Do you have items that are on their last legs? That is, have you duct-taped (either literally or figuratively) something that you depend on? What would happen if it stopped working? For example, has your computer done things lately that let you know that the hard drive is just about to die? But you keep hoping it will just hang on a while longer? The last time you used your big flashlight, did you have to bang it against your hand so it would flicker back to life? And how will it be the next time your electricity goes out for a couple of hours and your flashlight doesn't work at all?
If you don't have any "margins" with your stuff (and I am using Richard Swenson's definition of margins as "the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits. It's something held in reserve for contingencies or unanticipated situations") then you are courting disaster.
Here are some thoughts on creating margins with your "stuff" so you can keep chaos at bay:
1. Proactively, you'll only want to buy the very best you can afford. This is true in every category from math tools to staplers to computers. Spend 10% more than you think you can so you'll save (big time) in the long run.
2. Help the school or organization where you work understand this as well. Government agencies, in particular, are famous for being expected to "take the low bid." Sometimes the low bid is the best one, and other times, the agency is 'stepping over a dollar to save a dime" as the saying goes. You end up spending so much more in the long run if you buy 'on the cheap.'
3. If, and only if, you are an EXPERT in repair of your particular item, should you attempt to repair anything yourself. When you factor in your time (and the wear-and-tear on your personal relationships) when you attempt to make an amateur repair, the real cost(s) becomes apparent.
4. Keep an up-to-date list of "Experts" in your address book. Put them all under "E." You'll forget their names from time to time--especially if the margin has run out on a particular item and you need to get something repaired immediately.
5. If you elect to buy service contracts, write in your planner when you'll call for your free check-up appointments.
6. Keep a list taped to the inside of a cupboard for things you'd like to have replaced that are currently marginal (a new set of rulers, a great book, a set of tiny screwdrivers for repairing your glasses, etc.). Tell folks that this list is there and they should consult it when they want to get you a little something. Then, when you receive the gift, seek out the old item and THROW IT AWAY. These will truly be gifts you appreciate. (Consider using the list as ideas for things that you'll buy others.)
7. Constantly get rid of non-working/non-functional items. If you're staring at a lamp (as I am right now) that needs to be re-wired, and you've been staring at it for more than a few weeks (make that months or years), then THROW IT AWAY. If it's not working, it's just clutter.
8. Build a "super-reserve" of certain items. Thomas Leonard, the father of coaching, talked about this idea. For example, when you are at the post office (or wherever you buy your stamps), don't just buy a roll (or less). Buy several rolls. Build a super-reserve so you never have to worry about running out.
9. Design a way to remind yourself when you are getting low on an item. Sometimes it's obvious, e.g., when you grab the last package of pencils, it is time to put it on the purchase supplies list. On the other hand, other times it's not as obvious so you need to set up a system. When I attend a workshop, I have one little pouch that nothing goes into unless I realize that it needs to be replaced before my next event. It's the only bag I check when I get home since all the other pouches just stay packed and ready to go for the next workshop event.
10. Use the "Use + 2" method for determining margins on some of your items (but to prevent clutter). If you use one ream of paper each week, keep 2 more in your cabinet. If you use 2 coffee cups every morning, keep 4. If you use a box of #10 envelopes each month for your work, then keep 2 extra boxes on hand.
All of these ideas need to be adjusted to fit your circumstances. But remember, Richard Swenson's definition of margins as "the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits. It's something held in reserve for contingencies or unanticipated situations."
Proactively create the margins you need with your "stuff." Knowing what to have available can help keep chaos at bay for you.Margins are "the difference between calm and crazed." To receive weekly tips about margins, just go to Pumpernickel Publishing where you can sign up to receive one tip per week in one or more of the following series:
**Tips: Creating Margins in Your Personal Life
**Tips: Creating Margins in Your Professional Life
**Tips: Creating Time, Energy, & Life Margins: Tips for Teachers
Tip: If you are interested in more than one, it's better to sign up for one at a time...or at least only sign up for one today and then a different one tomorrow. That way, you really will only get one tip on a given day and you'll have a chance to implement that before you get the next one.
Find other helpful ideas check out
**From the Desk of Meggin McIntosh
(c) 2008 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., "The Ph. D. of Productivity"(tm)
Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do via seminars, workshops, writing, coaching, & consulting. Visit her site Emphasis on Excellence.
