Time Management the SMART Way

September seems to have just flown by. Working a full-time day job, keeping up with my accessory design business and trying to have a personal life proved quite the challenge this month.  Before I realized it, the first of the fall shows was upon me and I was scrambling to be ready.   I was just not working SMART, as the time management guru’s call it.  While I wouldn't wish my September on anyone, I know I am not the only one out there who could use a refresher course in goal setting and time management.

Manage your time like a Superhero
SuperMan Recycled Vinyl Clock $20
CantAffordEmClocks 

SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Rewarding, and Timely

Set Specific Goals

Set up goals that are specific and you will have a clearer path to envisioning where you will end up. The clearer the picture, the easier it is to visualize what you need to be doing. Without a clear vision, you can't always see where you’re going or where you expect to end up.

Create Measurable Goals

One of the best ways to measure success involves tracking the number of items made and/or actual sales of items.  Once you've set specific goals, figure out the best way to measure them and your progress toward them.

Set Attainable Goals

An attainable goal is a goal for which you see a realistic path to achievement, and reasonable odds that you get there. This does not mean that the lower you aim the more likely you reach success. Goals that work best have a challenge in them, they are chosen to be as ambitious as possible, but still reachable.

Write it down and keep track of progress
Coptic Bound Dot Matrix Journal $16
BlueStitchBooks

Know What's Rewarding About Completing Your Goals

A goal is rewarding when you have clear reasons why you want to reach it. Have specific reasons and expected reward in writing or depicted visually. Imagine how you are going to feel when the goal is reached. Then, if you get stuck and don't feel motivated, read your reasons and look at the pictures.

Make Your Goals Timely

Having a specific timeline is one of the best ways to ensure you reach for your goals. A deadline is also your protection from procrastination and unreasonable perfectionism.

Holly
Ellis Designs

Revert to Standard Time

Turn back the clocks! Sleep in for an extra hour and then start shopping for a spiffy new time piece from these {New New} sellers.Sterling Silver Grandfather Clock Pendant

by JDavisStudio

Time Charm Necklace

by pCharming

Boyney da Boynah Clock

by mcflashpants

Time is On My Side Necklace No. 2

by mswedowsky

Atari 2600 game cartridge- Combat- repurposed desk clock

by CantAffordEmCrafts

--Lisa
pandawithcookie.etsy.com

The {NewNew} Housewares Shops

For more Accessories from the Metro New York area - search: newnewteam, housewares on Etsy


Alexandra Ferguson - State your opinion - and your convictions about saving the earth - with this must-have home accessories collection for the eco-aware. alexandra ferguson's appliquéd felt pillows are standard-bearers of increasingly rare, one-of-a-kind uniqueness and quality, made in the USA from beginning to end. Each pillow cover is handmade, with letters and shapes cut out individually and stitched into decorative motifs. A machine finish ensures lasting durability, and zipper closures afford access to removable inserts.


blink on my nose - I love texture and deconstructing fabric. I like ripping apart old fabrics/clothes and transforming them into something new. All of my pillows are created using recycled materials and each design is unique.

Cant Afford Em Clocks - Can't Afford Em Clocks uses old items (records, books, comics, furniture, bowls, etc...) to create interesting and unique housewares. The majority of what I create are clocks out of old records and videogame cartridges, but I also make candy dishes, ash trays, bowls, light switch covers, and other similar items.

Elements for Inspired Living - One-off fashion accessories and unique decorative items for the home handcrafted in NYC from a variety of materials and unusual combination of techniques.


Lovely Day Designs - I have a lot of fun (addiction may be a better word) searching for fabric and paper. If you want a custom magnet set or switch plate, please ask.


Miniature Rhino - I'm inspired by all things old and aging, objects with a story, like things found within a personal collection, like the cabinets of curiosities. I want science with my art, because I'm happiest wondering through the halls of a natural history museum.

New York Clocks - I design fun clocks from found objects. Clocks are desktop sized, usually the size of a postcard, 4x6 photo, coaster, small tin, etc.