Organization: Priorities Matter

I feel like I bit more off more than I could chew with this organization topic! I have spent lots of time muling this over lately and it's so hard to know where to start. It's not like there is a beginning when it comes to organization! Everyone has their own beginning. Only you know where you are. 

You want to get organized {or more organized} in 2012, right? Most people do - including myself. However, past inklings to get life in order might have begun and ended in subscribing to Martha Stewart Living, and Good Housekeeping magazines, or signing up for some of those {annoying} daily emails that clog the ol' inbox. 

Somewhere in there, something breaks down. 

What happens between the desire to get organized and that step of action of making some progress? Let's not get into too much psychology here, but I think it's important to start at the root of the problem. Bear with me. 

Common mental roadblocks we face with organization:

Things are happening so fast that there is no time to slow down and organize! We have the idea that there is a perfect solution or step-by-step technique that will work every time. We are still looking for it.  We organize a space {i.e. hall closet} and within days it is back to it's former "glory." We have no idea where to start!

The above list is just a sampling of roadblocks. We each have to figure out what our unique holdups are before we can ever overcome them and attain the level of order in our lives that we desire.  

Maybe you have a laid back personality and organization isn't something you feel is a big deal. 

Maybe you have seen organization and housework taken to an extreme level in your home growing up and it's a turnoff to you now. 

Both extremes can - and do! - present problems.

I think before we can move on to addressing our organization issues, we need to ask ourselves this question: what are my priorities? Then we need to write them down.  If you don't know what is important to you and your family, then your actions will be hit and miss.  

Here are some of my priorities to help get you started on your own:

I want to....

1) have a home that is pleasant to live in and that company feels relaxed and comfortable in.

2) be able to find things quickly!

3) be on the same page as my husband, so we both know what's going on that day/week.

4) have a system for following up with people promptly {Facebook, texts, emails, phone calls, etc}!

I hope this list helps get you started!

Organization Mantra: It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan. - Eleanor Roosevelt But all things should be done decently and in order. - I Corinthians 14:40 {ESV}

Resources I have found helpful:

Better Homes and Gardens: Organization

Get Set Organize: How to get motivated in 9 easy steps

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