Getting
Organized:
5 Secrets To Help You Get Started
by Maria Gracia
One of the most common questions
I get on the subject of getting organized is, "Where do I
start?" This is an excellent question because if you just dive in
without taking some time to plan, there's a good chance that you're going
to get overwhelmed, and the job is not going to get done. Here are the
five
simple secrets to getting started.
1. GET MOTIVATED: Attitude
is everything. If you say, "I can't," then there's a good chance
you won't. However, if you say "I can," there's an excellent
chance you will.
Take a few moments to think about
how wonderful it's going to be when you get that bedroom organized, or
when you empty out that first box that has been sitting there for the past
year. Dream about what you're going to do with all the extra time you're
going to gain, simply by getting organized.
2. SET GOALS: Make a list
of all the things you want to organize, whether those items are your
garage, your office, or your time. When you're done with your list, choose
ONE item on it. That is going to be your "major" goal.
Now, take that "major"
goal, and break it down into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Those will be
your mini-goals. One by one, you're now going to achieve each of your
mini- goals, until each one is completed. Once the final one is completed,
you will have accomplished your major goal. Here's an example:
MAJOR GOAL: Organize the
bathroom.
MINI-GOAL 1: Organize the
medicine cabinet.
MINI-GOAL 2: Organize the cabinet
under the sink.
MINI-GOAL 3: Weed out the
magazine holder.
MINI-GOAL 4: Set up separate
toiletry storage areas for each member of the family.
3. ESTABLISH DEADLINES:
"I'll get to it, when I have time," never works. You're not
going to have time, unless you schedule time. You should set a specific
deadline for each of your mini-goals. Here's an example:
DEADLINE FOR MINI-GOAL 1: March
04
DEADLINE FOR MINI-GOAL 2: March
11
DEADLINE FOR MINI-GOAL 3: March
18
DEADLINE FOR MINI-GOAL 4: March
25
4. DESIGNATE REWARDS: In
order to really get motivated, designate a reward for each mini-goal
achieved by your specified deadline. It has to be something really
enticing, that you will only give yourself WHEN you reach your goal. Your
final mini-goal, the one that allows you to fully complete your major
goal, should be the reward that most entices you. Here's an example:
REWARD FOR MINI-GOAL 1: Take a 15
minute nap in the backyard hammock.
REWARD FOR MINI-GOAL 2: Designate
tomorrow as a "Chore Free" Day.
REWARD FOR MINI-GOAL 3: Listen to
your favorite CD--all the way through.
REWARD FOR MINI-GOAL 4: Take
yourself out for a nice lunch.
Post your goals, deadlines and
pending rewards in a prominent place, where you're sure to see them every
day.
5. APPLY EFFECTIVE
ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS: Ok, now you're ready and it's time to get
started. Make sure you've determined what your best game plan is to
easily achieve each goal.
Read more about getting organized:
by Maria Gracia - Get Organized
Now!
http://www.getorganizednow.com
Visit the Get Organized Now! Web
site for tips and ideas to organize your home, your office and your life!
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