News
from Nancy Black
and Organization Plus
May 16, 2006
In today's fast-paced world getting and staying organized isn't just
something that would "be nice" - there really isn't an option.
I say
this because as an Organization Specialist with over 23 years of
experience, being disorganized, in my opinion, is a
leading cause of:
-
Work related stress
-
Dissatisfaction with work
-
Inefficiency and loss of productivity
-
Even unnecessary strain
on relationships with family and friends
Not only is being disorganized stressful and a waste of time, but
it costs people and businesses hundreds if
not thousands of dollars.
The good news: The secret formula for getting organized really isn't
a secret at all.
The bad news: Getting started is the hardest part (but also the most
important!).
Getting organized and reducing clutter is usually more than just
knowing what to do and doing it. If it was that simple there
wouldn't be hundreds of books at any bookstore with "magic cures" to
the perfectly organized life.
A little coaching and some help getting started can be a key factor
in producing long term results, but for the most part getting
organized involves developing a system and then sticking to it.
But before I give you a few of my favorite tips to get you on your
way, first imagine what you're going to do
with your time off.
Yes, your time off!
That's one of the benefits you'll experience once you get organized
and leave the world of clutter behind you once and for all.
It's also the first thing I tell my clients to do after we've
completed a
Three Hour Transformation: Plan on taking a day off.
What would you do?
Get out a piece of paper and make a list.
I'll throw out a few suggestions:
-
Take a long walk on the beach or through the park
-
Read a book that you've been waiting to dive into
-
Go to lunch with your husband or wife, maybe even take in a movie
-
Spend a day at the spa
-
Go fishing
-
Play golf
-
Visit with your kids or grandchildren
-
Curl up in front of the fireplace, and browse through an
old box of photographs
-
Drive into Cambridge for the day, have lunch, and walk around
Harvard Yard
OK. Now
that you know what you'd do, it's time to get organized so that
you can enjoy this reward.
Here are the first in a series of my favorite tips from the "front
line" of getting organized:
1) You Don't Have To Go It Alone
Remember, you don't have to go it alone and sometimes just a little
help from a professional will really get you on your way. If this
sounds like a good idea give me a call. I've helped hundreds of
people change their lives in only three hours, so many that I
changed the name of my best selling program to the
Three Hour
Transformation.
2) Practice Something In - Something Out
This is a fun little game you can play and quite an effective "get
organized" tip. Create a new rule: Whenever you buy something new
something old must go. If you buy a new printer for your office, the
old one has to go! Give it to a local youth club, maybe the church,
the Salvation Army, or maybe a neighborhood school. You might even
post it as "free" at Craig's List (http://www.craigslist.org). If
you give it to a non-profit organization it may qualify as a tax
deduction. Talk to your accountant for details.
3) Use It - Or Lose It
If you don't use it then why do you have it? When I go into an
office and see things that aren't being used those items become
primary “must move” targets. Unnecessary equipment in the workplace
quickly leads to clutter. If something doesn't get used regularly it
doesn't belong in your primary working area.
4) Have A Plan, Stay Positive, and Focus
Getting organized won't happen overnight. Create your plan, choose
one item or one area a day to work on, stay positive, and don't give
up. Focus on one area of your office to start with, maybe your file
system. Maybe a closet. Map out your plan and then take the first
step. Turn off the phone or close your office door to help eliminate
interruptions.
5) Everything Has To Have A Home
Everything has to have a place. If it doesn't, it will only take a
day or so before you become overwhelmed with clutter and being
disorganized suddenly starts to feel comfortable. Don't fool
yourself into thinking "this is how I work and it works for me...".
Study after study shows that getting organized, at home or in the
work environment, saves time, reduces costs, makes your life easier
and less stressful.
You're on your way.
I can see you taking your day off before you know it!
Next issue:
More tips to help you get organized and a small-business case study
with before and after pictures! You won’t believe them!
Thanks for subscribing to my newsletter.
Best wishes,
Nancy Black
Organization Plus
Home of the Three Hour Transformation
Transform Your Life In Only Three Hours !!
Turn Piles Into Files !!
Free Up More Time For Other Activities !!
http://www.organizationplus.com
Serving the Greater Boston and North Shore
Call To Arrange Your Free Initial Consultation: (978) 922-6136
Give yourself the gift of time
and freedom from clutter.
Gift Certificates from
Organization Plus! They Make A Great Gift.
©
Copyright 2006. Nancy
Black, Organization Plus.
