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Master the Art of Saying No: Reclaim Your Time and Focus

2/13/2025

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One simple word can be transformative in how we manage our time, energy, and priorities: “no.”
As a productivity consultant, I’ve witnessed countless professionals regain control of their schedules and achieve meaningful goals simply by embracing the strategic use of this small yet powerful word. Saying no can feel uncomfortable, but when done thoughtfully, it becomes an essential tool for creating space for what matters most.
 
To illustrate the power of “no,” I’m sharing a personal story. This blog post includes a photo of me in a hotel room overlooking Lake Como, Italy. The picture is meaningful because it represents a month-long sabbatical I took—the first of my career. Making that trip possible required me to say “no” to many things: spending money on other things to save for our adventure, potential work engagements, clients, and other activities that conflicted with my vision for the trip. Every “no” served as an investment in a bigger “yes,” allowing me to prioritize an experience I’ll treasure forever.

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Here’s how you can start using “no” to reclaim your time and focus on what matters most:
 
Why Saying No Matters
  1. It Protects Your Priorities: Every time you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to something else. Strategic “no’s” ensure you’re making choices aligned with your values and goals.
  2. It Creates Time for What Matters: By declining requests or opportunities that don’t align with your priorities, you free up time for activities that move the needle on your personal and professional aspirations.
  3. It Reduces Overwhelm: Overcommitting can lead to stress and burnout. Saying no helps you maintain balance and avoid unnecessary overwhelm.
 
Practical Tips for Saying No
  1. Be Clear on Your Priorities: Before you can confidently say “no,” you need clarity on what matters most to you. Reflect on your goals, values, and non-negotiables.
  2. Use Polite Yet Firm Language: Declining doesn’t have to be harsh. Here are some phrases you can use:
    • “Thanks for thinking of me, but I’m unable to commit right now.”
    • “I appreciate the opportunity, but it’s not a good fit for me at this time.”
    • “That sounds interesting, but I need to focus on other priorities.”
  3. Delay Your Response: If you’re unsure about saying “no,” buy yourself time. For example, say, “Let me think about it and get back to you.” This allows you to evaluate the request against your priorities.
  4. Say “Yes” Selectively: When you do say “yes,” make sure it’s to something that aligns with your goals, energizes you, or supports your well-being.
  5. Practice Saying “No” in Low-Stakes Situations: If you find it hard to say “no,” start small. Decline minor requests to build confidence for bigger decisions.
 
Learning to Love Your “No”
Remember, every “no” you say is a gift of time, energy, and attention for your most important “yes.” For me, those “no’s” meant I could take a month-long trip to Italy and return refreshed and inspired. That photo is a reminder for me of the joy that comes from prioritizing what truly matters.
 
What about you? What could saying “no” make possible in your life? Start small, practice often, and watch how this tiny word transforms your time and productivity. As a recovering people pleaser I know it can be hard. Here are a few more tips on saying no at work when it’s the right thing to do.
 
Do you need help knowing when to say no?  Do you need help prioritizing all of the things to which you have said yes? Our individual “It’s About Time” productivity coaching sessions help our clients take control over their busy schedules and have more time for things that really matter.  Set up a Discovery Call today to learn more about how Simply Placed can help!

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Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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Get Your Mind Right: How Mindset Can Focus Your Productivity

2/13/2025

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When you think about productivity, you might immediately think about time management strategies, to-do lists, or the latest productivity apps. While those are helpful, there’s one often-overlooked factor that can make or break your effectiveness: your mindset. Before you tackle any task, consider that mindset determines not only how well you do it, but also how efficiently you accomplish it.
 
A simple mindset shift can work wonders. Here’s how to “get your mind right” before you dive into your work. It’s worth that extra minute to set yourself up for success.
 
Take a Minute to Visualize Success
Before starting a task or project, take just one minute to visualize successful completion. Ask yourself: What does “done” look like? How will it feel to have accomplished this task? This quick exercise helps you clarify your goal and primes your brain for effective action. It’s like giving your mind a clear map to follow.
 
