Thursday
Dec182008
Getting Organized: Day 3 of 15 Days of New Years Resolutions
Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 4:10AM
Today's New Years Resolution is one I make every year and never quite attain the results that I hope for every time. It's fair to say that for me, this is one of the most challenging of New Years Resolutions.
I think the key to becoming more organized is to do what works for you, the individual. What works for your best friend might not work for you.
Online Organizing Systems & Resources
For a lot of people, FlyLady is the ultimate solution for getting organized. I always lose steam with the FlyLady because the number of emails become overwhelming but I know many people who have had great success with her. FlyLady alternatives that I recommend as well are The Clutter Diet and The Shebang. If you're home is under control but your home office needs some help, check out The Home Office Organizer. If you're good at getting into a routine and just need some inspiration and a jumpstart, I highly recommend the organization resources at MomAdvice.
Getting a Good Calendar or Organizer
I use Google Calendar for a lot of my online activities and projects. However, for some reason it just doesn't do the job for managing the rest of my life. My family and I use the momAgenda calendar to keep track of our activities and schedules. My husband loves it because sometimes he forgets (or I forget to tell him) about family functions and he can just go peek in the MomAgenda to find out. For some folks an electronic PDA
or Smartphone does the trick. For others, a paper calendar or planner works better. The most important thing is, again, to do what works for you and your situation.
Being Consistent
Ultimately your organization success relies on being consistent. And for me personally, that means making organization a higher priority. It's tough because with my family, my projects, and everything else going on, it doesn't leave much time. However, I see this as a work in progress and I'm not going to give up!
What are your biggest organization hurdles and your organization resolutions for the New Year?
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I think the key to becoming more organized is to do what works for you, the individual. What works for your best friend might not work for you.
Online Organizing Systems & Resources
For a lot of people, FlyLady is the ultimate solution for getting organized. I always lose steam with the FlyLady because the number of emails become overwhelming but I know many people who have had great success with her. FlyLady alternatives that I recommend as well are The Clutter Diet and The Shebang. If you're home is under control but your home office needs some help, check out The Home Office Organizer. If you're good at getting into a routine and just need some inspiration and a jumpstart, I highly recommend the organization resources at MomAdvice.
Getting a Good Calendar or Organizer
I use Google Calendar for a lot of my online activities and projects. However, for some reason it just doesn't do the job for managing the rest of my life. My family and I use the momAgenda calendar to keep track of our activities and schedules. My husband loves it because sometimes he forgets (or I forget to tell him) about family functions and he can just go peek in the MomAgenda to find out. For some folks an electronic PDA
or Smartphone does the trick. For others, a paper calendar or planner works better. The most important thing is, again, to do what works for you and your situation.Being Consistent
Ultimately your organization success relies on being consistent. And for me personally, that means making organization a higher priority. It's tough because with my family, my projects, and everything else going on, it doesn't leave much time. However, I see this as a work in progress and I'm not going to give up!
What are your biggest organization hurdles and your organization resolutions for the New Year?
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Reader Comments (10)
Ok, thought I would chime in again. If you're a "paper" person, try using a simple notebook for "dailies" tasks.
Tasks with a due date? Put them in the calendar.
Projects with due dates? List them and check the list at least once a week. Add tasks to your "dailies" accordingly.
Note: Remember The Milk is great for dated tasks (I use it for that too). Don't forget about Outlook or Google Calendar. Also, Google has a new task list! So, check that out too.
Happy Tasking!
Brandie @ The Home Office Organizers last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheHomeOfficeOrganizer/~3/482702237/" rel="nofollow">Tools + Attitude = What You Need To Work From Home
I am organized in every area of my life except the big housekeeping tasks. My boys do most of the daily housework (laundry, dishes, bathrooms etc). Even when I schedule my chores into my schedule I don't do them. My goal here would be that I would keep up my end of the bargain.
I tried Cozi last year and DH wouldn't look at it. I am now trying Google calendar and Remember the Milk (though I'm thinking of trying the new Google tasks over Christmas break to see which I like better).
