks don’t match or you walk in 10 minutes late to a meeting? Or are you telling yourself something worse? That you are lazy. That you are stupid. That you are worthless and will never live up to your potential. I’ve heard all of these accusations—and worse—come out from the mouths of many of my clients.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,563 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

A Sneaky Trick to Dealing With Your ‘Shoulds’

We’ve all heard of the negative impact of ‘shoulds’ – you know the frustrating “I should do this” or “I should do that” cycle of trying to get yourself to do something because you feel like you have to. For the record these types of tasks are laden with the heavy energy of obligation and guilt. You can actually feel it in your body when these tasks pop up. They weigh you down and steal your focus, clarity, and good humor.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,432 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Top Ten Organizing Tips

Today I’ve compiled for a very quick top ten list of my favorite organizing tips. - Get more sleep! – You’ve heard it here before but it cannot be overstated: you will never be more organized then your personal energy allows. - Pitch your mail ASAP – sort your mail as you walk into your home and be brutal with what you trash/shred/recycle immediately. - Get everything out of your head – ideas, to-do’s, appointments – create a home for each of these AND the time to review them daily.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,416 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

How to Create Systems for Success

Systems are simply ways of automating or structuring processes so that they can occur without so much thought or attention—and by more than just one person, so that the business can continue to run if you decide to take a vacation. Figuring Out What to Systematize For most of us, there are dozens of similar repetitive tasks, large and small, in our businesses or jobs that could be systematized. To identify where you can apply systems, step back from your business or life and try to look at it objectively.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,383 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Without This Your Organizing System Can’t Last

I’ve seen it time and time again. My client is no longer letting items fall through the cracks. They have created time in their calendar for focused work without interruptions. Their productivity has skyrocketed. They’ve built a beautiful system for knowing what it is they need to do and when they are going to do it. But they are still feeling anxious. Why you ask? Because they still don’t fully trust that they could build a system that works. That they can handle maintaining it.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,345 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

How to Organize with Improv

A couple of years ago I took an improv class. I didn’t do it because I secretly yearn to be the next Drew Carey, but because I had heard that improv classes can sharpen your public speaking skills and how well you think on your feet. The idea also scared the hell out of me, so I figured that was a good sign that I’d get something out of it.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,283 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

How to Create Your Sacred Spaces

There are three types of sacred spaces: - A room - A location for a specific item - An interruption-free block of time All three have the following characteristics in common: - They are used for one specific purpose - They are clutter-free - They flow naturally with your routines and habits - They are peaceful and stress-free - They are easy to maintain How you create these sacred spaces is the same for each type:

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,259 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

How to Quickly Prioritize During Overwhelm

It is a common belief that our short-term memory can hold up to 7 pieces of information at any given time. That is why they originally made telephone numbers 7 digits long. But in recent years scientists have realized the real number is actually closer to 4. FOUR. 4 ideas, to-dos, reminders, etc. That’s it. That’s all our prefrontal cortex can hold. And if you try to exceed this (as each of us do everyday) you rapidly deplete the amount of energy you have to think clearly and make decisions easily. Which are the exact skills you need to prioritize effectively.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,209 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Embracing a Shift at New Year's

I once read a dating book by relationship expert John Gray (no relation:) who explained that one of the tricks to starting a good relationship was to always end your relationships in the best way possible. This has always stuck with me: If you embrace the change, are grateful for and learn from your experience, and can let go of what no longer serves you, the energy is cleared to allow for a fresh, new beginning. Now what about the relationship that you have with each passing year? Do you think it works the same way? I do.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,173 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Productivity Tips for Office Dwellers

1. Opt out of distractions to allow time for focused thinking: - Turn off e-mail indicator on your task bar and send calls to voicemail - Set Blackberry alarm (for how long you can work) and then hide in drawer - Close your door or hang a picture of a closed door on your cubicle wall (provided below)rn- If possible, turn to an open work area that doesn’t have a computer Impact Value: It isn’t a big revelation that interruptions decrease productivity; however it is important to realize that “multi-tasking” is also a distraction.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,163 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Grow Your Support Team Today!

In my line of business I often run into amazing parents, spouses, business owners, graduate students, and in-demand professionals – many of whom fall under each one of these categories at the same time. Clearly I love working with overachievers because on a certain level I can relate. We love to take on all that we can because we are good at a lot of things! And we have lots to contribute.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,139 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

The #1 Storage Mistake and How to Avoid It

This month has been filled with so many fun organizing projects and amazing transformations! In a matter of minutes one client cleared out three closets full of clothes that no longer fit her and made room not only for more storage but also for greater self-acceptance. She was overjoyed. Another client tackled a home office that has been weighing her down for years – within hours she had let go of hundreds of pounds in paper and archaic office supplies. You could literally watch the weight fall off of her shoulders too. She was so ready!

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,093 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Do you hate the mail? Try this.