Think of it as a mini mental rehearsal. Athletes use this technique all the time. A basketball player will picture sinking a perfect shot before they actually take it. This practice can be just as powerful in the office or at home. Whether you’re about to write a report, clean out a cluttered space, or prepare for a presentation, imagining what success looks and feels like creates focus and intention.
 to see partner with you in your success! 

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The Power of “Walk-Up Songs”
To understand how mindset preparation works, let’s take a cue from baseball. When a batter steps up to the plate, their “walk-up song” plays—a piece of music carefully selected to pump them up, inspire confidence, and set the tone for their performance. This ritual is a cue that signals it’s time to focus, get in the zone, and bring their best effort.
 
This idea doesn’t just apply to professional athletes. My son Eddie, pictured here, who played baseball through college, (including helping his team make it to the NCAA DIII College World Series last season), used a similar approach when he pitched. Before each season, he chose a song that would play as he took the mound and threw his warm-up pitches. It varied year to year and it was his “theme” song. Some years, the song was fast-paced and aggressive; other years, it was more about steady confidence, still others, just about having fun. He selected what he needed to hear to perform at his best. His mindset was intentionally curated with the help of a few musical notes.
 
My Personal “Running Soundtrack”
I use this technique myself, not on the baseball field, but when I run. I created a Spotify playlist and titled it “Race.” I hand-picked each song because it matches the tempo at which I want to run and the energy I want to feel. The lyrics and beats help push me forward when my legs feel heavy.
 
What makes this playlist even more powerful is that I invited my grown kids, their significant others, and my husband to add songs they think will motivate me. When I hear a song they’ve chosen, I picture them cheering me on. Their musical choices inspire me, and knowing they’re invested in my success makes me feel supported. This mental boost helps me run faster and with more joy.
 
You can apply this same idea to your work. Whether it’s creating a “focus playlist” for deep work sessions or selecting a motivational song to play before a big meeting, music can be a powerful tool to get your mind right.
 
Other Ways to Get Your Mind Right
Music and visualization aren’t the only tools to help you shift into a productive mindset. Here are a few more methods you can use:
  • Set an Intention: Before starting, state your purpose for the task aloud or in your head. For example: “I’m going to finish this report efficiently and with clarity.” This reinforces your focus.
  • Clear Your Mental Clutter: Take a deep breath and consciously let go of distractions. If you’re worried about something unrelated, jot it down on a piece of paper to revisit later, then give yourself permission to focus solely on the task at hand.
  • Affirmations or Mantras: Simple affirmations like “I’ve got this” or “I am focused and capable” can boost confidence and help you stay grounded.
  • Physical Cues: Sometimes, a physical action like sitting in a particular chair, lighting a candle, or stretching can signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.
 
Small Mindset Shift, Big Results
These mindset techniques might seem small, but their impact is anything but. Just as a batter’s walk-up song can shift their energy or a minute of visualization can clarify your approach, getting your mind right before you start can dramatically improve your productivity. You’ll find yourself working with greater focus, ease, and efficiency.
 
So before you tackle your next task, take a moment to set your mind—and your success—in motion. That brief pause could make all the difference.
 
Do you have a song, a theme word, a playlist or visualization exercise you use to get your mind right? Please share! And if you’re interested in knowing Eddie’s warm up songs over the years, or are curious as to my favorite selections from my “Race” playlist, just speak up; I’m happy to share as well.
 
If you’d like help working on mindset and building habits that can help get your mind right and boost your productivity, schedule your free no-risk Discovery Call. We’d love to see partner with you in your success! 

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Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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Shake Things Up to Get New Results

2/13/2025

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Last year held some wonderful highlights for me: Eddie graduated college, moved to the Bay area with his girlfriend, landed a great job and got a dog (I have a Granddog!). Sarah was accepted into her dream Master’s program in Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Washington, moving with her boyfriend from San Francisco back to Seattle. I also had the privilege of taking beautiful trips and spending good time with family in Alaska, California, and Hawaii. But like everyone else, the year also came with challenges that weighed on me.
 
As the New Year approached, I realized I needed to shake things up. I wanted to start the year in a way I hadn’t before, so I planned something different: a mini Solo Retreat.
 
