I am currently in the start phase of going through, week by week, Regina Leeds’ One year to an organized life. I got the book last year, but with all the things that happened then, and the fact that this book start in January, it is easier to give it a go now.
I am not one of those people who can have a spotless house without a lot of work behind it. Most of the time, it isn’t even a priority.
One of my resolutions for 2012 was to keep my flat tidy, and I hope that getting better at organizing will aid in that.
The first week is all about time management. How do I manage my time? How much time do I have to do things, and how can I be more effective?
I generally think that this time of year is the worst when it comes to time management for me. I leave work at the same time as I do in the summer, but because it gets dark so early – I am more inclined to stay in once I get home rather than go out.
It is also easier to sink down on the coach and watch TV or read than to do anything active, like housework, now than it is when it is lighter outside.
It’s why I have started going to the gym after work, and have the work-out clothes with me to work.
I’ve found that lists help, but also setting aside a specific amount of time to do the chores on the list. If I set the alarm on my phone for 30 minutes, I can get quite a bit done.
I’m very effective once I start, but I have trouble starting. Anyone else?
These books might be worth trying:
* Getting things done by David Allen
* The 80/20 principle
But I recognize your dillema. I have so many things that I want to do, better organizing of my time should get me actually get them done! And TV, the computer or a book are sometimes way to tempting….
I actually have David Allen’s book on my Kindle (yes, I succumbed). But it is always a thing about finding the time to actually read it.
I am so delighted you are using my book to get organized! I hope you will give it more than a week before you jump ship and try another book. Following an author’s advice is a little like dating ~ you have to have a few months with the person before you know if he or she is right for you!
Everyone wants to get organized but the reality is it represents a big shift both inside your head and outside in your environment. Change – even when we elect to make it – is always confronting to the ego (that’s the part of us that begs us to keep the status quo and is terrified of change.) I suggest people start with the establishing of good habits. It takes 21 consecutive days of repeating an action before it becomes a habit. After that the new has become a part of our new same old/same old and no longer feels strange.
I hope you took the time to read the Introduction before you started. It will help you understand the philosophy behind the work in the book. And I hope you’ll stick with the program because after 23 years of working one on one with clients and having written 9 books on the subject ~ I know for sure you can do this! I’m always available for questions.
blessings & best of luck!
Regina