Why do I need to organize?

 Have you planned to organize one morning but do not know where to start or are just not in the mood? Are you caught in a vicious cycle: as soon as you organize one room another one has turned to chaos?

Prioritize: With most of our lofty goals in life, we are not striving for perfection, what you want is progress and improvement. Most of us do not have time to achieve perfection in everything we do and still live a happy, fulfilling life.

When you set goals, make them achievable, attainable.
When you make that progress, create a visual way to track it or remind yourself of all you have accomplished (i.e. stickers on a chart, a check list, a flower/penny/or other item to represent each task you have completed). Since we will never have more than 24 hours in a day, we may have to say “no” to some activities and tasks.

As you list each goal, task, or activity, ask yourself these questions:

• Does this support my ultimate goals?

• Will any other activity or person will be negatively affected if it does not happen? 

You may see your list shrink before your very eyes. 

If you are not sure how to narrow your list, search the internet, ask a friend, or consult a professional organizer (they help with both the tangible and intangible).

Motivate
Do you start the day with the best of intentions to sort out the 'bathroom' only to lose your drive because it's 'just not worth it'?

What is worth it to you?
What do you value and why?

 These questions may not seem to have much to do with organizing, but they can be the key to your motivation. How much time do you spend on activities that relate to your values (i.e. spending time with family, exercising, eating healthily, etc.)? Many of us would probably answer “not enough”. Why then would you ever spend time on an activity not related to you values, such as organizing?

The answer: 

Being organized allows you to focus more on your values. 

Organizing means less time searching for the other shoe, fewer arguments over who last used the stickytape and did not put it back, less time cleaning around the junk . . . and with less time wasted, you have more time to be with family, exercise, eat healthily, and pursue those life goals that really do matter. The next time you wonder why you would ever make time to organize, remember that organizing is a means to an end. If you find a task that seems pointless, ask yourself how that task can bring you closer to what means the most to you. It is amazing how a change in attitude and knowing what is “in it for me” can motivate.

Ask for help

Most of our chores and daily tasks are not fun and are often repetitive. They can be too much for one person. Solution: spread the responsibility among the whole household. What is boring to one person may be fun for another. One person’s weak spot may be another person’s strength. Some people have time in the morning to help everyone get ready for the day, and others have more time at night to help everyone get ready for bed.

When you do ask for help, just remember to be specific and be prepared for things to be done differently than you would do them. Giving others a choice and allowing them to find their own way, within reason, may even make them more willing and productive.

You're on your way to an organized life!