Crystal J. Rodriguez, Esq.
Let me start by saying, I am no expert in this area. I struggle everyday with organizing my life. In every area, I am constantly trying to find what works and what doesn’t. Let me also say that some amount of disorder at different times is expected. The important thing is not to let it get too far gone and to keep re-organizing as needed.
Disorder is the enemy to peace of mind. Disorder is also the enemy of productivity. For me, it is so difficult to think and create in a disorganized space and damn near impossible to do so with a disorganized mind. I am building my business so that I can work when I want to and enjoy life on my terms. The success of that depends on my productivity. I can’t do that without organization.
Some people are disorganized and don’t even know it. Are you disorganized? Do you even know? Answer these questions:
- How often are you late to appointments?
- Do you run out of things unexpectedly?
- Do you constantly feel like you’re not getting to-do lists completed?
- Is it hard for you find things you need for meetings?
If you answered yes to these, you might be disorganized.
The best thing for disorganization is to confront it head-on and tackle it step-by-step.
- First, start with the obvious clutter…the stuff you see. The things you see can easily affect your mind. So, it makes sense to clean up the clutter you’re able to see. If your desk has piles of shit on it, chances are you don’t want to sit at it and work, which in turn, causes you to procrastinate. Get that shit together!!
- Next, pick one thing- one area to start with and focus only on that. Don’t let other clutter distract you for now. You’ll get to it eventually but only after you feel the tremendous amount of accomplishment from finishing that one area first.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes, the clutter gets so bad that you have no choice. Don’t let asking for help deter you from getting your shit together. Ask for help! Hire help! Do whatever it is you have to do to get things in order so you can focus on being the bad ass you are!
- Stop putting off the clean-up. Once you get one area in order, reward yourself and then select the next area. A small break is permitted but not days or weeks or months at a time. Knock it out and keep going. Before you know it, if you keep moving, you’ll be all organized. Look at you!!!
- Don’t be afraid to throw things out. If you haven’t needed it, you probably don’t need it. My mother used to drive me crazy. It was 2001 and we had to clean out the garage because the house was being sold. I went into a box with papers from 1974 (I was born in 1976) and I said we should throw these out. She frantically rushed over and said, “Oh no! What if I need them?” I asked when was the last time she needed them and she couldn’t remember. If you haven’t needed it. Chances are you won’t and if you had forgotten they were there, you definitely can throw them out!
The important thing is to be patient with yourself and set goals. Your disorganization didn’t happen overnight and you won’t solve it that quickly either. Take it step by step and before you know it, you’ll see and feel the results from getting more organized. You’ll be able to better focus on what you need to produce and better focus often means a better product. So get going girl. Get yourself together and commit to getting organized so you can achieve the peace of mind you need to get your work done and perform at the level you were meant to perform. I can’t wait to see what happens for you!
Besos!