This get-away was an experience of “both can be true” harmony, a lovely way to bring in the New Year. It included:
  • Mountain views and beach walks
  • Thinking and planning
  • Moving my body and being still
  • Being in the light and being in the dark
  • Healthy nourishment and a little indulgence (dark chocolate!)
  • Connecting (with loved ones) and disconnecting (from most social media)
  • Closure to one year and embarking on a new one
  • Holding on and letting go
 
For two days, I carved out quiet time for myself. This intentional space allowed me to engage all my senses and appreciate life without distractions. Here are some of the highlights of my retreat:
  • Sweating: Moving my body felt energizing and cleansing.
  • Feeling the rain on my skin: It was a grounding reminder of nature’s beauty.
  • Reading: I devoured two books and let my mind explore new ideas.
  • Journaling: Putting pen to paper helped me reflect and plan.
  • Sleeping and resting: I gave myself permission to fully recharge.
  • Listening and believing: I tuned into my inner voice and trusted what it had to say.
 
While I wouldn’t want to spend every New Year solo, this retreat felt deeply restorative. It was an opportunity to welcome the year on my terms. I’m so grateful to my friends who opened their space for me and to Rob for understanding my need to take this time.
 
What Do You Need to Shake Up This Year?
If you’re craving new results, consider what you might do to shake things up. Maybe it’s creating intentional solitude, trying an activity you’ve never done before, or reevaluating the habits that no longer serve you. The key is stepping out of your usual routine to make space for something new.
 
Want to talk about what you will you do to break the mold and start your year in a way that feels right for you? Let’s make 2025 the year of intentional, meaningful change.  Schedule your free no-risk Discovery Call. We’d love to partner with you in your success! 

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Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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How to Leverage the Fresh Start Effect

2/13/2025

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Are you a New Year’s Resolution setter? For those who are and set resolutions on January 1, how’s it going? Last Friday was National Quitters Day; a day less than two weeks into the year when many people have already abandoned the goals, habits, or resolutions they set out to achieve.
 
While I’m not someone who makes New Year’s resolutions, I am someone who sets goals, identifies priorities, and strives for specific results all the time. The reason I avoid New Year’s resolutions isn’t that I’m against fresh starts; quite the opposite! I don’t believe we need to wait for the start of a new year to begin anew.
 
Fresh starts are shiny, exciting, promising, and we approach them with renewed energy, motivation and efforts. This is why they’re so powerful; it’s positive mojo!! This is the Fresh Start Effect.
 
We can declare what we want, focus our efforts, and follow a plan at any time of the year. The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect on the past and decide what you want in the months ahead. Therefore, the turn of the calendar acts as a seasonal prompt for a fresh start. However, the Fresh Start Effect is not limited to January 1.
 
Fresh Starts Are Everywhere
A fresh start can be sparked by many moments throughout the year. A new season, a birthday, an anniversary, the first day of a quarter, or the start of a new month can serve as a reset. Every Monday can feel like a fresh start. And honestly, every single morning, when you put your feet on the floor and get out of bed, you have an opportunity for a fresh start.
 
How to Leverage the Fresh Start Effect
Whenever you decide to start fresh, consider taking these steps to set yourself up for success:
  1. Reflect on the Past Before looking forward, take a moment to think about the period of time that aligns with the future you’re planning for.
    • What went well?
    • What was challenging?
    • What do you want more of?
    • What do you want less of?
  2. Get Specific About What You Want
    • Identify clear, specific goals that align with what you want to achieve.
    • Use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Really Wanted, and Time Sensitive.
    • Ask yourself why this goal matters to you. Reviewing your compelling “why” will help sustain your motivation.
  3. Plan for Action
    • Decide what actions you’re willing to take to achieve your goal.
    • Identify potential obstacles and brainstorm ways to prevent or overcome them.
    • Consider what systems, routines, or habits you need to establish.
    • Find someone to hold you accountable, whether it’s a friend, coach, or mentor.
  4. Start Small
    • Determine the first small, easy step you can take to build momentum. Big changes often start with tiny actions.
  5. Celebrate milestones and accomplishment
    • When we recognize achievement along the way we reinforce motivation and want to keep going. You’re putting forth the effort and consistently taking action. Not everyone will do that. Celebrate!
Remember: Fresh Starts Are Personal
Whether it’s a new day, a new week, or a new season, any moment can be a turning point. By reflecting, setting intentional goals, and taking deliberate action, you can harness the power of the Fresh Start Effect anytime, not just on January 1.
 
