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1. Define it. What does being organized mean to you? You can treat getting organized like a big project and break it into steps and work on it until you achieve your goal. Why do you think you are unorganized? Is it a feeling of not being in control as much as you want to be?
Make a list of things that are not organized right now. e.g. Paperwork is piling up, jobs around the house are not accomplished, not spending enough time on marketing, etc.
Do other people make negative comments about your characteristics - you always (fill in the blank)? Would getting organized help in that area? Add these to the list.
Write down exactly how things would be different if you were organized. e.g. "I won't waste any time looking for things because they'll always be where they belong, and I'll know where to find them. All the resources I need will be at my fingertips when I need them. I will always be dressed appropriately and on time for every occasion. My home and belongings will always be in good condition. I will be prepared for any emergency situation."
2. Plan it. Get help with the things you don't know how to organize. There are plenty of books, magazine articles, and websites that will provide you with how-to information. Hire a professional organizer if you want to get it done quickly or if you need help with solutions.
Itemize the physical changes (clutter) and other changes to be made eg. better time management, working on goals or career path.
Find the solution for each problem and decide how and when to start doing it. Decide which areas to tackle first. Hint - choose the one with the biggest payoff to do first; the one that will make you feel really great when it's all in order.
Make it a priority every day to work on the next item on your list. Set a timetable for accomplishing each step.
3. Make it a habit. Everything you want to organize will only be organized as long as it stays that way. Once you let your guard down and forget to practice your new habits, the clutter will take over and your life will soon be back to the level of organization it was before you did this exercise. Here are some tips to help you stay organized:
Get rid of things you don't use so you won't have to organize them ever again.
Make sure that everything you own has a specific place to keep it. That way you will always know where to return it and where to look for it.
Develop routines that incorporate the habits that will maintain your new lifestyle.
Use the tools and technology available to you to your advantage. Invest a few hours to really learn how your software can make things easier for you. Look around and see how you can make things more efficient.
Go back and update your list every few months. Notice what you have accomplished so far and inspire yourself to keep working on the remaining areas (if there are any!)
Remember to follow your plan. Keep putting things where they belong and work on organization a little bit every day.
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