Archive Archive for the 'Motivation' Category

Wednesday Tip: What are you waiting for?

Posted on March 13th, 2013 | Posted in Motivation, Organizing, Wednesday Tip

“I want to get organized/learn to knit/lose weight/see my friends more/take up butter sculpting, but I have to wait until I finish school/get a new job/have more time/have more money/have more energy/get over my butter-phobia.” Sound familiar? We are nothing if not masters at putting off things we know are going to help us long-term but are presently daunting. It’s never going to be the perfect time for you to make a life change. Yep. NEVER. It’s probably never even …

March Organizing Holidays

Posted on March 1st, 2013 | Posted in Motivation

Use these holidays to jump-start your organizing this month! Organize Your Home Office Day: 2nd Tuesday (3/12) Take the time to set up a filing system or clean out old, unused files. Make sure everything you use on a daily basis is at your fingertips. Clutter Awareness Week: 3rd Week (3/17-3/23) Notice where clutter accumulates for you. Is it because those items don’t have a designated home or because the home you set up is too inconvenient? Clean Out Your …

Wednesday Tip: Where to Start Getting Organized

Posted on February 13th, 2013 | Posted in Motivation, Organizing

When you embark on your grand organizing adventure, chances are you won’t get much further than the threshold before a minor freak-out sets in.  Where do I start? There’s so much to do! I’ll never get it all done. I might as well construct a pillow cave on the couch so I can’t see the mess and watch this What Not to Wear marathon. Cut it out, you. It’s going to be fine and it will get done. Emerge from the pillow …

How Thinking Negatively Helps You Get Positively Organized

Posted on February 6th, 2013 | Posted in Clutter, Motivation

How many times have you been told to “look on the bright side” or “think positively” or “stop stealing my fries when I’m not looking” (that last one might just be to me)? The general consensus seems to be that it’s better to focus on all the good things that the future is sure to bring than the bad things that are happening right now. Problem is, if you’re always planning for and looking to the future, you forget that you’re …

February Organizing Holidays

Posted on February 5th, 2013 | Posted in Motivation, Paper

        Use these holidays to jump-start your organizing this month! Archive Your Files Month Keep your filing system current; any files you have to keep but aren’t actively using (like old tax returns) can be boxed up, labeled, and put away. Clean Out Your Computer Day: 2nd Monday in February (2/11) Delete old files and downloads you don’t need, put your files in logical, specific folders, and clear off your desktop. Pay Your Bills Week: 3rd week …

3 Ways to Make 2013 Your Most Organized Year Ever

Posted on January 3rd, 2013 | Posted in Motivation, Organizing

Happy 2013!  Most of us set intentions for the new year, and “get organized” is at the top of many people’s lists.  How to get organized is a huge topic, but use these three strategies to help you get started.  1. Get off to a fresh start: set aside a few hours to toss expired medicine, toiletries, and food, as well as those you know you aren’t going to use.  Keep a shopping list nearby and add anything that you need …

7 Things You Should Know About Organizing

Posted on December 5th, 2012 | Posted in Motivation, Organizing

1. It’s about what you get, not what you give up.  Remind yourself of all of the ways you’re going to benefit by getting rid of your clutter.  For every unused and unloved item you let go of, you gain more space, time and according to happiness expert Gretchen Rubin, more happiness! 2. Buddy up for better results. For most people, organizing can be overwhelming and emotional.  Just having another person there to help you stay on track can make a world of …

Wednesday Tip: Add 2 Weeks to Your Year

Posted on November 28th, 2012 | Posted in Motivation, Productivity

The average American loses 1 hour every day looking for misplaced stuff.  That’s 2 weeks every year!  Make a list of what you would do with 2 extra weeks every year; that’s your organizing motivation.  Maybe it’s a trip you want to take, more time to spend with friends and family, a hobby you’re neglecting, or just relaxing.  Whenever you want to drop something in a place it doesn’t belong or wrestle with your too-stuffed closet, remember what you’ll gain …

Wednesday Tip: Clear Your Workspace to Appear More Professional

Posted on November 21st, 2012 | Posted in Clutter, Motivation, Wednesday Tip

If your workspace is cluttered and chaotic, many people may assume that you’re inefficient and ineffective (not true!).  Clear your workspace of anything that you don’t use on a daily basis.  Extra office supplies should be out of sight, with only a few pens, post-its, or paperclips in easy reach on your desk.  Set up a contained inbox and action item system for papers so they don’t take over and give the wrong impression about your capabilities. Related posts: Organize …

3 Keys to Keeping Your (Not So) New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on February 14th, 2012 | Posted in Motivation

Now that we’re in February (the time when most people’s New Year’s resolutions start to get less resolution-y), it’s a great opportunity to take a look at the resolutions you made in January. These 3 tips will help keep you on track and moving toward your goal. Have a Plan (and a Contingency Plan) When and where will you do the things that’ll help you reach your goal?  Make time and put it in your schedule like you would any …