Three enticing words: organizing, success and secrets. Individually they conjure up many interesting thoughts. Organizing makes us think about order, action or calm. Success brings ideas of triumph, completion and achievement. Secrets connote information, privilege or mystery. Strung together as a phrase, these words present the promise of something extraordinary.

Many of us would love to know organizing success secrets so that we can magically transform our lives. You’ll notice that secrets are plural because there are as many ways to view organizing success as there are ways to achieve it.

Here are my Top 10 Organizing Success Secrets:

• Develop a positive attitude
• Visualize the results of your organizing efforts
• Prepare
• Use lists
• Take action
• Enlist help
• Lessen the clutter
• Master the minutes
• Delegate
• Rejuvenate

You many already be incorporating some of these core concepts into your life. As you begin to combine all the ideas, your potential for achieving your organizational goals increases dramatically.

While I subscribe to many of these items, most recently I’ve focused on rejuvenation. The last part of the summer has been filled with days for not doing much. I’ve managed to catch up on sleep, have days absent of any specific plans, spend time in the sun and various water bodies, read a lot and enjoy hanging out with family and friends.

What organizing success secrets work for you?

There are many success secrets for life, feeling balanced and getting organized. Success is defined differently for each of us. This new month, a transition month marks the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. It’s a chance to start over and think about the successes we want to chase. In my book, The Other Side of Organized, chapter nine is exclusively about success secrets. One secret seems particularly pertinent right now. That is preparation.

Why is that on my mind? I’m thinking about how we just returned from dropping our youngest child off at college. Physical and emotional preparation was needed to get her there. Both were key in helping her have a successful launch and transition.

The preparation began early. From day one, we knew that our job as parents was to teach her what we could and simultaneously let go enough for her to learn on her own. We knew that the delicate balance between those was essential preparation for success in life.

Fast-forward 18 years and it was time for college. We researched, visited and discussed options. From there came her essay writing, applications and interviews. Each one of these helped prepare her for the next phase and create an environment for success.

After the acceptance letters arrived and she made her choice, the physical preparation began.  The past month was spent organizing, making lists, shopping and packing. All the while, we imagined and prepared ourselves emotionally for the next phase.

As we said our teary good-byes and I pulled tissues out of my bag, we knew that preparation eased the arrival of this juncture. Our hearts were full with emotions and pride in knowing our girl was ready. The stage has been set for a successful transition. The next part of our journey begins.

How are you preparing for success?