Target Practice

Work SMART instead of just working hard.

Think about a target. It has a bright red circle in the center and other circles radiating from it. Regardless of the space you are trying to organize if you keep that target in mind, you will be off on the right foot.

Think about yourself as standing/sitting in the center of the bulls eye.  To work well, you want to position all of the tools you use most in the first radiating circle, tools you use less often in further circles based on frequency of use, and tools you never use you want to get completely out of the target.

In the picture above, the target is flat.  You are moving around in a three dimensional space. Visualize that target as a series of bubbles radiating from the center of your torso. Now you can include the walls and other vertical spaces as well as the flat surfaces in your planning. Get things off of the surface to give you room to work. Look for ways to store supplies above and below as well as to each side.

Your target is probably a moving target.  You move around from spot to spot to work on different tasks. Just try to arrange your tools and supplies as much as possible so they are close at hand where you need them and out of the way when you do not.  If you use something to do multiple tasks in separate spots, store the item where you use it most or consider getting a duplicate.

Now, if your goal is to get in as much exercise as possible, you can set up your spaces in the exact opposite as described above. You will spend all kinds of time and energy hopping around to get what you need when you need it.

Notice that this article is called target practice. Chances are you will not get it right the first time.  But the old adage says, “Practice makes perfect”.  Do not give up on it, just keep tweaking little things to keep making it better and better.

If you have followed all of these suggestions and something is still not working for you, at least you have identified a specific problem. You will be able to keep an eye out for a solution. And never be afraid to ask others for ideas or help.

photo credit: Bullseye by 2inches