Top 10 Organizing Success Secrets
You may already be incorporating some of these techniques into your life. Use this list as a guideline to integrate additional concepts and maximize your organizing success.
Attitude
Develop a positive attitude. When you send your brain the “I can” message vs. “I can’t,” possibilities unfold and enable you to accomplish so much more. A good attitude is the first step in moving past your frustration and towards your organizing goals.
Motivate
Visualize the results of your organizing efforts. Keep an image in mind of what your environment will look like or what it will feel like to have it the way you envision. Having a strong picture of your goal will provide motivation and focus.
Act
Begin and things become possible. You can’t just think about getting organized- you must also take action. Abandon the excuses. Remember that the fear of doing is often more intimidating than the actual work. Taking action will feel great! Action creates success, which encourages more action.
Support
Enlist help from an “organizing buddy.” If getting organized is challenging to do on your own, find someone to help you with the process. This can be a family member, friend or professional. Your organizing buddy will provide encouragement, keep you focused and help move you past the overwhelmed stage.
Plan
Use lists to keep on track. They will help you maintain focus, unclutter your mind, and organize your thoughts into action items. Refer to your lists multiple times throughout the day.
Master the Minutes
Utilize small blocks of time. We often don’t have large amounts of uninterrupted time to take care of things. What can be accomplished in ten minutes? You can organize a drawer, clean out your wallet, write a note, or read a story to your child. In five minutes, you can make a few phone calls, sort your mail, and empty the dishwasher. In one minute, you can review your To Do list, make your bed, or stop and smell the roses.
Declutter
Is clutter getting in your way? Lessen the “stuff” and it will become easier to stay organized. Make room for the things you truly want. Release unwanted and unused belongings. Ask yourself questions like- Do I need to be the keeper of this paper? If I released it, could I get it again? Can I release the clothes I haven’t fit into for five years? Is this item useful or in the way? Could someone else benefit from having it? Decluttering can make you feel relieved, happy and hopeful. Letting go creates space for growth and change.
Prepare
Take time to think through what you want to accomplish. Don’t wait until the last minute to do things. For example, before going to sleep, review what needs to be done the following day. Ask yourself if there is anything that you can do now to help make tomorrow run more smoothly.
Delegate
Enlist the help of others, including your children. What can be delegated to free up your time? You can hire or barter with others to do cleaning, cooking, laundry, errands, childcare, car-pooling, yard work, filing, bill paying or organizing. Doing everything yourself can cause exhaustion, resentfulness and inefficiency.
Rejuvenate
Schedule time to take care of yourself regularly. Discover what makes you feel good and then take the time to do it. It can be simple or more elaborate, but it is essential to your well being. Exercise, take a walk, read a book, or take a few moments to reflect about the joys and challenges of the day. Reconnect with yourself. A break will leave your refreshed and give you energy to move forward.