So, what fresh start will you choose today?
Need a productivity boost or some support in getting the results you want? Our consulting and coaching includes valuable tools and strategies that guide, support and hold you accountable to the success steps listed above. Let’s make 2025 the year of intentional, meaningful change.  Schedule your free no-risk Discovery Call. We’d love to partner with you in your success!

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Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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How to Work From Anywhere Productively

11/21/2021

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Where are you working?
Are you back to doing most of your work from your office, or still primarily working from home? Maybe a hybrid of the two, or maybe even from a neutral location?

There are many different work scenarios we’re seeing with our clients these days. Some had plans to return to an office that are now delayed, so they continue to work exclusively from home. Others are returning to an office part time. Some have returned to an office full time. Still others are working from home effectively and have no plans to return to an in-person office.

Work from anywhere and be productive!
Wherever you are working, you want to be productive. You want to work smarter, not harder and not just spin your wheels. You want to get results and work in an effective and efficient way. By working effectively and efficiently, you’ll have more time for what you value most.

We want that for you, too! That’s why we’ve created a guide to help you work productively from anywhere. When the pandemic was in it’s early days in the first quarter of 2020 and most people shifted to working from home full time (many while also having spouses, partners and children working or learning from home as well), we produced a Rock Your Work from Home guide to help. Working and living all under one roof presented some unique challenges, especially for those who were not accustomed to doing so.

A year and a half later, and we’ve updated this guide to help you work from wherever you are, productively. There are some consistent strategies you can apply no matter where you are working to be able to focus on your priorities and get important things done. This guide can either validate that what you are doing is working or provide new strategies to boost your productivity.

Get our free “Rock Your Work From Anywhere” guide
Our free “Rock Your Work From Anywhere” guide contains practical tips and strategies to help you carve out your dedicated “anywhere” workspace, put processes into place, implement productive habits, and more!

Read it, try out the ideas that feel best for you or modify as you see fit, and please let us know about your results!
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We’re cheering you along and are here to be a resource to you, your company or others you may know. Schedule your Discovery Call to learn more about how to have more time for what matters, no matter where you are working.

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​Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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Force Multipliers Can Make Life and Work Easier

11/21/2021

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In business and life there are force multipliers—things that, when put in place or adopted, make other things easier. Force multipliers are small changes you can integrate into your daily routines. They may not seem like much, or take much effort in and of themselves, but they will ultimately save you time, stress, and make a positive impact in other areas of your job or life. 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and wish things could be easier on a day-to-day basis? Do you wish you had more time in your day for your priorities? Try using force multipliers!

Examples of force multipliers
You can apply force multipliers in your life in a number of ways. A basic example is parking farther away in a parking lot or taking stairs instead of the elevator. These small changes get you where you need to be, integrate exercise into your day and help you achieve fitness goals.

Other force multipliers that can advance your personal productivity include taking adequate mental and physical breaks throughout the day. When you give yourself time to recharge your brain and body, you can be more productive. Drinking plenty of water, eating smart, getting enough sleep and partaking in regular exercise keeps your body and mind fueled for performance. By taking time in your day to do these things, you’ll see results such as as heightened energy, focus, and creativity. Ultimately, you’ll gain more time and energy for things that matter most.  

Using force multipliers to improve productivity
Automation of simple tasks can also be a powerful force multiplier. Automating small things, like sorting emails from certain senders into specific inbox folders, can have a huge impact resulting in more time. Automatic bill pay can alleviate stress from your monthly routines and ensure nothing important is missed. 

When automation isn’t feasible, delegation is also a great force multiplier to put to use. Delegating tasks to others to take things off your plate on a daily or weekly basis can save you time and stress. It gives you back time to focus on the things that only you can do or that are important to you like quality time with those you care about, to engage in hobbies or practice self-care. 

