Organizational tip - two goals

There are really only two goals that need to be kept in mind when we are trying to get organized. It is really quite basic. If we stick with the fundamentals, the ABCs, we will discover that being organized is not all that difficult. In fact, since there are only two goals, all we need is A and B. We don't even need the C. Do you see how simple it is?

Two Goals: (the end results we want from our organizational efforts)

1. To get things done when we want them done, by the time they are due.
2. To be able to find things when we need them.

If we are accomplishing those two goals, then we must be basically organized. Otherwise, it wouldn't be happening. In that case, congratulate yourself, celebrate a bit, and keep up the good work!

On the other hand, if we are consistently late on projects, either to meet our own personal time table or to meet a due-date set by someone else, then we need to work on that area.

Fundamentals for staying on course:
Break the project down into smaller bits and pieces. Set a time table for those smaller steps. That will be our measuring stick to see if we are on target. If we are getting behind, we know we have to step it up or we won't get done on time. If we fall still farther behind, we need to analyze the project a bit. What is wrong? Is the time table unrealistic? Or are we wasting time because we are not organized? By eliminating wasted time we should be able to catch up, providing the time table is realistic.

Or is the problem that we can't find things when we need them? That can account for a lot of our wasted time - looking for things. That can get very frustrating, especially if that is keeping us from getting a project done on time.

Fundamentals for finding things:
Get in the habit of finding a place for everything, and then always putting things back in that same place. Do it no matter what. Take that extra few seconds to put it where it should be.

That can begin with something as simple as the things we take out of our pockets at night. I have a little two-layered tray on my nightstand. When I empty my pockets, I put everything in a certain spot on that tray - my cell phone, my wallet, my chap stick and eye drops, and my comb. Those things are not really that important to keep in a certain order, but by forming that habit, I can carry it over into other areas and do it there as well. If I get lazy in one area, it is easy to get lazy in other areas also. Then I am beginning to lose the battle.

By sticking to the fundamentals, we will get things done on time and we will be able to find things when we need them. We will have accomplished our two main goals!