I would love to do the clutter diet but the $$ isn't there right now. A few years ago I did the Change Your Life Challenge which is now The Make Today Matter Life System (which is much more costly than the original program was) but it was a great program and I still have the e-book on my computer.
Cindys last blog post..http://mommaven.blogspot.com/2008/12/virtual-cookie-exchange-2008.html" rel="nofollow">Virtual Cookie Exchange 2008
RATZ! I know getting organized MUST be my TOP New Year's resolution, but I REBEL at organization.
I don't know why I fight it so much. I don't MEAN to fight against it. I know I NEED to transform into a more organized being. My life would be so much better. But for some reason, I am by nature, disorganized.
Maybe this year...
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)s last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/5minutesformom/~3/488314524/" rel="nofollow">5 Minutes for Fitness: Deck of cards
I just need more practice on integrating my blog work into my other responsibilities like, my real job, and the housework. I was able to juggle recruiting, kids and house, but when I added the fourth ball it got crazy. I need help with organizing email, getting on a publication schedule, and alloting only a certain amount of time to blog logistics. I'm thinking of keeping a separate blog calendar from recruiting calendar and we already have a family calendar in the kitchen, but i fear three calendars is too much to maintain. this gives me food for thought.
jennas last blog post..http://foodwithkidappeal.blogspot.com/2008/12/fit-for-kid-fish-beds.html" rel="nofollow">Fit for a Kid Fish Beds
I think the biggest challenge for me is that I have SO MUCH going on. I'm constantly in the process of working on more than one thing so therefore have more than one stack of stuff. *sheepish grin*
Plus I'm constantly fighting against that rebellious ten year old child in my head that says, "WHY do I have to make my bed? I'm just going to flop into it again tonight."
Yeah - organization is a huge challenge for me. In every way.
Angela <
Angela Englands last blog post..http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art11880.asp" rel="nofollow">Boosting Your Baby's Brain Power Book Review
I would have to say my biggest hurdle is just taking the time to do it. That's one thing I loved about the FlyLady system. 15 minutes at a time and baby steps. I need to get back into something like that again. Sadly I fizzled out earlier this year. Now it's time to get back on that horse!
It would be so great to finally have everything in order in 2009!
AJs last blog post..http://johnsonsnutfarm.blogspot.com/2008/12/clean-freak-mode.html" rel="nofollow">Clean Freak Mode
Yes, we can always improve in this area! My Palm Central has been such a blessing. I am usually very organized, and like to having things planned out and written out...however, when you have several projects going and a family, sometimes I do end up yelling "Calgon!"
I love my new laptop too, as it has a desktop calendar w/post it notes right on it and I jot my to do on it and see it first thing in morning when I log on. I use my Palm mobile phone for everything else! But 2009, I'm taking this to another level due to additional projects that are coming up- Thanks for your inspiration as always.
www.twitter.com/DuongSheahan
DuongSheahans last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ACupOfTea2/~3/490309262/how-to-start-blog-guide-i-should-have.html" rel="nofollow">How to Start Blogging
I definately need to get more organized. Thanks for the info.
[...] some of those to your own resolutions. They have been an inspiration for my 2009 resolutions with organization being at the top of [...]
Hey Jessica!
I just wanted to let you know that the blog I had mentioned to you before is now up and running. OrganizingYourWay.net was born from my belief that getting organized only sticks if you do it in a way that works for your needs, preferences and lifestyle. Each week we'll look at a different area of our homes and lives and talk about the different ways to get organized in that area and the pros and cons of each. So far we've looked at Christmas decorations and getting control of the toy clutter. Coming up is pantry, coupons, organizing your tax information and blogging.
Thanks!
Mandi
Mandis last blog post..http://www.organizingyourway.net/weekly-hot-spot/getting-control-of-the-toys-toy-sets" rel="nofollow">Getting Control of the Toys: Toy Sets