Organizing Tips and Traps

This is a list of top tips coupled with the sort of corresponding debilitating thoughts that may be hampering your efforts to get organized. Check this out before you begin your organizing project.

Trap:
You feel like you need to finish the whole project at once. You are overwhelmed from the beginning, or worse, you never start.
Tip:
On any big project, start small. Do one room or area at a time or, better yet, just do one drawer.
Trap:
Too many things need to be done. You feel like you never accomplish anything.
Tip:
Create a list of achievable tasks and check them off. Reward yourself after each one.
Trap:
Organizing feels like work. You can't get motivated, even with the help of a double latté.
Tip:
Pair up a difficult project with something fun. If you have to sort some paperwork, do it while watching your favourite TV program or video. Warning: do not do this with a good movie you've not seen before; you'll forget to look at your paperwork. Fun music works, too.
Trap:
You are too embarrassed to ask for help.
Tip:
Get your whole office, friends, or family involved in a project. Team work creates momentum and helps you get the job done quickly. Only 25% of the population is naturally organized, you are not the only one.
Trap:
Find a reputable book and follow their organizing systems to the letter.
Tip:
Create your own systems. Be dynamic: do a few tasks and monitor yourself. Find what's working now and go from there.
Trap:
Purchase trendy organizing products and expect magical results.
Tip:
Create systems, then find products that will enhance these systems. Example: get an in-box tray or file holder.
Trap:
Get organized or hire a professional organizer because you should.
Tip:
Organize because YOU see the benefits. If you are having trouble buying into the process, don't start. Talk it over; get more information. It's not worth the time or money if you are not willing to commit to the process. Commitment is key to being organized.
Trap:
Keep Everything, you might use it one day
Tip:
Assess your belongings on a regular basis. If you haven't used something for more than six months, consider donating it to a local charity.
Trap:
You put off writing letters and making phone calls because it takes too long to find addresses and phone numbers.
Tip:
Put all your contact information into one address book, Roledex, or computer database that downloads to a PDA. Program your phone for your frequently dialed numbers.
Trap:
Life is boring without some chaos. You keep reacting to the mess instead of controlling it.
Tip:
Take time each day to think about what is important to you, make some goals. Plan your day so you are advancing towards your goals.