Packing (Systems)

• Black or Tan?
• Hat. 
• Shirts.  Coat.  Sweater.
• Underwear
• Pants. Bathing suit.  Belts.
• Socks. Shoes.
• Toiletries.
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday.   Check. 

Ready to go.

How do you pack for a short trip?  

It's easy if you have a system.  What I just listed is my system that developed over 20+ years of weekend trips for meetings.  

Early on, packing took a lot of time.  I was disorganized.  I packed more than I needed...or missed essential items.  And over the years, my system became a habit. A habit that I could easily replicate, document and teach.  Much like other programs that I have developed for better decision making (ThoughtCrafting) and transformation of ideas to actions (Fall Forward).  

Systems Work

Not only do systems work, but they also make life easier and surer.  You don't spend time and energy on the "how" (that's the system), but on the "what" (which is what you want to get done). 

For example....my packing system.

1. Pick a color of pants so everything can coordinate.  Tan or Black.
2. Starting from the top of your head, to your feet, in order, one at a time, pick the clothes you need for that part of your body.  Head.  Chest. Legs. Feet.  Each time, remembering what color scheme you picked in step 1.  Don't pack brown socks or brown shoes if you picked black pants.  
3. When you are picking your clothes, in addition to the part of your body, also select your clothes by the days you are gone.  It's confusing if you say, "I will be gone 4 days". Do you pack for 3 or 4 days?  But it's NOT confusing if you say, "Friday I travel, and don't need anything more.  Then pull a shirt for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Pull underwear for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Pants for Saturday, Sunday and Monday."  
4. You can do the same for your toiletries and other items.  Pack them as you need them as you go through the days you will be gone.  

Using this system, I have packed more efficiently and forget things less often.  And packing takes me about 20 minutes for a weekend.  

It's an easy system.  You don't need anything special to use it.  It works.

What Is A Good System?

A good system is easy. It works. And you use it consistently.

What systems do you have in your life that make your life easier?

How much easier would your life be ... if you created a system for things you do?