Lara’s Big Five

I have this groovy gal pal who I admire: Lara Rapcinski. She owns and operates Harbor Floral, a lovely shop that offers wedding flowers and services in Morro Bay. I’ve known her via the former Sandpiper coffee shop on the Embarcadero, but didn’t get a chance to hang out with her until I had moved to Santa Barbara County. She showed up for a housewarming, two concerts and a surfing excursion. (Her excursion, I just provided the sleeping mat on the floor.)

But now that I’m back in town, I’m blessed to know my friend on a whole different level – as an entrepreneur. Lara shared with me her key to organizing her business and annual goals which I now use to keep my projects organized.

Select a three ring binder and Table of Contents tabbed dividers: as you have projects. Lara has 5 categories, I chose to organize 10. Behind each divider put several sheets of notebook paper. Also, you can buy manila pocket folders to hold smaller papers, notes or brochures that you may need for some of the categories.

My categories include various writing projects, website, coaching business, songwriting, and finances. All of these projects have folders in my file cabinet. However, it is extremely helpful to have my immediate goals and tasks listed together in one place. It makes organizing and staying on task easy. Of course, you do have to open the notebook and update on a regular basis!

What you write, or how much is written is not important. One tab for a creative dream has only one task this year: renew the domain. That’s it. I even have the Table of Contents written in pencil so I can change my mind! The point is that because my idea is holding a tangible spot in an easily located place – I am free to focus on my immediate goals.

May you and your projects always be organized!

Aunt Dot