| y"> | | | | - Home Repair Specialists (painters, handyman etc) |
| For some reason, Americans think they have | | | | - Errand Service |
| something to prove by doing it all themselves. People | | | | - Personal Shopper/Concierge |
| say to me all of the time, that someone else just | | | | - Nanny/Babysitter |
| can't do for them, the things that are on the "to do " | | | | - Car Specialists |
| list. Well, that is not only a ridiculous statement, but | | | | - Financial Specialists |
| one that can be proven wrong over and over again. | | | | Make another list of things you would like to do but |
| We all strive to appear in control. However, you | | | | never have time to do. |
| cannot be in control if you are constantly struggling | | | | If you successfully completed Step 7, you should |
| to juggle events and lists. So give up some of the | | | | now be able to make a new list of things to do each |
| control. I know that is a scary thought, but do it. By | | | | week that include your "wants." Can you replace the |
| having professionals handle the items on your list, you | | | | "have to" items with the "want to" items? If you |
| will amaze your friends and family by having more | | | | answered yes, you did a great job and are well on |
| time to enjoy life and you will seem more in control | | | | your way to taking back control of your life. If you |
| than ever. Don't worry. We don't expect you to do | | | | answered no, then we still have some work to do. |
| this cold turkey. We are going to give you tips on | | | | Now some of you are probably saying, this is easy |
| accomplishing this daunting task after we shock you | | | | for her to say. Well, no it isn't. I have been where |
| into reality.Don't Be A Statistic! | | | | you are and it took a major life-altering situation for |
| Here are the facts......I think the expression is "read | | | | me to realize what is really important. Do not put |
| 'em and weep." I know I wanted to when I saw | | | | yourself in the same situation. |
| these numbers. | | | | Stop now and take stock of your life and priorities. |
| According to the Economic Policy Institute, the | | | | You may find that when you reprioritize you only |
| average U.S. family works between 105-115 hours per | | | | need some reorganization and a little help from a life |
| week. So let's run the numbers. | | | | management consultant or you may have bigger |
| 168 hours in a 7 day week x2 (if 2 people are | | | | problems and you need to schedule time each month |
| working those hours) = 336 | | | | for professionals to help you sift through the |
| Less 110 hours for work | | | | chores.Get your life back but appear more in control. |
| Less 112 hours for sleeping | | | | You can do it! |
| Less 28 hours for eating | | | | Additional Information: |
| Less 15 hours for commuting | | | | In this article we mentioned concierge & errand |
| So what's left........71 HOURS!!! That is 71 hours for both | | | | services as well as personal shoppers. While this |
| workers total. Look like a big number of hours? Keep | | | | concept is taking hold all over the world, here is a |
| running the math. (If you are single that leaves you | | | | little more information about what each is and can do |
| with 35.5 hrs - cut everything in half) | | | | for you. |
| Now what do you have to do in that 71 hours? | | | | Errand Service - It is exactly what it says. It is a |
| Remember, if you are doing something as a family | | | | company that will do your errands for you such as |
| (both workers), you have to double the hours used | | | | groceries, prescription pickup, dry cleaning drop off |
| when you subtract from the 71. | | | | pick up etc. There are also many drugstores, |
| - Spend time with your family | | | | groceries and dry cleaners that will deliver directly to |
| - Run/attend children's activities (i.e. soccer, music | | | | your door. Check with your local service providers. |
| lessons) | | | | Concierge Service - Think about what you use the |
| - Run errands | | | | hotel concierge for when you do an overnight stay. |
| - Visit friends/relatives for special occasions | | | | Well, personal concierges do the same thing but |
| - Make purchases - clothing, gifts, daily needs Anyone | | | | usually on a larger scale. They plan entertainment, |
| feeling exhausted yet? I am ready for a nap...oh | | | | organize activities, make inquiries, plan travel, etc. |
| that's right...no time for that. Well here is some advice | | | | Many provide business and secretarial services. Just |
| from the BusyB herself on taking back your | | | | ask and your wish is their command. They are |
| life.Remedying the Problem: | | | | master organizers. Because they are well connected |
| | | | with local events and businesses, they can pound out |
| 1. First evaluate the numbers that we provided | | | | a task in minutes where it might take you hours or |
| above and adjust for your particular family. Some of | | | | days. |
| you may work more than 110hrs, commute more, | | | | Personal Shoppers - Most people know the term |
| sleep less, etc. Also, stay at home moms count as | | | | Personal Shopper as it relates to high-end department |
| working members of the family in our book so don't | | | | stores that offer the service in-store. However, |
| forget that their hours count too! | | | | personal shoppers are now everywhere and offer |
| 2. Make a list of all of the things you do that take up | | | | the flexibility of not being tied to one particular name |
| the 71 remaining hours (or whatever number you | | | | store. |
| now have). | | | | Record Online published an article entitled "Personal |
| 3. Sort the tasks by type of activity. Feel free to | | | | Shoppers Aren't Just for the Rich Anymore" in |
| make up your own categories. | | | | October of 2002. |
| - Family | | | | And how true this statement is! There are three |
| - Home Repairs/Maintenance | | | | types of personal shoppers and it is not by any |
| - Errands/Shopping | | | | means geared only toward women: |
| - Social Activities | | | | - one who does all of your shopping for you |
| - School Activities | | | | - one who serves as your conscience, giving you |
| - Other | | | | advice while you shop |
| Star the ones you would rather not do (and sorry | | | | - one who organizes recreational shopping trips for |
| your job is one of those adult requirements in life so | | | | those who just can't get enough |
| don't star it - you don't have a choice). | | | | A personal shopper is aware of the trends, knows |
| Estimate how much time it takes you to do each | | | | about fashion do's/dont's, and is savvy about where |
| task (per week). | | | | to find those special items that aren't available at the |
| Now make a list of all of the things that are on the | | | | mall. |
| perpetual "to do" list that never seem to get finished. | | | | A personal shopper is able to provide you with items |
| Sort this list as well. Having things that are constantly | | | | without asking you if you want them, because he |
| waiting to be completed, does nothing but add stress | | | | she understand your lifestyle and your needs. |
| to your life. | | | | And no it is not just about your wardrobe - it is |
| Now here comes the difficult part. Giving up control | | | | anything in your life that is purchased. We have even |
| to get control. You are really going to have to put on | | | | known personal shoppers who buy cars for clients. |
| your positive change attitude to make this work. | | | | So all in all, you, the client, custom designs the type |
| Ready? Circle the items that can be hired out. The | | | | of service you require from your personal shopper. |
| possibilities are endless. If you are serious about | | | | In the case of ON THE GO 4 U, we offer a |
| change, then you will not be making excuses at this | | | | combination of these services, as do several other |
| point as to why someone else cannot do the job. Do | | | | firms around the country. We provide you with the |
| NOT, use money as an excuse at this point. You | | | | ultimate life management experience. We can |
| can't afford to do that. This is your life you are | | | | organize as much or as little of your life as you |
| talking about. Here are some suggestions: | | | | require. |
| - Lawn Care | | | | |