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Get Organized Wizard Community Forums http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/ Personal organization tips from Get Organized Wizard en Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:14:52 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg Get Organized Wizard Community Forums http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/ How To Get Your Groove Back (THEN You Can Get Organized) http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/blog/1267-how-get-your-groove-back-then-you-can-get-organized.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:07:10 GMT Image: http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/HowToGetYourGrooveBack.jpg Recently on my Facebook Page...

Recently on my Facebook Page I was asked how to get organized when you’re feeling completed exhausted and unmotivated.

I bet a lot of people wonder about that!

So here’s an edited version of my reply.

Step 1: Get Your Groove Back

Forget about organizing for now, and focus instead on re-building your confidence and motivation.
Spend what time and energy you have available on eating well, exercising, and resting.
Expose yourself to positive, uplifting books, CDs, people, movies and music. As far as possible without stressing yourself out further, stay away from anything negative or draining.
Get a check-up from your doc – who knows what underlying aliment, or even mild depression, might lurk below your malaise.

In short, make your main goal to get your groove back.

Step 2: Get Organized

As soon as you feel an upturn in motivation, even a small one, do at least one of these:

Ask a friend, or hire a coach, to help you to clarify your goals. A simple list of 3 things you’d like to achieve is a great start. Then take action on these goals every day.
Find a book or audiobook at the library or bookstore on goal-setting and motivation. I love Brian Tracy’s books myself (Eat That Frog and Goals are faves).
Check out my Get Organized Wizard programs:
-* Life & Goal Organizer is great if you want a self-paced, structured workbook for organizing your life and taking action on your goals
-* Design Your Life will suit you if who want to be led by the hand and be part of a community as you organize your life and take action on your goals.

The key is to focus on feeling better first, and then to take advantage of your motivation as soon as it returns.

Let me know how you go.

Got A Question On Personal Organization, Productivity or Procrastination?

Post your question on the Get Organized Wizard Community Forums
or on my Facebook Page, where I offer tips, answer questions
and share resources and links. Please come and join me there!

[Image by D'Arcy Norman]

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More... ]]> From the Blog RoboBlogger http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/blog/1267-how-get-your-groove-back-then-you-can-get-organized.html Stylist Tricks You Can Use In Your Home http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/home-organizing-tips/1266-stylist-tricks-you-can-use-your-home.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:42:04 GMT The Apartment Therapy (http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/Stylist%20Tricks%20You%20Can%20Use%20In%20Your%20Home) site has a 11 quick style... The Apartment Therapy site has a 11 quick style tricks for sprucing up your home.

Here's the first 3:

Quote:

Clean and declutter: Clear surfaces and repair surface damage. Apply furniture oil to cabinets to bring up their shine, polish shiny metallic surfaces with a microfiber cloth and cull magazines.
Bring in nature: Whether it's a potted plant or a single tulip in a small vase, nature adds life to any space. If your funds are tight, buy a pre-made mixed bouquet or bunch of flowers and break it up, sprinkling a few blooms in each room. A bowl of fruit or vegetables can also do the trick.
Towels: Beautiful towels signal luxury in even the smallest of bathrooms. Hang a folded hand towel or two within easy reach of the sink, hang generous sized body and hair towels on hooks near the bath or shower. White towels are always fresh but you can also use colored towels. Match them to the color of the bathroom, pick up a color in the tiles or use a contrasting color for drama.

Read the full article for all eleven tips:
Stylist Tricks You Can Use In Your Home | Apartment Therapy Los Angeles ]]> Home Organizing Tips Craig http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/home-organizing-tips/1266-stylist-tricks-you-can-use-your-home.html 27 Essential Social Media Resources http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/technology-organizing-tips/1265-27-essential-social-media-resources.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:35:23 GMT Each week Mashable has a good summary roundup of their posts, with links to useful resources.

Here's a link to their latest post:
27 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

Quote:

A new Digg, a new school year, and a new weekly roundup of essential resources. In case you were too busy buying pencils and calculators for yourself or a young ‘un, we’ve pulled together our top posts from the past week or so.Check out our updates on Digg, or our infographic on the state of the Geosocial Universe in Social Media. Tech’s your thing? We’ve got your back to school apps, how to figure out those pesky QR codes, or how to “unsend” e-mails in Gmail. Finally, our business section brings you tips on creating logos, alternatives to Foursquare .

