By D. Dale Fairclough
Date: December 24, 2012
Is getting organized on your New Year's resolutions list? If so, you are among many that include personal organization as a need to be addressed in the upcoming year. To some it comes easy, but to others, they have no idea where to begin or b) if they do know what to do, the task has been buried on the bottom of the "to-do"pile because of life's other priorities. But, have no despair, now is the time to conquer this issue once and for all. Here are some tips:
1) Begin by getting a daily or monthly planner for the New Year. In case you aren't familiar, a planner is a book containing the days of the year that you can record information in pertaining to each day. Then, begin using it to write all of your appointments, assignments, reminders, etc. Without this I myself would be lost on a daily basis. Using this methodically has made life very manageable since I have no excuse for forgetting things. It also helps me plan in advance to reduce conflicts and overloading myself on any particular day/week. In these times, smart phones have calendars and apps that can serve the purpose, but I mainly rely on the old-fashioned way.
2) Get your place organized. "There is a proper place for everything" is a line that sticks in my mind. I do believe that this is indeed true. I think that most people can handle this feat themselves by starting with one area at a time and progressing throughout. The first step is to reduce clutter by throwing out unnecessary trash, papers, and useless items. Then, give useful things away if you haven't used them in the last couple years and really don't plan to. Hang up, fold, put away items as needed (I really sound like a parent now). Finally give your place a good cleaning so that you introduce a new light and fresh feeling. You may need to enlist the services of a cleaning service and/or a home organizer if things are in dire conditions.
3) Getting organized actually begins in the mind, but I do feel that the first two items create an environment conducive to thinking in a more organized way. Now, it's time to begin to focus on your inner self and your goals. What are your major goals in life? When do you want to accomplish them? With who? Write these goals down. Please read my attached article for more particulars on this subject:
achievecc.blogspot.com/2010/08/discovering-and-attaining-your-life.html
4) The next steps to getting organized may involve:
A) Creating and following a daily routine (for eating, sleeping, work/school, family, exercise, etc.)
B) Developing a personal budget so that you ensure your expenses plus savings are less than your income.
C) Developing a filing and record keeping system
D) Actively using lists to keep track of ideas, things to get done, etc.
5) If all of this sounds too challenging to do by yourself, enlist the services of a good personal coach. A personal coach can help you create a solid plan to address these items. Most of all a good coach will motivate you and keep you accountable. There is no shame in getting help if you need it.
______________
Dale Fairclough, CPC, PE is the Founder of and Chief Coach/Consultant at Achieve Coaching and Consulting. To get in contact with Dale, please visithttp://www.achievecc.com/ or send email to Dale directly atachievecc@msn.com. Copyright 2012 by Achieve Coaching and Consulting.