Another impactful force multiplier is the implementation of structure and systems in your routines and at work. Having reliable, repeatable, documented systems in place can help you in more ways than one. Knowing what steps to follow in order to get consistent results can greatly reduce stress and save time. Systems you can rely on also reduce complications when unexpected things do pop up. You’ll have clear directions for when and how to complete a routine task. You can share those with others if you opt for delegation. What systems could you take a little time to create once so that you consistently get results with less effort?
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If you want to make things easier in your life or work, implementing force multipliers could be your answer! Schedule your free, no-risk Discovery Call to learn how we can help bring structure and systems into your daily life.

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​Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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Saying “No” is a Time Saving Strategy

11/21/2021

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Do you struggle with saying “no”? Do you take on too much, or allow others to take your time? When that happens, it is easy for your plate to become overloaded. With just 24 hours in a day, sometimes that is not enough for what everyone asks of you and for what you need.

Learning how to respectfully say “no” is one of the most powerful time management strategies you can use. Saying “no” protects your time to stay on task and keep up with the priorities you’ve set.


Saying “yes” to something means saying “no” to something elseWhen you say “yes” to one more work project, that may mean saying “no” to dinner on time with your family. “Yes” to a new “drop everything and focus on this” request from the boss may mean “no” to meeting an existing deadline.

Learning how to say a respectful “no” is a skill everyone should learn. Some of us are just “yes” people out of habit, sense of obligation or eagerness to please. But over-scheduling or over-committing doesn’t do anyone any good. Our eagerness to say “yes” comes from a good place, but in the end, it can leave you feeling exhausted, stressed and burdened by your schedule. Saying no is a good skill to develop so you can stay healthy, avoid burnout, focus on your priorities and perform at your best.

How do you say a respectful “no”?

Everyone’s favorite manners writer, Anna Post (greatgrand-daughter of Emily Post) has some tips for perfecting this important skill:
  1. Don’t ask for details. Once you get into a conversation about what time you’d need to arrive, how long it will take, the location of the event/meeting/appointment etc., it will seem like you’re saying yes even if you aren’t intending to.
  2. Don’t place qualifications on the commitment.  When you say something like “I’m only available Tuesday nights” it sends the signal that you’ll commit to anything on Tuesday evenings when in reality you’re really expressing how busy you are that you only have one evening to spend doing the things you enjoy.
  3. If you’re still having trouble saying “no,” ask about the future. A respectful “no” can still be a yes…someday. Try something like, “No, I can’t help this time. Ask me again in the summer.”

​When you are faced with the decision of saying “no” to something at work, this blog post details six tips you can try.

Or, try the “yes, and…” technique. We like to share the “yes, and …” technique as an alternative to saying “no”. If you are a people pleaser, it is easier and more fun to say “yes” than no.

“Yes, and …” is a conditional “yes”. For example: “yes, I can drop everything and do that for you now, and it means that this other project you had asked me to finish today will need to wait until next week. Do you agree that this is what you’d like me to do?” or “Yes, I can help you with that, AND, I’d be able to get it started next week; does that work for you?”

“It’s About Time” to honor your boundaries of time management. Can we help you learn to respectfully honor your boundaries for better time management? Reach out today to schedule your free, no-risk Discovery Call! We can share tips and strategies that will help you maximize the time you have each day!

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Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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How to Know You’re Ready for a Productivity Transformation

5/5/2021

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What is a productivity transformation?
Do you struggle with productivity and feel like you could make better use of your time each day? Are there priorities in your life or work that keep getting pushed down on your list? Do you wish there was an easy way to get on track and accomplish the things you need and want to?

When you feel like you have too much on your plate, finding a path to productivity can be overwhelming. Is perfectionism getting in your way? Are you struggling with making decisions or find yourself procrastinating and putting things off?

Perhaps you’re in a season of change or transition. You need clarity and a plan to identify and eliminate barriers and time wasters. Are there things that are keeping you from having time for what you want? You need a productivity transformation!

To transform your productivity, take the following action steps:
  1. Identify your goals. Get super clear and specific about what you want. What does “success” in this area look like? By when do you want it? Why is it important to you? What impact will achieving results have on you or others in your life or work?
  2. Obliterate overwhelm and create an action plan that will help you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.
  3. Remove barriers and time wasters. These are things that will get in the way of you reaching your goal in less time and with greater ease.
  4. Prioritize and manage your time, energy and attention to get the results you want.
  5. Create systems and simplicity to accelerate your results and reduce stress.

