A goal without a plan is just a wish.―Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Do you feel you’re always rushing to get everything done and yet you never do? Although you know the holidays are fast approaching, do you still end up scrambling at the last minute to buy gifts? Though I know darn well when I have to travel days or weeks in advance, I often find myself hurrying at the last minute to do the laundry, pay the bills, clean the house, and pack. Usually, I overpack and still forget something. Sound familiar?

Part of the reason I wrote my book, “4 Minutes a Day, Rock ‘n Roll Your Way to HAPPY” is to learn these lessons myself. So try this with me, won’t you?

Spend four minutes today looking at some projects that need to get done in the near future and plan them now. Buy gifts online and schedule their delivery. Buy cards and store them for when you’ll need them. My friend Angela gets me cards and puts sticky notes inside to write her messages. That way, she says, I can remove the sticky note and reuse the card. Genius! Of course, there are some cards on special occasions you’ll want to save, but why not reuse a few?

Here are a few tips to help you save time:

• Put an entire outfit, including jewelry or ties, on a hanger.
• Plan a week of meals.
• Buy gifts online months in advance.
• Pack early. Pretend your departure date for a trip is a few days earlier than it is.

Planning ahead for the holidays will prevent stress and allow you to truly enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Shemane’s new book “4 Minutes a Day, Rock ‘n Roll Your Way to HAPPY” is available on Amazon.com and is a great gift idea!