Getting Started
Do you find that you just don’t know where or how to start your organizing project? Does the job seem too overwhelming? Do you desperately want the space under control, but you are having a problem getting motivated?
You are not alone! Many people find it difficult to get started on their organizing projects. If you follow a few simple steps, however, you will be able to accomplish your organizing project easily and efficiently. So, how can you motivate yourself to take that first step and then complete the job?
Step 1 - Visualize! Stand in your problem area, close your eyes and visualize how you would like the area to look. Visualize the efficient and beautiful storage systems. Imagine yourself easily finding things you seek. Feel how relaxing it is to spend time in the space. Focus on how wonderful it will be to have your space organized.
Step 2 – Make a plan. Decide how you want to get the project done based on your available time and when you want the project completed. Break tasks into small jobs with specific goals. Be realistic, but also think of ways to make the tasks seem less burdensome. For example, if you want to organize the boxes in your garage but don’t have long days to work on the task, consider going through one box per day until the job is complete. If you have stacks of paper that need to be sorted, sort the papers while watching a good movie on TV. If you have a big job to do and can dedicate a day to working on it, invite friends and family to help and then treat them to a nice dinner at the end of the day. In any case, set a schedule to accomplish the work and set a date to have the job completed.
Step 3 – Decide where to start. In the whole scope of your project, it usually doesn’t matter where you start. You might want to consider starting in the place that bothers you the most since your efforts will have a big payoff when that area is under control. It is important to focus on a SINGLE area, though, so that you will be able to see results. For example, start with a single drawer in your desk or one kitchen counter and complete that small project before moving on to another small area. This method will produce more visible results in a shorter time and will keep you motivated to tackle the next area.
Step 4 – Get going! Now that you have visualized your result and have a plan, get started on your project and work according to your plan. Have water and snacks handy, put on some snappy music, and be sure to take hourly breaks so you can stay fresh. Stop work for the day when you have accomplished your goal. Be sure the work area is clean and ready for your next work session. If the work doesn’t go as fast as you were expecting, revise your plan to accommodate a more realistic pace. It took a long time for your space to become cluttered, so don’t expect to de-clutter in a couple of hours. Keep in mind the sequence for successful organizing – sort, purge, establish storage, assign everything a “home”, maintain.
Step 5 – Reward yourself. After each successful session, reward yourself for a job well done. If necessary, bribe yourself to complete the job. If you work for an hour, give yourself permission to watch your favorite television show or have a glass of wine. If you work for a day, go out to a nice dinner with friends and family. Find what motivates you to stay on task.
Now, that was pretty easy, wasn’t it? So the next time you have a big organizing task to conquer, just take a deep breath and refer to the above steps to keep your focused, keep your goals in mind, and reward your accomplishments.