Do I need a productivity transformation?
If you are feeling tired, frustrated or like you’re spinning your wheels, it’s time for a productivity transformation. Can’t stand where you are any longer and want help with this process? Our Six-Month Productivity Transformation is the answer!

The “It’s About Time Six-Month Productivity Transformation Package” is for overwhelmed, busy professionals. We’ll provide support, coaching and consulting that will allow you to learn and implement new strategies. You’ll establish and build on productive habits, and be held accountable for sustainable results!

Put yourself first and reach your goals!
Are you struggling with setting the priorities in your day, either at work or at home? If you’re putting everyone and everything else first, this is your time, and you are worth it! By prioritizing you, you positively impact others and impact your own productivity.

Imagine what your return on investment will be when you reach your goal. You’ve eliminated your time wasters. You’re feeling very on top of things! You’re organized and productive! You have systems and support to sustain growth, work-life harmony and the results that you want – all with less stress! 

The next six months will pass no matter what. Decide to make time for what matters to you and get the results you’re after.

Schedule a no-risk, no-cost Discovery Call. Let’s explore how we might work together and how you can start your transformation today!

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Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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Is It Time for a Device Detox?

5/5/2021

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Have you ever heard of a device detox or a digital detox?

We are all reliant upon our devices. Whether it is a laptop, tablet or mobile phone, many of us are tethered to at least one of them each day. They connect us to work, our family, friends and many other things. As convenient as using them can make life and work, how dependent are you on your devices?

It might be hard to remember a time when digital devices weren’t a part of everyday life. Living in a COVID world has made people even more reliant. Today, we are communicating through screens to attend virtual work meetings or connecting with friends and family we can’t see in person.

But when was the last time you completely unplugged, or had a day (or weekend) un-tethered from your devices? Does that feel impossible? Desirable? Stressful?

Monitoring usage is a great first step!
It’s easy on most mobile devices to monitor daily usage. Do you monitor how much time you are spending on your devices? Between phone, email, social media feeds, text messages, music, video or game apps – the time can quickly add up. Take a minute and check your usage, then decide if perhaps you need to set limits for how much time you are spending interacting in certain areas.

On an iPhone, checking usage is simple – swipe right from the home screen and scroll down. It breaks out the usage in a number of categories, including for the day or the week. It will tell you how much screen time you’ve spent, in which apps, how many times you’ve picked up the device, and more. It’s eye-opening! Conveniently, though, it also offers a way (settings, screen time) to set limits on your app usage and schedule downtime away from your screen and the setting can be shared across other devices.
On an Android phone you can check usage by setting up the “Digital Wellbeing” option. Like with the iPhone, you can get info about how you spend your time on your phone, set timers, manage your time in apps, and reduce distractions when you want to disconnect.

Have you put boundaries in place with your friends and family to leave the devices down when you’re together IRL (“in real life”). No phones at the dinner table? Not checking your phone on walks? Leaving phones tucked away when in personal conversation or even while video conferencing, when not using the phone to do so? Turning off devices between certain hours?

Is it time for a detox?
If you find yourself increasingly reliant upon and tethered to your devices – it might be time to take a break and detox! Pick an afternoon, evening, full day, weekend or whatever time period you can tolerate to unplug and engage in things that don’t require or involve a device. Go for a hike. Walk with a friend. Do something creative with your hands. Get lost in a good book. Play with your kids. Brainstorm a new strategy or project for work on paper or a whiteboard. Try out a new recipe. Mind map, day dream, or plan the vacation you’ll take once you’re able. Retreat to a cabin in the woods and just “be”.

Let us know how you chose to spend your time during your device detox. You may just get back in touch with something you’ve been missing! How could you incorporate periodic device or digital detoxes into your day, week or month?

If you could use more information, strategies, guidance or accountability in taking a device detox or digital detox, we’re here for you. We can help you learn how to set boundaries around your usage and work and function in a more productive way, with new habits and routines. We offer several ways to work together to give you the results you desire and time back in your day!

Contact us today or schedule a free, no-risk Discovery Call… then shut your device down and take a short break from screen time. You’ll be glad you did!

