Do you get upset because you can't accomplish what you want to?
For instance, you might want to clean out your closets or write that novel you've been putting off.
Maybe you try to focus, but you feel overwhelmed.
Finding control boils down to one simple strategy: developing the habit of being organized. This means you've got to think ahead.
When you can get organized, keep things under control, and live a neat life, you can work faster and think more creatively.
These tips can help:
_ Take a few minutes each day to de-clutter. Use small bits of time to clean out just one drawer or toss clothes to donate into a cardboard box.
_ Get in the habit of buying organizational tools. Don't buy every basket in the store, but do purchase containers for storing mail, pens, bills to pay and more. Buy hanging hooks for robes and coats.
_ Group similar tasks. Make several phone calls back-to-back. Or, clean out the refrigerator while a roast is cooking. Don't jump back and forth from room to room or jump from one task to an unrelated one.
_ Pay attention to your methods of living and working. Remember that people who are very organized can "see" what needs to be done. They visualize the closet all neat and tidy before they remove the clothes to toss and sort. They "see" how they'll shop efficiently for groceries by making a list and planning an orderly route up and down the aisles.
An author we'll call Paul wanted to write a book for ten years. But his home office was messy and his habits weren't conducive to getting things done.
"To get organized, I decided I'd neaten my home office first," says Paul. "I spent an entire weekend sorting and tossing papers on my desk. Next, I vowed to write every weekend for three hours on Saturday and three hours on Sunday."
Paul says he was able to complete his book, find a publisher and stay on track all the way. Within ten months, he'd completed his project.
"What I learned in the process," says Paul, "is that my wife and I now need to organize our home _ plus get our family photos in order, along with our wills and estate planning done _ in order to feel in control of our lives. All of our plans for travel and retirement will flow better if we get organized."
Paul emphasizes that de-cluttering should be a top priority for every family.
"We've thought about buying another house," says Paul, "but once we de-clutter, I believe our house will seem twice as big and more livable."
Getting organized should extend to your activities outside your home or office as well. Putting everything in order leaves you a clear calendar to plan for more activities with friends, co-workers, and extended family.
"Once I got my life in better order," says a businessman we'll call Allen, "the more I could enjoy my friendships."
Allen says he and four of his friends now schedule time to have dinner and a movie every Sunday afternoon.
"Feeling on top of things enables you to manage time a lot better," says Allen. "Clutter and feeling disorganized eats up your energy and ability to focus."
Motivating yourself to get organized should start with the rewards you'll experience. It's much easier to form the habit of getting organized, if you can imagine how the changes will make you feel.
