Sidetracked Home Executives summary

Getting Organized: The S.H.E. System

In Sidetracked Home Executives by Pam Young and Peggy Jones, we are introduced to the S.H.E. (Sidetracked Home Executives) system, a unique approach to home management. The authors, who are sisters, developed this system in response to their own struggles with keeping their homes in order while juggling family, work, and personal commitments. The S.H.E. system is designed to help women, who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of household chores, to regain control and achieve a balanced, organized life.

The S.H.E. system is centered around the use of index cards as a tool for organizing tasks. The authors explain that the system is based on the principles of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-approval. They encourage readers to embrace their natural tendencies, whether they are naturally organized or tend to be more scattered, and to use these tendencies to their advantage when creating and implementing their personal S.H.E. system.

The Power of the S.H.E. Cards

The S.H.E. system revolves around the use of index cards as a means of managing tasks. The authors explain that these cards are divided into three categories: daily, weekly, and monthly. On the daily cards, tasks that need to be done every day, such as making the bed or doing the dishes, are listed. On the weekly cards, chores that need to be done once a week, like grocery shopping or vacuuming, are noted. Lastly, the monthly cards contain tasks that need to be done once a month, such as cleaning out the refrigerator or changing the air filters.

Young and Jones emphasize that the key to the S.H.E. system's success is its flexibility. They encourage readers to start small and to be realistic about what they can achieve. They also suggest that the system can be adapted to suit individual needs and circumstances. For example, the authors discuss how to use the S.H.E. system in a household with children, and how to incorporate it into a working woman's schedule.

Overcoming Procrastination and Perfectionism

The authors acknowledge that procrastination and perfectionism are common barriers to maintaining an organized home. They offer practical advice on how to overcome these obstacles using the S.H.E. system. For example, they advise readers to break tasks into smaller, more manageable parts, and to set a timer to work on them for a specific period of time. By doing this, they argue, women can avoid feeling overwhelmed and make steady progress.

Young and Jones also address the issue of perfectionism. They remind readers that it is okay to let go of the idea of a perfectly clean and organized home, and to focus instead on creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for their families. They emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and self-approval, and encourage readers to be kind to themselves as they navigate the challenges of home management.

The S.H.E. System in Action

In the latter part of Sidetracked Home Executives, the authors provide examples of how the S.H.E. system can be implemented in different households. They share personal stories and anecdotes, illustrating how the system has helped them and others to regain control over their homes and lives. Young and Jones also address common concerns and questions that readers may have about the S.H.E. system, offering practical solutions and reassurance.

In conclusion, Sidetracked Home Executives presents a unique and practical system for managing household chores and achieving a balanced, organized life. The S.H.E. system, with its focus on self-awareness, flexibility, and self-acceptance, offers a refreshing approach to home management that can benefit women from all walks of life.