So you recently made a New Year's Resolution "to get organized." Well, you're in good company! Organization is always a popular top 10 resolution every year.
But now that you've set the organizing goal, how do you successfully negotiate the ins and outs of accomplishing it? Sometimes getting started is the hardest part but all you really need is motivation and a plan. Here are 4 tips to do just that.
(1) Have a plan.
Don't say: My goal is to get organized.
Do say: I want to better manage my time. -Or- I want to tidy up my closet. -Or- I want to organize my estate.
Speaking in generalities leads to doing in generalities. In other words, if you don't have decisive organizing goals, you won't get decisive organizing results. Take the time to make a plan...you'll be glad you put in the extra effort in the end.
(2) Make a schedule.
Don't say: I know what I want to do, and I'll get to it when I have time.
Do say: I know what I want to do, and I need to make a schedule of when to do it.
If you treat your organizing sessions like a regular appointment, you're more likely to take it seriously and follow through with your plan.
(3) Focus.
Don't say: This week, I'm going to overhaul my kitchen, organize my files, get ready for taxes, clean out my closet, update my address book, re-do my schedule...
Do say: This week, I'm going to organize my tax-related files.
If you try to take on too many organizing projects, you will surely fail. Focus on one task, and one task only, until it's complete. And let that success, as little or big as it may be, propel you onward.
(4) Have a positive attitude.
Don't say: Man, this is gonna be hard! I don't know if I can...
Do say: What a challenge! I'm gonna do this and come out the other side a better person for it.
As Thomas Jefferson put it: "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." Your thoughts channel real power to help you achieve your organizing milestones -- so think positively, and put those brain bytes to good use!
Now you're ready to make this year the best year for a more organized you!
Carmen Coker is a former U.S. Air Force officer turned professional organizer and productivity expert. She provides organizing resources for small business at www.OrganizedEntrepreneur.com and for home life at www.OrganizeClutterbugs.com