For more useful links check out the Get Organized Wizard Facebook Page - Michele adds great organizing links there each day. ]]> Technology Organizing Tips Craig http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/technology-organizing-tips/1265-27-essential-social-media-resources.html 9 Ways to Never Be Late Again http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/personal-organizing-tips/1264-9-ways-never-late-again.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:27:21 GMT The Dumb Little Man website has a good article with tips on how to never be late again. Here's the 9 main points:

Quote:

1. The first step is acceptance. Admit you have a problem and enlist help.
2. Surround yourself with clocks (not just the one on your cell phone).
3. Bring something to read or occupy you, so if you arrive early, you don’t feel like you’re “wasting time.”
4. Give yourself a handicap. If you’re a bad estimator, double the time you think it will take to get there.
5. If you’ve never been where you’re going, look up directions beforehand (not at the time you’re supposed to be walking out the door).
6. Before you accept invitations for engagements, ask yourself if you really can, or want to, attend. If you’re hesitant, perhaps it’s better to politely decline than rudely arrive late.
7. Don’t try to do too much. Keep a detailed schedule and don’t be distracted by tasks not on it.
8. Fine yourself a dollar (to your piggy bank) for every minute you’re late.
9. Hypnosis. Hey, it can’t hurt, right?

Read the article for full details and further tips:
9 Ways to Never Be Late Again - by Dumb Little Man ]]> Personal Organizing Tips Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/personal-organizing-tips/1264-9-ways-never-late-again.html 6 Exercises For Improving Your Relationship http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/blog/1247-6-exercises-improving-your-relationship.html Sat, 28 Aug 2010 07:09:04 GMT Image: http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ImproveYourRelationship.jpg *Note: This is an edited extract from *e-class...

Note: This is an edited extract from e-class 41 of the Relationships module of the Design Your Life Program.

When we stop and think about what’s most important to us, we often say ‘relationships’. But we rarely, if ever, proactively take inventory of our relationships, or consciously think of ways to improve them.

If your relationship could do with a shot in the arm, here are 6 little exercises that could make a big difference.

1. Get Into Their Shoes To Have ‘That’ Argument

Do you have habitual disagreements or fail to see eye-to-eye on a certain issue? Try this radical exercise.

Get a trusted friend to role-play a typical argument with you – but get the friend to play you, and you play your partner. Explain your perspective fully to your friend, and then release that viewpoint. Genuinely get into your partner’s skin and argue from that perspective.

Be warned – you could gain some eye-opening insights!

2. Re-visit Your Partner’s Qualities

It can be a real wake-up call to remind yourself of the qualities that drew you to your partner in the first place – sometimes they’re the very traits that drive you crazy today!

Take a few moments to list all your partner’s good qualities on a piece of paper. Be honest and don’t hold back.

If you feel moved to, compliment your partner on one of those qualities. Brace yourself for something unexpected.

3. Take The Wheel

If you’ve fallen into the habit of waiting and hoping for your partner to change, try this liberating exercise.

Whenever you catch yourself thinking about how you want him or her to be different, immediately ask yourself what you could do instead. For instance, if you love flowers and wish your partner would give them to you, buy them for yourself.

Taking more responsibility for meeting your own needs can shift the balance in your relationship and spark positive changes in you both.

4. Learn From Past Mistakes

If you find yourself with problems similar to those you’ve experienced in previous relationships, or even friendships, see what you can learn from those other situations.

What did you do that helped? What did you say, or not say, that improved the problem?

Often we repeat the same bad habits in our relationships. So it’s smart to learn from our past mistakes.

5. Take Another Look At Your Problems

What’s going on in your relationship that might hold an opportunity for improving intimacy, communication or understanding? Maybe there’s a problem or issue between you that could become the seed for growth as a couple.

Try to get outside your usual perspective, and proactively look for ways you can use the situation to your mutual advantage. Ask yourself how this could be a good thing for you both.

Sometimes just looking for an opportunity can make one appear.

6. Take Time To Talk

Most people don’t enjoy long, involved relationship discussions. But if there are certain things that feel you want to raise, make a list of them.

Be sensitive about when you bring up difficult issues – choose a time when you’re both relatively relaxed and have time available. And be sensitive about how you raise things – avoid blaming and criticizing and try to focus on what you feel and what you’d like to be different.

