Getting Yourself Organized

Being organized is easier

than being disorganized!

Being disorganized can be exhausting.  It is the same as trying to work a 5,000 piece puzzle without the picture!  If you can’t see the big picture, there is no way to start getting yourself organized.

 Before you can get your home or office organized, you need to think about getting yourself organized first. 

Let me see if I can predict some things about you:

1.  You are scattered and rushing to work every morning (usually arriving late)
2. You forget birthdays and other important dates
3. You wait till the last minute to shop for anything
4. You have scraps of paper stuffed in your purse and or pockets, such as sticky notes, torn pieces of paper with notes, receipts, etc.
5. You can’t find anything when you need it
6. You often forget or are late for important events
7. You feel overwhelmed

Where do you start getting yourself organized?

In order to start getting yourself organized, you must have a “Command Center.”  This is where you plan everything in your life, whether your just keeping a grocery list  or you are planning a wedding.  

What I have used for years is a Daytimer like this the one shown here, (an attractive  ring-bound)  planner with a “Month At A Glance” calendar, dividers, note paper, to-do-lists, pockets, etc.)  It makes getting yourself organized a piece of cake.  For more selection see  Daily Planners

I carry mine everywhere I go.  I affectionately refer to it as “MY BRAIN,” because without it, my brain can’t function.  And please make it an attractive one, after all you will be seen with it everywhere you go.  Consider it a nice purse.

The things I use my daytimer (brain) for:

Keeping up with birthdays & other important dates (I always sit down prior to the new year, and record all birthdays, anniversaries and any other in-advance plans onto the proper day on the calendar)

By doing this one small thing, your friends and family will be touched and amazed that you actually remembered.  Now here is a secret…..Buy greeting cards for the entire year at one time (at least the ones you know you will need)  Keep them in a greeting card organizer with dividers, divided by month.   Always keep a box of extra generic cards on hand for unexpected events such as sympathy, congratulations, thinking of you, etc.  It is always there when you need it!  NO STRESS!!!  Shop Amazon’s Gift Cards – Perfect Anytime

Now here is a trick of letting your “BRAIN” do the work….Three to four days prior to each of these special dates, make a another note on your calendar to mail the card and/or shop for the gift.  The card arrives on time and you have the gift wrapped and waiting.

 Waaa laaa. Now, “you” are an expert at remembering dates.

Side note:  All throughout the year, we may have loved ones mention something that they want.  They may think you were not listening, but you are the new expert!  Keep a page in your brain titled:  “Things People Want.”  Now when you do your gift shopping, you know exactly what to get.  And always remember to put yourself on the list! Schedule a manicure, facial etc.  You deserve it!

As we work together on other areas of organization, I will refer back to using your “BRAIN” many times.  You will be amazed at how this is going to change your life.  BUY A BRAIN!!!!!!!  Check out this selection of daily planners, so we can get started.  

Important features I recommend that you have in your personal planner:

Week at a glance calendar – Keep details of the important things on these pages.  Birthdays, anniversaries, Dr’s appointments, etc.

Month at a glance calendar  – this one I like to just make a star on the day when there is something to remember.  The blocks are smaller and do not allow for much writing. so the star works great.  When I look at the whole month, I know which days I need to pay attention to on my week at a glance calendar.

Dividers to separate categories:  Month, Week, Coupons, Receipts, Gift ideas, grocery list, etc

Built in pockets for sticky notes, pen, highlighter, calculator, etc.

Receipt envelope for different expenses you are keeping up with.

Coupon envelope

Note pad to create TO-Do lists, grocery list, etc.  GROCERY SHOPPING MADE EASY

I like to have a phone book section even though we are in the cell phone age.  This is just in case my phone is not working or I loose it, I will be able to contact who I need.  I usually just keep immediate family and friends.

See, getting yourself organized is not that hard.  It is like laying the foundation to getting everything else in your life organized.

Next, go to: ORGANIZING BASICS