Beginners Guide to systems that simplify life

The Beginners Guide to Establishing Systems At home

Download your FREE Systems Planner, that you’ll use further down in the blog post. This simple, step-by-step guide will help you with establishing systems at home.

• I’ve learned by trial and plenty of error that having efficient systems in place is one of the best ways to simplify life and reduce overwhelm. I spent the better part of 2017 and 2018 mostly frazzled and overwhelmed. I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water as a homemaker and second grade teacher; always working (at work and at home), always exhausted, but somehow, still always behind.

• I was constantly putting out fires that could have been easily prevented in the first place. Here’s what I mean by fires:
• Dang it! It’s 5:45 and I haven’t even thought about what we’ll eat for dinner.
• Oh no! I’m running late for work and I have no idea what to wear.
• Ugh!! I should’ve left ten minutes ago and I can’t find my keys.
• Why does this always happen to me?!
• I need to write my lesson plans but the house is a mess and I can’t focus.
• Believe me when I tell you that the list could be longer, but I stopped because I think you get the point.

• Becoming intentional about getting my life together with systems, routines, and better habits was life changing. I stopped the unhealthy cycle of putting out the same fires every few days, beating myself up with negative self talk because I knew it could’ve been prevented, and feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and like a failure as a mom and wife.
• If you can relate to any of my story, let’s delve a little deeper into setting up systems to make everyday life more simple.

What Are Systems?

• I really like how Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the word “system.” A system is an orderly method, plan or procedure. Pretty straightforward, right?
• Now let’s think about the opposite of a system. That would be disorder, disorganization, and chaos. Pretty much all the stuff that (left unchecked) leads to stress and overwhelm.

• Take a moment and think about the areas of your life that are orderly and run smoothly.
• Is it when you’re putting on your makeup in the mornings?
• Your lunch break at work?
• Are you a rockstar when it comes to your kids’ bedtime routine?
• I’d be willing to bet you have some sort of system for those parts of your day that are smooth and orderly. It may be so automated that you never realized that you’re actually operating from a system.

• Now think about the parts of your day that are chaotic and make you feel most overwhelmed. These are most likely the areas where you’ll need to come up with a system; an orderly method, plan or procedure.

• Simply having the plan is the system, but making it a part of your everyday life is when it becomes a routine, and eventually a habit.
• Systems are important because they prevent overwhelm and reduce stress. CHECK OUT THIS POST ON 10 TIPS TO OVERCOME OVERWHELM AS A MOM.

• A few years back I knew that I wanted to simplify my life but I wasn’t exactly sure how, so when I heard my best friend, Dr. Christina Williamson, say “systems reduce stress,” I knew I had found the missing puzzle piece that I needed.
• If you’re always stressed out, I would lovingly urge you to consider establishing systems that will fit into your life and help to calm the overwhelm.

How to get started with Establishing Systems at home

• It’s always encouraging to start with the positives, so first grab a notebook a few sheets of paper, and list any systems that are currently working well for you.
• Or CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS FREE SYSTEMS PLANNER
• (You could also use the Notes app on your phone).

• If you feel stuck, think about your routines; the things that have become customary or habitual. Once a system becomes second nature, and you do it habitually, it’s a routine.

• Here are some examples:
• If you wash the dishes every evening immediately after dinner, that’s a system. You have an orderly method for how that task gets completed.

• Do you set out your workout gear every weeknight before bedtime? If so you’ve developed a system that helps you eliminate excuses and stay fit. The fact that it happens every night makes it a routine.

• Think about the parts of your day that lack order make you feel anxious, stressed or overwhelmed.
• Now write each stressor on a separate worksheet or sheet of paper.
• Allow me to share ideas from my own life:
• Usually running late for work
• Not having a solid plan for dinners
• Mail piling up on the counter
• Here’s one that I’m currently working on: Misplacing my keys too often

• Then come up with ideas for a plan. You can do this a few different ways:
• Google it
• Ask the folks on your Facebook feed or Instagram stories
• Ask your friends what works well for them
• Brainstorm on your own

• Now write the 3 best ideas on your worksheet or paper.
• Circle the plan that best suits you.
• Finally start doing it consistently!

Tips for Sticking with your systems

• Keep it simple! As you’re establishing systems at home, remember that your system will only work if it’s easy to maintain.

• Use a tracker (paper and pencil, or digital) to have a visual representation of your progress. Being able to see your progress can be a great motivator. Progress breeds progress!
• A tracker can also remind you to get back on track if you’ve veered from using your system. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE TRACKER for establishing systems at home.

• Pay close attention. As I’m implementing my new system for putting away my keys, I’m going to pay close attention to what I’m dong by saying in my mind or out loud exactly what I’m doing. “Walk in the house. Keys on the rack.” I’ll do this until the system becomes a routine, and eventually a habit. Paying close attention could also mean that you focus only on your new routine, and you don’t allow yourself to be distracted by social media or the TV.

Common Questions About Establishing Systems

• What should I do if I find that my new system isn’t working for me?Try to figure out why your system isn’t working for you, and then change it accordingly. Remember the paper where you wrote down 3 different ideas? You can try one of the other two.

• How many systems should I implement at one time?
  • If you identified that you need several different systems, I would recommend no more than two or maybe three at a time. Trying to change a lot of different things at once could be overwhelming.

• What if I get off track?
  • Don’t beat yourself up! If you missed the mark once or twice, try not to let it be three times. If you missed the mark a bunch of times, just make a decision to get back on track whenever you realize that you’re not using the system. Never give up!

Final Thoughts

• This process for implementing systems may seem overly simple and super obvious, but here’s the thing: sometimes when we’re in a cycle of overwhelming stress, the simple, obvious solutions aren’t always so obvious.
• Having a system means that you have a plan in place. Once you have a plan, work it consistently until it becomes a routine. We all know that life happens, and sometimes our plans get thrown out the window, but life can be less stressful and more simple when we establish systems and routines.
• If you found this article helpful consider sharing it on your Facebook page, or email it to your sister, your auntie, your niece, or your friend. You can also leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!