This year I’m going to get organized!
by Barbara J. Bergeron Professional Organizing Consultant
SOS
Organizational Services
Getting organized is one of the leading New Years resolutions and for
good reason. To survive in todays fast-paced world we must know what we
have and how to find it quickly. Unfortunately, our good intentions can
be quickly overwhelmed when we ask ourselves Where do I begin?
This January help celebrate National Get Organized Month with the
National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) by turning your
resolutions into reality!
A good plan makes the difference between getting it done and good
intentions. Studies show that 5 minutes of planning will save you one
hour of implementation time. A simple way to begin is by using SMART
goals. S.M.A.R.T. goals are:
Specific Target specific projects that you can accomplish rather
than a vague resolution. Instead of setting getting organized as your
goal, commit to something concrete like building a filing system for all
of your household paper.
Measurable Set goals that can be measured. You can easily
tell if all of the paper lying about your house is in a filing system
you trust.
Attainable Narrow your focus on projects that can be
successfully achieved. Organization has a tendency to take on a life of
its own and success breeds success. Perhaps your first goal should be
organizing the paper on your desktop or the kitchen counter.
Realistic Identify what can truly be accomplished within a
reasonable time frame. Always hold yourself accountable to
accomplishing just the next step. You might choose to outline what your
new home filing system will look like as a first step. What 4 8
categories are needed? Will they be color-coded? What type of files do
you prefer?
Timely Set a deadline for yourself. When we commit to
specific times we multiply our ability to achieve results. Can you
successfully have your file system outlined by tomorrow or do you really
need two weeks? Plan out realistic timeframes to complete tasks,
because completed tasks become completed projects.
A
resolution sounds like I will lose weight. A
SMART goal is I will lose 5 pounds by March 15 by exercising three
times a week and not eating between meals. Write it down and review
your progress often. This year you really can get organized.
Barbara J. Bergeron is an organizing consultant, trainer and
productivity coach. She is president of SOS Organizational Services in
Chester Springs, PA specializing in personal productivity training to
businesses and individuals. Featured in newspapers across the country,
she is frequently quoted as an expert on simplifying “how people get
things done.”
Barbara has appeared on both television and radio. Her client list
includes Fortune 500 companies as well as home-based businesses. Her
on-site organizing and productivity-training seminars provide business
teams and individuals the tools necessary to master the organizational
demands of today’s fast paced world.
She is a board of director and Golden Circle member of the National
Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO); past president and 5-year
board member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of NAPO; and member of
the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization.
