Finding Time by Using a Shopping Template

The Time Finder with Paula Eder

The way you use your time is the way you live your life.

Finding Time by Using a Shopping Template

Posted on September 29, 2008, under Time Management Skills.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Here in New England it was very wet, and the fall colors seemed all the brighter against the rainy backdrop.

As I write this morning I’m guessing that many of you, like me, did your weekly food shopping this weekend. How many of you got home, unpacked your bags, and realized that you’d forgotten something? What a frustrating experience that can be!

Here’s a helpful tip! Templates can be great time savers, and shopping is an excellent example of a chore that you can transform for yourself, by using a template.

Think about it. About 80% of your shopping list is probably made up of items that you always want to have on hand. Why not set yourself up with a template for those items?

Imagine the time you’ll save! You can use your template to review what you have, check off what you need, and then use it at the store to make sure you don’t miss anything!

Here are a couple of suggestions:

Your template will work best if you set it up so that it matches the layout of the store where you usually shop. So, if you come to the produce section first when you enter the store, put fruits and vegetables first on your template.

Leave plenty of space for extra items that you need infrequently, or for a special recipe.

Try making yourself a shopping template this week. You’ll be amazed at the time that you’ll save – the time that you’ll find!

What if you could find another hour every week? You can! For more Time Finding resources, you are invited to sign up for my free, twice-weekly Finding Time Tips. Each Tip is paired with a practical action step that you can use IMMEDIATELY … and as a bonus for signing up, you’ll also receive my free, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!

Let’s explore time together …

Paula's Signature

There are 4 Responses to “Finding Time by Using a Shopping Template”

#1 Ellene Breedlove Davis - 29 September, 8:19 PM

Paula, templates are great to keep me organized and on tract.
As I read your tips, e-zine and blog, I become more and more aware of time that slips away from me each day.

Thank you for quality content that is both meaningful and helpful.

Ellene Breedlove Davis

#2 Find Time and Boost Your Time Management Skills with Task Templates | The Time Finder with Paula Eder - 01 October, 6:18 AM

[...] you use a template for your weekly shopping list, or for seasonal chores, each time you make a template you are giving your time management [...]

#3 Paula - 01 October, 7:26 PM

Hi Elle –

Yes, templates are excellent organizational tools. I am pleased that you find them helpful.

The awareness of the passage of time really does emphasize awareness of and gratitude for the moment.

You’re so welcome!

Paula

#4 3 Finding Time Tips For Fast and Efficient Food Shopping | The Time Finder with Paula Eder - 06 March, 6:53 AM

[...] #2: Use a shopping template to make your planning easier. I am a big proponent of templates for any tasks that are frequently [...]

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