Choose An Exercise – And Do It Today

Instead of thinking that maybe something here might be worth trying, just take action! Choose the exercise that best speaks to you right now, and do it.

I’d love to hear how the exercise works for you, so please share.

Organize Your Relationships!

The Relationships life area of Design Your Life helps you take a conscious, proactive approach to improving your friendships and personal relationships.

There are e-classes on:

· Taking inventory of your friendships and relationships
· Finding new friendships and relationships
· Dealing with energy-draining relationships
· Improving your relationship skills.

When you sign up for Design Your Life you can start straight away on the Relationships life area (you’ll have immediate access to all 12 modules, including Health & Fitness, Home Organization, Time Management, Personal Development, Happiness Strategies, Money & Finance, Business & Career and Personal Presentation).

SPECIAL OFFER: Join today for lifetime benefits at a one-off special rate. Learn more.

[Image by linda yvonne]

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More... ]]> From the Blog RoboBlogger http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/blog/1247-6-exercises-improving-your-relationship.html Reflect, relax, reward - Note of congratulations http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1245-reflect-relax-reward-note-congratulations.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:07:40 GMT This week you’ve organized these actions:

1. Checked stamp supplies
2. Taken insurance inventory
3. Perused your passport
4. Made a medical appointment
5. Checked your checkbook
6. Pared down your pen assortment.

Super!

Here’s your Relax-in-5 Reward:

1. Get one of your surviving pens, and write yourself a note of congratulations for creating a lovely, organized life for yourself.
2. Pop it in an envelope, add a stamp, and mail it to yourself.
3. When you receive the note, you’ll feel good all over again! ]]> Organize In 5 Actions Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1245-reflect-relax-reward-note-congratulations.html Pare down your pen assortment http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1244-pare-down-your-pen-assortment.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:06:10 GMT Pare down your pen assortment. 1. Gather all the pens from around your home. 2. Keep only those that work and that you enjoy using. 3. Place... Pare down your pen assortment.

1. Gather all the pens from around your home.
2. Keep only those that work and that you enjoy using.
3. Place them in convenient locations – eg one by the phone, in your desk drawer, in your bag or briefcase.
4. Donate or discard the rest.
And you’re done!

You’ll have a pen when you need it – without the clutter.

Remember: 1. Move fast. 2. Don’t overthink. 3. Feel great about getting organized!
Start the 5-minute timer now.
5 Minute Timer ]]> Organize In 5 Actions Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1244-pare-down-your-pen-assortment.html Check your checkbook http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1243-check-your-checkbook.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:05:10 GMT Check your checkbook. 1. Review your checkbook and check stubs. 2. Update anything that needs attention so your checkbook is up-to-date. And... Check your checkbook.

1. Review your checkbook and check stubs.
2. Update anything that needs attention so your checkbook is up-to-date.

And you’re done!

It’s nice how a balanced checkbook helps you to feel your life is in order.

Remember: 1. Move fast. 2. Don’t overthink. 3. Feel great about getting organized!
Start the 5-minute timer now.
5 Minute Timer ]]> Organize In 5 Actions Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1243-check-your-checkbook.html Make a medical appointment http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1242-make-medical-appointment.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:04:11 GMT Make a medical appointment. 1. Do you have any medical issues that need attention? 2. Schedule an appointment with the relevant medical... Make a medical appointment.

1. Do you have any medical issues that need attention?
2. Schedule an appointment with the relevant medical professional now.
And you’re done!

You’ll feel relieved to get this matter attended to.

Remember: 1. Move fast. 2. Don’t overthink. 3. Feel great about getting organized!
Start the 5-minute timer now.
5 Minute Timer ]]> Organize In 5 Actions Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1242-make-medical-appointment.html Peruse your passport http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1241-peruse-your-passport.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:03:22 GMT Peruse your passport. 1. Check your passport’s expiry date. 2. If necessary, schedule a time in your diary to renew your passport. And you’re... Peruse your passport.

1. Check your passport’s expiry date.
2. If necessary, schedule a time in your diary to renew your passport.
And you’re done!

You’ll be ready next time you decide to go overseas.

Remember: 1. Move fast. 2. Don’t overthink. 3. Feel great about getting organized!
Start the 5-minute timer now.
5 Minute Timer ]]> Organize In 5 Actions Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1241-peruse-your-passport.html Take insurance inventory http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1240-take-insurance-inventory.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 06:04:19 GMT Take insurance inventory. 1. Take out your insurance policies – home, car, life, health, etc. 2. Scan your amounts insured to see if they are... Take insurance inventory.