One very big key focus in my work with clients is understanding what triggers overwhelm and developing a system to get them – and keep them – out of it. Dealing with the mail is very often one of these triggers. And it makes sense doesn’t it? There are all decisions to make when dealing with the mail – What should I pitch? What should I keep? Where should I keep it? Sometimes it is just easier to not deal. It is easier to let it stack up. But the challenge with this approach is that it creates lots of energy-draining anxiety.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,053 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Are You Trapped By Your To-Do List? Get Out of Jail Now.

Have you ever felt trapped by your to-do list? Like it was running your life instead of the other way around? You aren’t alone! This is a common theme among those I am fortunate enough to work with: How am I supposed to relax when I have so much TO DO? I feel your pain. I’ve been in that place where your list can feel like a prison sentence. When every new item you add is another step away from that elusive state of blissful relaxation and peace of mind that can only found at the end of your to-do list. But is this really true? I don’t think so.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,045 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Are You Afraid of Being More Productive?

There is a fear of being more productive and efficient with our time that no one ever talks about. Without addressing this deep-seated fear it can be challenging to create an organized schedule and space that truly supports your goals and allows your days to flow with ease and enjoyment. I have noticed it surface time and again with my clients. They are yearning to be out of the chaos and overwhelm they feel inside. They want to live a life that feels in control, balanced, and one lets them be present even if they’ve never felt that way before.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,034 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

My Trick For Creating More Time Each Day

“There just isn’t enough time in the day!” It is a common frustratio I hear. Or this one: “I have too much to do – I will never be caught up!” Sound familiar? I tend to get stuck in these patterns of thinking, too. That time is the enemy. That there is never enough and so I always need to be rushing off to the next thing so I can squeeze in as much as possible in any given day. And for what reason? What are we rushing to? What are we hoping to achieve with all of this doing?

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,032 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

The Best Place To Start Organizing

So where is the universally most effective place to start organizing? Anywhere! Yup, that's right - the first place you select is perfect. This spot is exactly where you are supposed to begin. That low hard-to-reach shelf in your pantry? Excellent. The random basket of odds and ends in your bathroom? Right on the money! No need for self-doubt or criticism.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,016 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Planning for Everyday Life: Virtues and Best Practices

Planning for life can be challenging. It is constant. We need to do it everyday and something is always popping up to threaten our objectives: meetings, traffic, weather, phone calls, or even just our energy levels and ability to focus. It can feel like we are under siege, constantly fighting against the daily deluge of unanticipated interruptions. And to what end? Life happens and things don’t turn out the way we expect so what is the point of planning in the first place? Should we even bother? Absolutely!

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

1,005 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Are You A Chronic Doer? Take this quiz to find out.

Are you a chronic ‘doer’? Does sitting around ‘relaxing’ give you the jitters or worse – make you feel guilty? Are you terrified that if you let off on the gas even a little, all that you have created will collapse? This is a phenomeno I am all too familiar with and one I am passionate about combating in myself and others. Chronic doing is a cycle that can be very hard to break free from, but the good news is that being of aware of it is the first step toward freedom.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

989 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

5 Simple Secrets to Builiding a Habit that Lasts

Whenever I decide to introduce a new habit into my life, the doubting voice inside my head shouts, “You think you are going to be able to keep that up? Forever?!Who do you think you are– Wonder Woman?” This default response occurs whether I feel the itch to start a new yoga practice or attempt to get out of bed 30 minutes earlier. It pops up if I commit to shutting down my computer at 6:00pm or to taking a 5-minute break from work every couple of hours. This voice is just one of the many hurdles to breaking in new habits and can make it an even more challenging process to undertake.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

967 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

Tools to Get Stuff Out of Your Head

Pause for a moment and consider just how many to-dos, ideas, projects, and plans you’ve currently got floating through your brain. They keep flitting around bumping into other thoughts, (“Boy, I wish I was still in bed”), and never stay put on your mental to-do list. It takes constant vigilance to keep everything in line and the one moment you take your guard down, off into the abyss floats your plan to end world hunger, a reminder to buy your nephew’s birthday present, and who knows what else?

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

907 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

What Are You Willing To Do?

Ahhh. Here we are again – the quick end to another year and a new one clamoring into the starting gate as we speak. For years, I have used this time to begin a big goal-setting session for the New Year – to dig in deep and outline all that I want to achieve in the year ahead in each area of my life. Ironically, this Goal Setting Project often takes me weeks, if not months to finish. And let’s not get started on when I actually get around to completing these wonderfully well thought out goals.

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

858 views

By Julie GrayRecently published1 topic

5 Ways To Be More Organized Without Organizing Anything

When people learn that I am a professional organizer, they often ask me what my favorite ‘organizing tips’ are that I like to use with my clients. Many are surprised when I tell them that some of my favorite tips – and those I believe can most impact their productivity and organization - don’t involve any organizing!

Primary topic: Organizing and Learning How to Organize

Organizing and Learning How to Organize

792 views

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