Do Not Resolve to “Get Organized” This Year
Organizing my Seed Stash (Photo credit: Chiot’s Run)
Happy New Year! I love the way a new year feels like a fresh start and a chance to try new things. I’ve written about throwing away your resolutions and instead turning them into goals, and I think that’s a great way to create a better and more productive and organized you in 2014!
Every year “get more organized” tops New Year’s resolutions lists and it’s a great intention but it can be overwhelming and difficult to focus on. The problem with resolving to get more organized is that it’s a vague goal that points to the negative and doesn’t give our brains something constructive to work on. What does “get more organized” mean to you? Think about it. What is the biggest pain point in your day? Focus on that.
Remember, don’t overload yourself – keep a list in your planner or phone and focus on one goal per month to help get organized and stay organized. If you need some more inspiration check out how Gretchen Rubin used this idea of dealing with one thing per month to cultivate happiness in her life in her book, “The Happiness Project.”
Here are some specific ideas to get you started:
2. Clean out and reorganize closets
4. Get email under control
5. Reduce clutter at home
6. Reduce clutter at work
7. Organize documents and photos on your hard drive
8. Clear out unnecessary pots, pans, plates, utensils, gizmos and food from kitchen & pantry
9. Make a roadmap to plan big events this year: vacations, weddings, parties, etc.
10. Find some apps that will make you more productive
So what is your New Year’s resolution?
Once a year it’s helpful to match lids with those plastic containers – throw away all those that don’t have lids. another idea is to put all the kitchen utensils in a box, take them out as you use them, put them away. At the end of 30 days donate the utensils in the box.
I would add to the list, back up your entire digital life at least once a month. Nothing causes more chaos than losing your documents, pictures, music, presentations or any other file. Use an external hard drive or one of the many online solutions. Or even easier, use Dropbox.
Excellent add! Thank you! Love Dropbox, how did we live without it? Thanks, Paula