Today’s article is meant to be an uplifting “You can do it!” cheer from your biggest fan. No matter where you are or the problem you are facing, you can start now to get your life in order.
These are a series of actions you can take in one minute from Donna Smallin Kuper*, a wonderful organizer I have had the privilege of meeting at our NAPO conferences. Read through the list, select one or two, and just get started.
- Think about your motivation. What do you stand to gain from getting organized? What do you stand to lose if you don’t?
- Make today the day you decide to get organized. Tell someone about it.
- Create a one-month plan. Choose five things you most want to organize in the next month. Number these items from highest to lowest priority.
- Take immediate action. Pick a single organizing tip… and do it today. Or take 5 minutes right now to organize your sock drawer.
- Start with today’s mess. Do whatever it takes to keep up with daily mail, dishes and laundry. Then set aside time to catch up.
- Commit to spending a set amount of time everyday on uncluttering and organizing activities. Schedule your organizing sessions for a time when you are mentally fresh. Make an appointment with yourself and write it in your daily. Then honor that appointment as you would any other appointment.
- Decide in advance what your reward will be for completing each organizing project or room. Ideas: Plan to buy yourself flowers, treat yourself to a pedicure or massage, or invite friends to enjoy coffee and dessert in your newly uncluttered family room.
“You don’t have to stop everything to get organized; you just have to start. Make organizing a part of your daily life. Do it first. Do it fast.”*
*This article consists of quotes from The One-Minute Organizer Plain & Simple: 500 Tips for Getting Your Life in Order by Donna Smallin Kuper, from Storey Publishing.
Donna Smallin Kuper is a nationally recognized author and speaker on uncluttering, cleaning, and simplifying life. Her organizational tips have appeared in Reader’s Digest, Woman’s Day and the New York Times. Find more of Donna’s tips on her website: www.unclutter.com.