Being organized does not come natural to everyone. And, some people may be really organized, but they have to work hard at it. And, then, if you are a parent, it seems like you can have the best intentions in the world, but your kiddos do not feel organizing is necessary. And, that brings on a whole new element.
I definitely experience the parenting problem when wanting to be organized. If it was just me, I could naturally keep everything organized. But, when you have kiddos that love to play in 3 different areas at once, it can be challenging.
So, whether you are an organized person or not, you CAN get organized. I wanted to share a few tips that I use to help me with the process.
*Even with kids, I find these to be beneficial!
Tip #1: Start Slowly
When I walk into a room and see a complete mess, I stop, breathe, and try to pick up 5 things to put away. Then, I come back, re-evaluate the area, and put away another 5 things.
After doing this several times, I walk back in the room and realize it is clean. Plus, I am not stressed!
Right now, while moving, this is very helpful. My brain immediately starts screaming when I see everything that needs to be done. Then, I stop, and focus on one thing. So far, it is helping!
Tip #2: Set Goals
I am a huge goal setter. Almost every day, I make a to-do list that I refer to as, “my daily goals.”
Setting goals gives me direction and keeps me focused on what needs to be done. If I have a list in front of me, I KNOW what needs to be done.
Also, setting goals and accomplishing them makes me feel good. I love to mark off a to do list item. It is an immediate pat-on-the-back feeling for me!
So, set goals to help you get organized. It helps!
Tip #3: Break up Projects into Smaller More Manageable Ones
If you walk into your kitchen and see nothing but a huge unmanageable mess. You might need to rethink the way you are looking at the kitchen’s current state.
Break the kitchen tasks up into smaller ones: sink, floor, counter, drawer, refrigerator, etc.
I don’t know about you, but when I walk into a room and see nothing but mess, my brain can’t function. It is almost like I am taking a test that is impossible to pass. So, I have to stop, think, and break up the mess into parts.
If I am in the bedroom, my goal may be to get all of the laundry off of the floor. Then, once that is done, I will move on to something else.
Trying to tackle everything at once makes me feel like a failure before I even begin.
Tip #4: Get the Right Mindset
I don’t know about y’all, but if I don’t have the right mindset, it is hard for me to do anything. I will be in the middle of doing something and stop because my mind is just not on it.
I do this a lot at night when I settle down and attempt to read. My mind is still racing from the day and I can’t get it to stop long enough to focus on reading a chapter.
The same goes for organizing. I have to be in the mindset to “Tackle this Monster!” I have to be motivated and ready to go or else, it ends up a total mess.
Some days, I have the, “let’s get rid of some stuff” mindset and I will go through tons of stuff and give away to Goodwill easily. And, other days, my emotional side kicks in and I have to come back to it.
So, if you find yourself forcing an organizing project, walk away and come back to it. You need the right mindset to be successful at it! Or, at least, I do.
Tip #5: It is All About Repetition
Once you start being more organized, it will get easier. I always tell my students, “Repetition is how we learn!” And, the same thing applies here. The more things you get organized, the better you will feel, and the more you will want to do it.
