Originally posted at: Getting Organized
All disorganization is caused by one simple phrase: “I’ll get to that later.” Items arrive such as papers etc. and are not dealt with immediately. You know the old saying “a place for everything and everything in its place.” This is the ultimate truth about being organized.
The hardest part about getting organized is getting started. What you need is a filtering system that allows you to put things where they belong.
Start simple. Grab some small boxes, folders, envelopes, and a magic marker, pen or pencil. You’d better grab a garbage bag or two while you’re at it. It’s great if you have fancy filing cabinets and other organizing materials, but they aren’t a necessity to get the ball rolling.
Now pick up the first item on your pile. You have two choices: 1.) put it in a box, folder, or envelope or 2.) toss it in the garbage bag. The size and importance of the item will determine which receptacle it goes in. If it wasn’t a piece of garbage, write what it was on the box, folder, or envelope. For example, if it was a receipt, write “receipts” on the container. Repeat this process until your pile has disappeared.
That’s all there is to it. Keep in mind that this is just a temporary solution. You’ll need to establish more permanent places for your items, but at least you have them ready to go.
Being physically organized is one thing. It is also important to be electronically organized. This is easily accomplished by creating specific folders on your hard drive or within your book marks. Keep like files and book marks together in folders with names that you’ll remember. You can even use sub-folders to keep things really tidy.
With these simple tips you are well on your way to becoming, and staying, organized.
Darla Mittler
President & CEO, Darla Mittler Document Magic
Darla Mittler Document Magic
Darla Mittler is President & CEO of Darla Mittler Document Magic. With a personal library of well over 1,000 physical books, over half a decade as a Mass Media Buyer for a major bookstore chain, and insights into e-publishing, Darla is ready to help authors bring their works to market.
Hi, I’m first time here. Thanks for the re-post of the article!
Darla actually has much truth in her article, its definitely needed to be organized. We at Codex Software appreciate the ability to stay organized as well as the ability to produce fine programme code.