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Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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Is Your Toolkit Ready for When You Need It?

5/5/2021

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Do you have a toolkit (literal, or metaphorical) that you can dig into when stress is impacting your productivity? If so, what do you keep in it? If not, what things would you need for it to contain? 

Having the right tools to keep you on track with your priorities is the best way to prepare for the curve balls life throws your way. Although we can’t control everything that happens to or around us, we can equip ourselves with helpful strategies and self–care habits that help us be productive. 

Everyone experiences sadness, disappointment, anger and frustration, whether it is from an internal or external source. How you handle these various forms of hurt and negative emotion will determine the impact they will have on your ability to process them, return to a more positive state, maintain health and wellness and be more productive.  

What’s in Your Productivity Toolkit? 
Here’s what Sports Psychologist Dr. Jarrod Spencer recommends having in your toolkit to help you stay healthy and productive: 

Sleep
Sleep is the #1 priority. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, consistently, is important for productivity and for effectively dealing with stress, hurt and other negative emotions. At least three straight nights of consistent sleep leaves your body and mind feeling good and recharged. The rejuvenation provided by adequate sleep allows us to think more clearly in order to solve problems, learn and retain new information, and gives us the cognitive capacity to better manage our emotions. 

Physical Activity
Regular exercise is an imperative tool. Sweat every day and release those feel-good brain chemicals! If this is hard to do because you have no energy and you’re emotionally tired, take an introspective walk. Get some fresh air and a little movement – it can help a lot. Exercise helps with brain fog, stress relief, and boosts your energy levels throughout the day. Exercise also enhances your creativity. It allows you to learn things more quickly, sharpens your memory and improves concentration. All of these benefits are important when effectively dealing with negative emotions or hurt.  

Catharsis
Once you have regained some energy through consistent sleep and exercise, the next step is processing these emotions properly. This allows you to let out what you’re feeling and not let the negative energy get pent up inside you. Processing emotions also teaches you valuable knowledge about life and about yourself. Cry, vent, talk it out, yell, release. Who do you like to listen to and take advice from? Who is your sounding board? Make sure it is someone you feel comfortable with and someone you can trust to be non-judgmental. 

Activities and Hobbies
Try a new activity or pursue a hobby. Make art and express your emotion through your creations. Explore different mediums, try new artistic avenues. Don’t worry about being perfect or even good at it. Just have fun and create whatever comes to mind. What do you like to do for fun that recharges or energizes you? What new activity would you like to try? Use this outlet to release tension, relieve stress, and have fun.

Outside Help
Sometimes we can’t cure the hurt ourselves and need to seek outside help. Diagnosed depression is a medical condition and there are certain physiological factors involved. Talk to your physician and consider therapy, especially if depression, anger, or hurt is impacting your productivity, energy, interest and ability to engage with things you used to enjoy.

Be the Light
When you lift up and encourage others, positivity around you expands and serves you, too. Know someone else who is hurting or going through a stressful time? Validate. Empathize. Encourage. Support. Maybe you can be their outlet or bring some fun into their life by introducing them to your latest hobby. Let your light shine! 

Acceptance
It’s perfectly ok and healthy to feel emotion, even negative ones. Lows come with the highs; feeling this entire range of emotion is what makes us human. Experience it. Process it. Learn from it, and then select some options from this toolkit to help you move forward and maintain good health and productivity. 

Let’s build your toolkit!
Having the right tools to deal with the emotions and hurt that is inevitable in life is so important in order to maintain the best, healthiest, most productive version of yourself. Your toolkit will help you get done what you want and need to throughout your day, week and life. 

Your toolkit and its contents can also be preventative. By utilizing these tools even when you’re feeling well, you’ll have the resilience to effectively deal during times of stress. 

How do you handle stress and not let it derail you? Do you need help building your productivity toolkit? There are several ways that Simply Placed can help! Start by scheduling your free no-risk Discovery Call today.

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Debbie Rosemont is a Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant and Trainer and Owner of Simply Placed. Simply Placed teaches organized systems and productive habits that allow busy professionals to maximize their time, focus on their priorities, reduce stress, improve their customer service and increase their bottom line. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Be More Productive.

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