1. Take out your insurance policies – home, car, life, health, etc.
2. Scan your amounts insured to see if they are still appropriate.
3. If they’re not, schedule a time in your diary to review these with your family, accountant and/or insurance adviser.

And you’re done!

It’s reassuring to know you’re properly protected in the event you have to make a claim.

Remember: 1. Move fast. 2. Don’t overthink. 3. Feel great about getting organized!
Start the 5-minute timer now.
5 Minute Timer ]]> Organize In 5 Actions Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1240-take-insurance-inventory.html Check stamp supplies http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1239-check-stamp-supplies.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 06:03:17 GMT Check stamp supplies. 1. Check that you have adequate supplies of stamps. 2. If you don’t, add them to your errands list. And you’re done! ... Check stamp supplies.

1. Check that you have adequate supplies of stamps.
2. If you don’t, add them to your errands list.

And you’re done!

Now you’re organized for sending cards and mail.

Remember: 1. Move fast. 2. Don’t overthink. 3. Feel great about getting organized!
Start the 5-minute timer now.
5 Minute Timer ]]> Organize In 5 Actions Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/organize-5-actions/1239-check-stamp-supplies.html What Will You Get Rid of Today? http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/blog/1236-what-will-you-get-rid-today.html Tue, 24 Aug 2010 03:41:24 GMT Image: http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/LetItGo.jpg If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of *getting organized*,...

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting organized, remember this:

The less stuff you have, the easier it is to get organized.

Decide to be a person who only has what they

Need or
Love.

Every day, look for at least one thing to discard or donate, and keep a donation basket handy.

As you get rid of things, organizing will become easier.

So, what will you get rid of today?

More Like This…

This post originally appeared on my Facebook Page, where I offer tips,
answer questions and share resources and links.
Please come and join me there!

[Image by Capture Queen ™]

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More... ]]> From the Blog RoboBlogger http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/blog/1236-what-will-you-get-rid-today.html <![CDATA[A Prescription for Happiness & Personal Organization]]> http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/personal-organizing-tips/1228-prescription-happiness-personal-organization.html Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:42:37 GMT 10 Things To Do Every Day: A Prescription for Happiness & Personal Organization

The following is an article from the latest edition of our Get Organized Tips newsletter.

Sometimes life’s little tantrums make it hard to keep your equanimity. You get sick, you face one problem after another, your goals stall, your relationships struggle...

You can start to feel disorganized, frustrated and despondent – unless you have a plan for keeping yourself afloat. I suggest a daily checklist of things that will help you feel as though you’re hanging in there and doing okay.
Keep the checklist simple and achievable. It shouldn’t add to your sense of falling behind.

Here’s my personal checklist of things I aim to do every single day. I’m not perfect at doing everything every day, but simply having the checklist helps me focus when I’m not sure what to do with myself.

Use mine, or create your own.

1. Make your bed
Don’t underestimate the sabotaging power of an unmade bed. It sends a negative message to your subconscious. Make your bed daily and you’ll form a habit of doing it fast (mine takes me about 3 minutes). It will mark the threshold into starting the day well, and provide a welcoming sanctuary when the day is over.

2. Deal with the urgent
Every day, scan your emails, mail, noticeboard, phone messages, etc, for anything that demands prompt attention. Matters like notices for school, renewals and bills due for payment can become time-consuming or expensive problems later. Avoid those problems by dealing with the urgent today.

3. Get some exercise
Take a gym class, go for a walk, lift tins of soup, lunge around your house while on the phone – do anything that gets you moving. And if you have a sedentary life, move as often as you can. Stop making excuses (no one is listening) and just do it.

4. Have something to look forward to
Plan something that makes you happy every single day. I can’t wait to get out of bed every morning because I love sipping coffee and doing the crossword. And I love reading in bed at night. Your daily treats could be playing Angry Birds on your iPhone, taking a bath, making your favourite tea after dinner, listening to tunes – anything you enjoy and look forward to.

5. Eat vegetables
They help you stay slim and healthy, so eat them! Add salad or vegetables to your meals wherever you can.

6. Do something nice for someone else
This is a lovely habit to get into. Can you give someone a genuine compliment? Offer encouragement or compassion? Give a gift or do a favor? The important thing here is to choose things you can do lovingly – not things that feel like an imposition or burden. Find one to do every day.

