Quick! Where are your keys? How about your passport or that thingamajig you only use once a year?
Can you easily put your hands on whatever it is you are looking for in your home? If not, perhaps it's time to get organized by developing a system.
Did you know that a lack of organization is a source of stress for many people? When you have a system in place, the system takes care of a lot of the problems that you might encounter because you can't find something, especially when that something is urgently needed.
Being organized also helps you keep track of all those doctor's appointments, lab tests and other things your chronic illness "encourages" you to do.
I recently realized that although I am organized in terms of the physical contents of my home, I could do a better job in organizing my computer files. Hmm, it seems technology is advancing at a faster pace than I am. Anyway, now that I know that this area needs tidying up, I am making time to rectify this situation.
If you don't know where to start, here's a link to a system that Dorlee M. provided on Just Ten Minutes.
What are some of the systems or techniques you use to keep organized?
great point! I spent a good amount of my time during my foot surgery recovery doint just what you suggested and it is wonderful! Highly recommend!
Hi Nan,
It feels good to get that stuff taken care of, doesn’t it? I’m glad you used your time profitably.
Yes organization can be a stress reliever but if you live with someone that is not so inclined it is still stressful. (wink)
Have always been organized. Must have got that from my Dad. His workshop was very well organized with screws and nails sorted into jars and tins. Specific types of tools sorted into drawers. Bits and pieces also sorted.
For the computer I have everything sorted into folders (and sub folders as needed). Even my email is sorted into folders on arrival with rules.
Being in a business where quick customer service is required, all my paperwork is filed for quick access while on the phone with them. Some times that requires some duplication (like invoices – one for accounting purposes and one in their file for quick access) but it is worth it to be able to provide good customer service.
I hear you! 😉
I, too, have biz stuff sorted into folders and sub-folders, much as they would be in a filing cabinet; I do know where I’ve stored each item. The system I want to create for those computer files is more like a coding system when I name the files I save; something a bit more sophisticated – like me! LOL! Do you use a coding system?
First off, I create a folder on the c: drive (or partion the drive) called Stuff for all my stuff… Any time I create or receive something I want to keep it goes in Stuff instead of having things scattered all over the computer. This makes it easier to backup your Stuff. i.e. the backup program can be set to backup from one spot.
On a Windows computer folders are organized alphabetically. To group main folders I add a number to the beginning of the folder name. e.g. 1Website name This way all my folders for my websites are grouped together I have done this with my email folders too because when you reinstall or move email messages to a new computer they get all mixed up instead of being sorted as you had it on the original machine.
2Customers has customer stuff. 3Web Building has the website building notes and articles I saved for things for future reference.
Your numbering system is something like what I want to do. I need to give it a bit more thought. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I’ve spent a lifetime in “procrastinate and panic” mode. Previously this worked for me by making me develop an intense level of concentration for the task at hand, which in turn helped me perform music in any kind of distracting situation. However, due to my recent RA diagnosis, I am trying to take the slow and steady route for maintaining everything … from practicing my instrument, to exercise, to housework, to paperwork. The 10 minute per goal is a great idea and I will try to apply this for the next few weeks. It is not an organizational system – but I have been applying meditation techniques to help calm my mind. Just taking a few minutes to breath and clear out negative thoughts can help tremendously. I have used “Full Catastrophe Living” by Jon Kabat-Zinn to help develop this technique.
There is some validity to your “P. & P.” mode, however, as you’ve discovered, it is not sustainable, as circumstances change and exhaustion sets in, resilience decreases. I’m glad to hear that you are being proactive in the management of your disease/life. Small steps lead to big gains. Thanks for sharing. Will you let me know how you like the 10 minute task accomplishment trick, please?