INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Start by sitting down with a piece of paper and a pen. Think about the tasks you are planning to get done that day or your commitments for that day and write them all down. This could be a list such as: “Groceries, laundry, cleaning, homework” or “Status reports for clients, emails, check in meeting, paperwork.” Add as many tasks you can think of to the list, from minor tasks to bigger tasks. You should try to think of every commitment or task for the day so you can be sure to add it into your list of priorities. One way to work smarter is to concentrate on the highest priority first and then move down your list to the lowest priority items. This is called the 80/20 rule, where activities that lead to the greatest benefit should consume 80% of your time. The activities that lead to the least benefit should consume 20% of your time. Go through your list and number each task from the highest to the lowest priority. You should then move them around so they are ordered from highest to lowest in terms of priority and benefit. Once you have a numbered or ordered list of priorities, you should start to group smaller tasks together to form one process. For example, you may group together tasks such as responding to emails and phoning clients into one hour-long process called “client communication.” You can then work through each task within the allotted time frame smoothly and easily. You should try to do this for all your tasks so you do not need to switch to different processes and waste time trying to figure out which task to tackle next. Grouping related tasks together will help you improve your time management and reduce your stress level as you get through your list of priorities. According to Parkinson’s Law, having less time to complete a task will shorten the amount of time it takes for you to get it done. Rather than over-budget your time, limit the amount of time you block out for each task so you are forced to get it done faster. You can do this slowly by shortening the amount of time you allow for each task over time until you reach a sweet spot where you do not feel rushed but you also do not have enough time to procrastinate or waste time. After a certain point, you will develop a good sense of time management, especially if you are forced to only spend a limited amount of time on each task. This is useful if you tend to have the same routine, or a similar list of tasks, every day. Once you check off every task on your list, usually at the end of your work day, you should give yourself a small reward. This could be a nice dinner, a glass of wine, or leisure time to do something fun and relaxing. Rewarding yourself will ensure you have an incentive to finish all your tasks every day. You can also determine what your reward will be prior to beginning your day, so that you can use the reward as motivation to complete your tasks. For example, say you have to study for a test and have dinner plans with friends. Use your dinner plans as a reason to keep studying and complete the task during the day so you don’t have to miss out on dinner.

SUMMARY: Create a list of your tasks for the day. Order the tasks from highest priority to lowest priority. Group related tasks together. Give yourself less time for each task. Reward yourself once the list is complete.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The easiest way to decorate with a fishnet is to hang it flat on a wall. You could display the net on its own, hang seashells or starfish in it, or place photographs of family and friends in it. Go with this option if you have limited space and want to keep your project simple. For a more elaborate feature wall, arrange the net around framed wall art or a nautical object. A framed map, beach-themed picture, driftwood, fishing poles, or a ship's wheel are all great choices. This is a good option if you want to dress up an existing wall display or if you want to create a one-of-a-kind installation. Hanging the net in a corner allows you to play with various shapes and add a third dimension. You could hang the net so it spans between 2 walls and the ceiling, then add nautical-themed accessories. Hanging the net in a corner is perfect if you need to add flair to a large, empty space. Hanging a fishnet on the wall at the head of a bed can add a beachy feel to any bedroom. You could also hang it around a canopy bed or suspend it around the bed from the ceiling. Get creative and dress up your headboard by draping the net around fishing poles, driftwood, and other nautical objects. You could also add a personal touch and make your initials by gluing together seashells. If you want to make a statement, hang the net on the ceiling around a skylight or recessed lights. Turn the net into a work of art by arranging lots of small chandelier crystals all over it. They'll catch the light and sparkle like beads of water clinging to a fishnet that's just been pulled from the sea. Make sure the net won't touch a hot light fixture, get tangled in a fan, or come into contact with an electrical outlet. If you have small children or pets, keep the net out of their reach, especially if you're accessorizing it with heavy or delicate objects.

SUMMARY:
Hang the net flat on the wall for a simple look. Drape the net around wall art to create a focal point. Hang the net in a corner to add volume and interest. Use netting as a headboard for a beach-inspired bedroom. Create a ceiling installation if you want a unique, dramatic look. Avoid hanging the net near light fixtures, ceiling fans, and other hazards.