Tip Sheet -
10 Funny Tips for GETTING ORGANIZED by Liz Franklin
(In honor of all our messy friends, we respectfully submit this lighthearted piece on...)
WHY YOU’RE NOT AS DISORGANIZED AS YOU THINK YOU ARE:
10 funny tips from a long-time Organizer
1. There is no "one-size-fits-all" organizing method, any more than there are "one-size-fits-all" underwear.
2. Disorganized people have good reasons for being that way. The reason might be as simple as, "I like things messy; it inspires my artistic side," or, "I haven’t gotten around to cleaning up yet," or "I want people to stay out of my space," or even resentment: "Stop telling me what to do; can't you see it's backfiring?" Finding the true reason is an important step toward curing disorganization once and for all.
3. Handling paper once doesn't work (except for Linears.) The only paper you can handle once is Kleenex. And now I’m going to ignore that other thought you just had. . .
Handle paper exactly as many times as you need to to get the job done.
4. Want to murder your To-Do list? If you're a Spatial, use index cards or stickies on a wall chart instead, and write one task on each piece. Then sort them by due date, by activity, or even color. When you’re done with one, throw the card away. If you want it on your phone, take a photo. But if you're a Chronological, you're better off using an app. (I can hear you screaming, "What?! Index cards?! Stickies?!" If it's not for you, simply choose something that works better.)
5. Neither neatness nor consistency is the same as being organized. Neatness is only prettiness. Consistency is making things the same, or fitting them into a pattern. Don't get hung up on appearances; focus instead on effectiveness. If people complain because your office is disorganized, tell them that's like criticizing Albert Einstein for his haircut.
6. Change the word "organize" to the word "access" and your cure becomes clear. For example, instead of saying, "I need to organize the stuff in my office," say, "I need better access to the stuff in my office." Many people are able to throw away their Prozac after a simple furniture rearrangement; not kidding.
7. Is your reading pile too high? Rearrange it according to when each piece must be read, then put it in files, baskets or bins (or just a pile,) and put stickies on each one reading, "read before Monday meeting,” "read at night in bed,” and "If I don’t read these nothing bad will happen.”
8. Piles indicate the source of the problem. For example, a pile in front of the door may mean you can’t handle any more people coming in, a pile in front of the phone may mean you don’t want any more calls, a pile in front of the computer may mean you haven’t learned the new program yet — or don’t want to. Piles can also mean you’re just plain busy. If anyone complains, just tell them they’re jealous or your creativity and many interests.
9. Allow yourself a "pending" stack, box, bin, or basket in every room. You need a place for things to marinate until you’re ready to handle them. I call mine, "Awaiting Response," if I'm waiting for someone to get back to me and can't proceed until they do; or I'll make a pile with stickies indicating the next step.
10. Forget the old saying, "Don’t put it down until you’ve handled it." Change that to, "Don’t put it down until you’ve verbed it." The fastest, cheapest way to organize paper (If you're a Spatial) is to put a stickie on each piece of paper in such a way that it’s sticking up like a flag. Then write the pertinent verb and due date on each stickie. For example, "Pay October 15th,” "Register online Friday 9/24,” "Call Monday,” etc. If you're a Chronological working primarily online or via smart phone, put the due date at the beginning of every reminder, every text, and every email. (If you're a Sparklebrain, ask one of the above for help or use pretty pictures that remind you of what to do and when.)
Verb and a date, verb and a date, verb and a date. This is now your new mantra. There will be a test.
Conclusion: To think you’ll ever be "done" with tasks is ludicrous; you’re never done until you’re dead. Think of washing dishes, updating files, or maintaining your car.
True organizing, though, can be considered done when you have a system that fits you, reminds you of what needs to be done in plenty of time, and is effective in assuring you less work, not more.
If you need help, call me at 800-447-3488 or email me at MizLizOnBiz@earthlink.net.
© Copyright by Liz Franklin
Permission for one time use granted to professional media when you use the byline "used by permission of Liz Franklin, author of HOW TO GET ORGANIZED WITHOUT RESORTING TO ARSON"