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Getting Organized Mention being disorganized or the word clutter in a group and stand back as the tales of woe sweep you away. Everyone has a story! Too much to do, too little time. Too much stuff, no where to put it. Too much paperwork and no idea what to do with it. Life's details are overwhelming as we try to accomplish more and more in less and less time. The world, it seems, can be divided into two groups: the smug ones that are organized and everyone else. Good news! Being disorganized is not the fatal flaw you thought it was, despite the opinions of your parent/boss/spouse/inner self. But how do you become organized? This article addresses general organizing principles. Subsequent features will be more specific. First, understand that while sorting and putting things into nifty containers is a significant part of becoming organized, it's more about a change in your habits and outlook. Realize that being organized is not about being flawless, losing your creative edge, dulling your personal color, or buying the newest filing system or the best plastic box on the market. Being organized is about replacing self-defeating habits (procrastination and indecision) with those that make the best use of the time and space you do have. It's about effective ways to accomplish what you want to do and learning enough about yourself to decide what that is. It's also about learning to choose between what to keep and what to let go, a skill that applies to both time and possessions. Second, establish your goals. At home your goal might be to find the spices you need quickly or to locate the name of the baseball coach before football season arrives. Being sure billings are current and that you find time to be innovative despite everyday responsibilities are probably at the top of the work priority list. Third, once you've identified what area needs attention first, begin the process by the crucial step of sorting. Make a decision about everything your eye lights upon. The question is always "Do I need it or want it?" Lighten your load by either delegating, donating, recycling, trashing or moving it to an area that is out of your way. If you become overwhelmed, enlist the help of a trusted friend or a professional organizer. Having another person to both cheer and prod you on is a tremendous help. The goal is to change your philosophy from keeping everything at your fingertips, and thus confusing yourself, to making a decision to keep only what you need to get through your day calmly and effectively. Fourth, put what you've decided is absolutely necessary to your everyday life within realistic reach. Categorize your time, paper and possession into groups that fit the task at hand. Think about how and when you use things. Time and tasks are grouped your obligation and goal priorities. Files are grouped and stored by how they are used. Clothing is divided by occasion, for example play and dress. Now you get to go out and buy all those neat containers and office supplies. (Remember to take the measurements and requirements with you when you shop.) Fifth and finally, now that you've decided to change nonproductive habits into effective ones, congratulate yourself. You are on the path to becoming the person at the coffee station or the little league game that nods understandingly at the "I am so disorganized" stories that used to be yours. Doesn't that feel great? Home | Services | Ask | Press | Resources | Free Forms
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