5. Establish a place for everything. Designate a "home" for every item in YOUR home. Make them so specific you can find things in dark.

6. Always put it back where it belongs after you use it. Teach household members to do same.

7. Use lists. Make lists of things to do and buy. Keep an on-going grocery list. Post a current leftovers list on fridge door. Use a meals list.

8. Make it easy. Use hooks instead of hangers for kids' coats. Take lids off hampers. Preprint a grocery list so household members can simply circle needed items.

9. Develop systems and routines. Find most efficient way to do laundry and stick with it. Use a meal planner consistently. You'll save time by not having to think about details.

Worry Depletes Energy The third category of fear is plain old worry. It’s most pervasive form of fear, and it saps your time and your energy. Worry is pointless and counterproductive. It leeches time and energy away from achieving your goals.

But how do you stop? The key to overcoming worry is to learn new patterns. When you find yourself beginning to worry, pay attention to physical symptoms that accompany that reaction. Notice what kind of thoughts you have as you begin to worry. Switch your thinking to present. Focus on what you are doing right now, in present moment. Use this as a ritual to cut worry off and bring you back to a more positive frame of mind. Over time, as you grow more aware of signals your body is giving you, you’ll worry less and be more productive.

Playing with Your Coach Make a close assessment of one of your fears. Is it real, imagined or just plain worry?

•If your fear is real, then understand its source and create a plan to deal with it. •If your fear is imagined, analyze whether or not it is outcome-based. Assess risk of that outcome versus benefit of action you are afraid of. •Make a commitment for next month to practice dropping and/or ignoring most of your negative, fearful thoughts and worry. Gently but firmly push them away. As they return, push them away again. With a little practice you’ll find life is a lot more fun without them.