I am usually pretty darn organized – You guys probably know by now that my happiness is based largely on the organization of things like our kitchen drawers, studio closet, garage shelves, etc. And I don’t mean just organized – Sure, my stress level drops dramatically after sorting and putting things neatly away, but bonus points in PRETTY organization are what I’m really after…
Today’s Pinspiration project is a little remix I did on the menu board seen below – This image is totally inspiring to me for its combo of cute looks and organized functionality.
Source: Mom Colored Glasses
But, like I said, I decided to mix it up a little bit to fit my particular need. You see, aside from DG-DIY and my day job (newspaper copy editor and page designer) I’m also a freelance writer for four local magazines. I used to be able to keep all of those competing deadlines in order mentally, but after recently adding on the 4th mag, I knew I needed help – Especially after completely missing one of my June deadlines last week…So humiliating and so NOT the norm for me. After profusely apologizing to my editor, I vowed (both to her and to myself) that I would find a way to keep all of those dates in mind and in a place that would keep me on track.
So, instead of making a menu/meals chart like my Pinterest image, I decided to make a Deadlines chart complete with labels for the four magazines and a rotating spot to write and check off word count assignments and deadlines.
First I needed some labels – I opened a Word document and typed up the word “Deadline” and the names of the four publications. The “Deadline” label got a bold, typeface font while the mags were done in my favorite sleek Century Gothic in a smaller size.
Then I printed them onto two different colored pieces of thick card stock – I had a bunch of index cards on hand that did just the trick. I went with the dark sage green and deep fuschia for a bold pop of color.
After cutting them down to size, I simply pinned them to the bulletin board hanging above my desk in the studio. I figured, being that it’s right in my face as I sit at the computer, it will keep the deadlines front and center in my consciousness.
It only took me a moment to write in my assignments for the month. I also added a small check box so that I could check off the ones that have been sent off to my editors. When the card gets filled and deadlines are met, I can flip the white card over and start over, and then pin up a fresh blank card when the back gets filled up.
I’m already feeling more organized, more productive and more on top of things because of my new deadlines chart.
What would you guys make a chart for? Would you try out the menu chart? Or maybe a weekly rotating chores chart? I’d love to hear how you would adapt this project!
