The document outlines six steps to reduce stress by getting organized: 1) Use a calendar to record all commitments; 2) Create a next actions list to organize tasks by context; 3) Keep your email inbox empty using folders and filters; 4) Assign a read/review basket for items to read later; 5) Follow the two-minute rule to quickly handle small tasks; and 6) Do a weekly review to plan the upcoming week. Implementing these six steps can help people succeed in business and family by staying balanced and organized.

1. Steps
to Less
Stress

2. (1) When was the last time you danced in the kitchen?
(2) On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being most, how “present” do you
feel when you’re with your family?
(3) How often do you fall asleep quickly and peacefully--without
one single worry about what needs to get done the next day?
(4) Are you able to devote your best energy to the things that
really matter?
(5) Do you feel excited about your life, your family, and your
business?
A little quiz . . .

3. To succeed in our businesses and families,
our lives need to be balanced, and we need to
have a way to organize the tasks on our plates.
We will be better at marketing our products,
serving our customers, and caring for our
families if we are organized and happy.

5. Overview of The 6 Steps to Less Stress:
Step 1: Use your calendar so it works for you.
Step 2: Create a Next Actions List where you can conveniently sort
tasks by context.
Step 3: Keep your email inbox empty by using folders and filters to
organize messages.
Step 4: Assign a Read/Review Basket to minimize “the pile” and hold
non-action items you’d like to read at your convenience.
Step 5: Follow the “two-minute rule” when handling emails, phone
calls, files, papers, or home tasks.
Step 6: Do a Weekly Review to organize the week ahead.

6. Step 1: Use your calendar so it works for you.
•Record all commitments—nothing stays in your head
•Use only one calendar
•Make sure it’s portable
•Only record the “must do” items
(not the “nice to do” items)
•If you are away from your calendar, record any items
that need to be transferred, and do so right away
•Review your calendar at the beginning of each week
and each morning

7. Step 2: Create a Next Actions List where you
can conveniently sort tasks by context.

8. Step 3: Keep your email inbox empty by
Using folders and filters to organize messages.

9. Step 4: Assign a Read/Review Basket to
minimize “the pile” and hold non-action
Items you’d like to read at your convenience.

10. Step 5: Follow the “two-minute rule”
when handling emails, phone calls, files,
papers, or home tasks.

11. Step 6: Hold a Weekly Review.
Update calendars, process papers, answer
emails, make an updated Next Actions list.

12. 1. Get a calendar--and use it so it works for you.
2. Identify your Next Actions and keep them on a list
organized by context.
3. Take a couple of hours to empty your email inbox
(and then keep it empty).
4. Assign a Read/Review Basket to help minimize “The Pile.”
5. Use the two-minute rule every day.
6. Hold a Weekly Review at a set time each week.