How's That New Year's "Get Organized" Resolution Going?

New Years Day has come and gone and Spring is on the way according to Punxsutawney Phil. So how is that New Year's resolution to "Get Organized" going?  If you have found yourself struggling to meet some of your goals, then February is the perfect time to re-evaluate and get ready for a spring clean-up.  

(Photo credit:  CNN)

Often times, a well-intentioned resolution becomes too big and overwhelming--which is why "only 8% of people achieve their New Year's goals" (University of Scranton research as reported by forbes.com).  

This may sound familiar to anyone who has learned about goal setting -- Here it is from an organizational slant.  

1.  Set a Small Attainable Goal

Instead of, "I'm going to clean and organize my whole house!"  You might choose, "I'm going to clean and organize the pantry."  

It's difficult not to get overwhelmed by large projects.  If you are able to break a large job down into smaller, more manageable parts, you will be able to tackle those small projects more easily.  

For example, try setting aside a half hour to take on just one pantry shelf.  Take everything off that shelf, throw out expired items, donate items that you won't use, group like times together, then place them back on the shelf and call it done.  Mark another half hour block on your calendar and repeat!


2.  Make Your Goal Specific

If you've promised yourself, "I'm going to stay on top of all the incoming paperwork in the house," -- what does that actually look like?  To some, it may mean stacking the paperwork all in one spot (like the recycle bin).  And to others, it may mean putting the paperwork away in a desk drawer to deal with later.  Either way, important correspondence like bills and notices are not dealt with in a timely manner.  

A more specific and measurable goal would be, "I will sort the mail everyday, recycle unwanted papers and file the rest immediately.  With this goal, paperwork is dealt with in less than 5 minutes, bills are paid on time, and your counter stays clean!


3.  Hold Yourself Accountable

This is my personal favorite because it is where you can take a somewhat tedious organizational task and turn it into a fun social event.  It is the equivalent of taking a run with a friend.  Getting up and out the door is easier when you know you are meeting someone--and often the run goes by more quickly with the company.

So, find yourself an "Organizational Buddy."  Ideally, this person is non-judgmental (we all have our messes, even the professional organizers).  You and your buddy can either check in on each other's individual projects or help each other to work and complete both projects.  

Having the moral support of an "Organizational Buddy" may be just enough to get the ball rolling on those tasks you keep putting off.   Partnering up can also be very energizing, inspiring both of you to tackle more projects in the future.  But, most importantly, you can keep each other honest and accountable.  And there are no rules against celebrating together too!

Happy New Year, Happy Groundhog Day, and (to keep you accountable) I hope you look forward to a happy and organized Spring!