Get Organized
By Julie Fuimano, MBA, BSN, RN
Do you want to have more time, energy and space in your life? It's not
as difficult as you may think. Thinking about clutter and living in
disorganized space robs you of your energy, wastes your time and
heightens your level of stress. With a few action steps, you can be on
your way to crafting an environment that supports you to achieve greater
levels of success.
Living in disorganized space affects your inner self and you may feel
discouraged and distracted. Every time you need to find something, every
time you look at the mess, your energy is zapped. And every time your
energy is zapped, you feel drained. It's no wonder you're exhausted at
the end of the day and can find little time to do the things you want to
do.
There are simple steps you can take to eliminate the clutter, simplify
your life, give yourself more energy and find greater peace. There are
two parts: first is getting organized and the other is staying
organized. While you are getting organized, you can create systems to
stop additional clutter. Many people are finding that having a coach
helps them get focused and keeps them motivated to get it done!
Getting started
A great way to get started and keep things from piling up is the
touch-it-only-once-rule. When you come in with your mail, for example,
stand by the trashcan and go through it. Separate the bills and other
things you need to keep, throw out what you can and then file everything
away. Create a system so that it becomes second nature.
Deal with things in the moment using the 3D model - Do it, Delegate it,
or Dump it. Clutter is really delayed decision-making. By using the 3D
model, you are learning to make decisions on the spot.
Most of the things you save (even the papers you file) you will never
use or look at again. Don't be afraid of discarding things you don't use
or need. If you are afraid to get rid of something, put a date on it and
if you haven't used it by that date, discard it.
Another basic rule to organization: if you move something, put it back.
Teach your children and other family members to do the same.
So that's what the top of the desk looks like!
Is your desk a mess? Put aside 15 minutes of uninterrupted time each day
- that means door closed and your phone to voice mail - and clear out
one drawer at a time. Or better yet, come in on a day off and clean out
the entire desk! You may be surprised at what you find. One person found
several checks that she had not deposited!
Every day stop work 15-30 minutes before you are ready to leave in order
to clear your desk and organize your work. Get in the habit of not
allowing clutter into your life. Take a stand for your self and stop
procrastinating; take yourself more seriously and stop saving stuff you
will never read!
Can you envision it: no more wasted time spent looking for things;
everything you need is right at your fingertips; lots of space to move
around and do your work. Leaving your workspace clutter-free and
organized is a great way to wrap up your day, and think of how you'll
feel when you come in the next day to a clutter-free workspace!
Clutter - be gone!
Make a list of all the areas that you need to sort through and get
organized, such as your car, closets, garage, etc. Make a commitment
each week to focus on one area of your home and carve out some time to
get it cleaned up. Some areas may take longer than a week. Enlist the
rest of the family to do this with you. As you complete each one, cross
it out or check it off your list. Celebrate your accomplishments!
If you haven't worn a piece of clothing in over a year or two, toss it.
If you don't like the way it fits, get rid of it. If it is worn or torn,
fix it or toss it. Start making better decisions about your stuff and
what you allow in your space. The delaying of decision-making is holding
you back from living peacefully. What is it about making decisions that
you have trouble with? Whatever it is, face it and decide how you want
to live from this point forward.
Stop tolerating the collecting of stuff! What makes you think that if
you hold onto a piece of clothing for a couple of years, it will look
better on you or you'll like it any better? If you're thinking that
you'll wear it when you lose weight, get real; when you lose weight
you're going to want to purchase new clothes!
You may wish to make donations to a shelter, the Salvation Army or other
non-profit organization. Many of these places will give you a receipt so
you may deduct the donation from your income taxes. Or if money is an
issue, take your items to a consignment shop. They often accept items
other than clothing, too.
If you are really unable to do this by yourself, you may want to hire a
professional organizer. (Yes, there are people out there who make a
living of this!)
Then, each night before you go to bed, spend five minutes or so just
walking around the house and straightening up. In the morning, you'll be
grateful for having done it.
Packrat no more!
As you go through your home, ask yourself whether the item brings you
joy, whether you need it, want it or will ever use it. And stop buying
more stuff! Raise your standards and respect your money; don't purchase
things that aren't absolutely fabulous. When you're able to go into any
closet or room in your home and everything is functioning properly and
you are enjoying it, then you are in good shape. Don't forget about
other areas like your car and garage.
Go easy on yourself
This is a huge shift in mindset and takes time to evolve, so go easy on
your self. Over time it will become second nature - effortless. Having
an environment that is neat and organized will bring you a sense of
peace and fulfillment. And as you clear away the old stuff, you create
the space for new, more enjoyable things to be introduced.
Julie Fuimano, MBA, BSN, RN is a Success Coach and Author of "101 Tips
For Developing The Leader In You!" Her passion is coaching executives,
managers, entrepreneurs and professionals to manage their time, set
priorities and stay focused so they can grow their business while
experiencing greater personal fulfillment in their lives and career. For
your free consultation, visit Julie at
www.nurturingyoursuccess.com,
write to her at
Julie@nurturingyoursuccess.com or call her directly at
(484) 530-5024.