All Psyched Up: Getting things done

By Linda Hancock on January 31, 2026.

Many times over the years, I have had people ask me how I get so much done. It maybe looks like I am constantly moving but that definitely isn’t the case. I have just learned a few strategies that I do repeatedly over and over again refining whenever needed.

1. My dad taught us as children to never go anywhere without having something in your hands. This means that all of your steps are doing double duty. You are getting to where you planned to go and also moving something to where it should be.

2. Plan before you start anything. It is much easier to think about what you are going to do, what you will need to do it, and how it will happen before you find yourself caught in the middle of a project that you might not be able to complete.

3. Group like things together. For example, at the end of each month, I prepare for all the next month’s upcoming birthdays at the same time.

4. Save postage and wrapping by buying online. It only takes minutes to order and send a gift to someone who might be a long distance from where you live. I also haven’t been in a grocery store for eight years. Why would I fight traffic and invest time when great delivery people come right into my kitchen with the fresh items I can order 24/7 for a cost of only $4.95?

5. Cook with purpose. I seldom make a whole new meal at the same time. I might cook enough meat for a couple of days which I supplement with a big salad the following night and perhaps a potato thrown in the air fryer. Freezable meals are great for larger recipes and these save time during the really, really busy days.

6. Cleaning is done by a company who I hire for one Monday morning each month. I have watched them and am fascinated by how they start in one corner, working around the whole room until they get to the starting point. They do this throughout the condo ending with vacuuming and washing floors. I use this technique to prepare for them, by picking up and putting things in place, one room at a time.

7. Sequencing – Whether I am walking around the village or driving in my car, I always plan a route that allows me to do one task after another in order. A sticky note that orders the tasks is great for the dashboard and a Note in the phone works for the walking projects. I also have a basket by the door of my condo where I keep my keys, gloves and things I need to take with me when doing chores. This strategy saves time, gas and frustration.

8. Paperwork – I try very hard never to touch a piece of paper more than once. I only deal with paper when sitting at my desk and have a shredder handy for getting rid of unwanted mail as I open it. Years ago, I made myself a rule that my workday doesn’t end until all notes and reports are finished. This means I can do things that are fresh on my mind and sleep soundly.

9. Calendar — Everything goes on my calendar. My work and personal commitments are entered on one digital calendar that I can access from the desktop computer and from my iPhone. It may sound a little silly but even something as mundane as moving my car for garage cleaning has a spot. Picking up dry cleaning, watching an important newscast or making a grocery order all have their place on the calendar. That way I don’t forget anything or overbook myself!

10. Recruiting – There are many things that I do not do myself. A good friend agreed to put up the outdoor seasonal display for a Christmas drink as payment. I have cleaners come once a month and the Neat Freaks are hired often to move, sort and get rid of items. Chef Blair makes excellent deli meals that I can purchase as a treat, and he even catered when I had company this year.

You definitely don’t have to do everything yourself. But you do need to determine what needs to be done. I suggest that you start with a three-ring binder. Stand in the doorway of each room and on a clean sheet of paper list the things that you want to change, organize, or remove in that area. Then go to the next room and do the same.

Now you have a plan. Take your time and begin with one room staying there until you are satisfied that you have made a positive difference. Then move to the next room.

It is easy to look organized when you are organized! And you get so much more done with less effort!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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