7. Achieve something productive and/or meaningful
Can you make progress on an important project, take time with a loved one, take action toward a goal? Forget busywork and instead focus on achieving something every day – big or small – that gives you a sense of meaning and/or achievement.

8. Tidy up at night
Spending 10 minutes every night doing a quick tidy will make all the difference to the way you feel as you head to bed, and especially to the way you feel when you start the next day. Keep it simple – even if all you do is wash the dishes, put toys in a toy bin and clothes in a basket, and use a hand-vac to scoop up the day’s crumbs, you’ll feel pretty pleased with yourself.

9. Feel grateful
Psych research has shown that counting your blessings boosts your happiness, so make it a ritual to reflect on the good things in your life every day. Do it as you eat breakfast in the morning or while you brush your teeth at night – but make it a habit. Got all your limbs? Have a nice house, good friends or a talent for ikebana? Lucky you!

10. Make a list for tomorrow
Before you head to bed, make a quick list of things to do and remember tomorrow. This will get them out of your head so you sleep better, help you feel organized, and give you a map for the next day.

Ready to start using your daily checklist? Write or print yours out and put it somewhere you’ll see it when you wake tomorrow. :-) ]]> Personal Organizing Tips Michele http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/personal-organizing-tips/1228-prescription-happiness-personal-organization.html Reality Check: Are You Getting Organized or Just Getting STUFF? http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/blog/1220-reality-check-you-getting-organized-just-getting-stuff.html Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:12:56 GMT Image: http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/GettingOrganizedorGettingMoreStuff.jpg Sometimes in the quest to *get...

Sometimes in the quest to get organized you can become distracted by the accoutrements. You can find yourself buying all manner of containers, books, systems and paraphernalia, none of which bring you any closer to living a simpler, more productive or more organized life.

These products can be a waste of money – but that’s not all.

Because they’re related to organizing, they can leave you feeling virtuous and stop you taking action that would genuinely improve your life.

So here’s a little reality check to test whether the stuff you’re buying is helping you simplify and organize your life – or whether it’s just stuff.

Storage Containers

Do they store things you don’t need or love?
Are they unattractive?
Do they require work – needing to be dusted or wiped down regularly?
Do they provide a home for clutter?

If Yes: Get rid of them!

Solution

If you must use them, only keep a few storage containers, that match your decor, and contain things you need.
Get rid of the stuff you don’t need.

Time-Management Systems

Are you constantly looking for a new planner system that will finally ‘make’ you organized?
Do you invest considerable time and money buying and learning time-management systems and applications?
Do your time-management systems create clutter in your home or office?
Are your time-management systems unnecessarily complicated?

If Yes: Get rid of them!

Solution

Take the effort you put into your time-management systems and instead put it into working out your priorities.
Read or listen to a classic time-management book that focuses on the basics – not a complicated system with lots of rules and nomenclature (I recommend Brain Tracy’s Eat That Frog).
Commit to buying no more time-management systems until you’ve mastered the art of working with a simple, prioritized to-do list.

Organizing Books and Magazines

Do they contain discussions on organizing, but little in the way of step-by-step instructions on exactly what to do?
Do they expect you to commit more time each day or week than a busy person can reasonably afford – eg they ask you to file daily, conduct a weekly review of stationery supplies, etc?
Do they fail to translate into action that makes your life simpler, less cluttered and better organized?
Do they pile up and create clutter?

If Yes: Get rid of them!

Solution

Cancel your subscription to organizing and simplifying magazines and newsletters that don’t translate into a simpler or more organized life.
Only invest in organizing books or programs that provide specific, step-by-step instructions that you can put into action.
Only invest in organizing books or programs that require a reasonable commitment of time.

Get Organized Wizard Resources

Need Help Getting Rid of Stuff?*

Try 52 Missions Home Organizer.
It guides you, step-by-step, to declutter and organize
your home, time and life in just 30 minutes a week.

Need Help Taking Action on Your Priorities?

Check out Life & Goal Organizer (for DIY self-starters) or

Design Your Life (for people who like a guided, structured program).
They both focus on identifying priorities and taking action.

[Image by Rev Dan Catt]

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More... ]]> From the Blog RoboBlogger http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/community/blog/1220-reality-check-you-getting-organized-just-getting-stuff.html