The Key to Getting Organized

Getting organized 101? How do we get organized? If I read a book will it give me all the answers, the "secret" of organization? Can I do it in a day?

No. If organization were easy it would not be a multi-million dollar business.

You have to be willing to change the way you live. Getting organized is not easy and it requires constant effort. It will get easier, but you can never forget about the goal.

The soccer mom might juggle the family schedule, meals, upkeep, transportation... and have a career. With so much on our plate we must organize the tasks just to stay sane!

If you are a clutterer, one who is surrounded by things you can never seem to organize - you must take this step first! Getting organized in your space!

For getting organized in your time:

Prioritize!

We can't do it all.

I realized this again today as I sat with my son after he got his tonsils out, my classroom still unprepared and shopping to be done. I just couldn't worry about anything but my son at the time.

Some things are simply more important than others. Getting to soccer practice on time might be more important than dropping my husband's suit off at the dry cleaners. Making dinner might be more important than calling the cable company.

We get into trouble when we say "I have" to do this and "I have" to do that. We start to think we really have to do everything! The fact is, we can still make it through the day if we don't get everything done. Just saying this powerful phrase creates stress - even when you don't realize it!

AVOID THE STRESS! It will actually make you LESS productive!

Every night, or once a week, if it suits you... make a "to do" list, but think about how you rank the items. What task would help you the most if you got it done? Keep this list handy - on the refrigerator or in your purse - so you can cross out the task when you finish it. Getting organized is very satisfying!

No more "I have to's"! Catch yourself when you say it!

Another useful tip: Daily Goals

Set 3 goals for every day. These goals aren't long term or generic (I'm going to help my son get an A in math, I'm going to work harder and get promoted), they are specific and attainable. What can you actually get done today? Or by noon? Be realistic.

The goals won't be everything you want to get done, but you will feel like you accomplished something at the end of the day. Success breeds success! I have found myself so much happier since I started doing this instead of jumping from task to task thinking "i gotta do this, and this, and this..."

Finally, it's possible that you really do have too much to do! If you are organizing and prioritizing and you still can't get important things done you have to ask for help.

DELEGATE! Order, ask, persuade others to help you. Explain how it helps them to help you! ("Dear, if you have time to pick up the kids from practice I'll be able to make dinner") People (read: teenagers and friends!) are most likely to do something if it is to their advantage.

The most important people in the world have many helpers... why shouldn't we?

We can find inspiration in many places. Some will find it in reading. Some find it in an organzation television show. Some people will find it in looking at their lives. Find your inspiration now!

Start today! Good luck! Being organized is the key to a lower stress and happy life!

Are you looking for some organizational supplies? To do lists? Weekly planners? Address books? We've got some great items in out store to help you.