Image by foreverfrida via Flickr
Most of the time, the process of getting organized means you have to change a few of your habits. In fact, your ability to change your habits plays a significant role in you staying organized. So here are a few tips on how to adopt your new habits with success:
1. Only try to establish one new habit at a time. You are more likely to stick to it and not feel overwhelmed. If this sounds too easy, try to adopt two new habits, but no more. See if you can adopt the habit within a month. Once you have mastered it without thinking, you are ready for your next new habit.
Example: Put your car keys in the same place every time you return home. If this is easy, also try putting your coat and briefcase into their assigned areas.
2. Make a laminated list of baby steps on how to perform your new habit.
Example: Processing your mail every night.
Step 1: Bring in the mail from the mail box and put it in basket near door.
Step 2: Right after dinner, go through mail in basket.
Step 3: Toss all the junk mail into recycling.
Step 4: Open bills and put in your “Action” file to pay at end of week.
Step 5: For fliers regarding future events, decide which events you want to do and circle the important information. Put them in the “Action” file to add to your calendar or to buy tickets.
Step 6: Collect all catalogs and newsletters to put in your reading pile.
3. Make doing your new habit fun (or at least have a fun reward for getting it done).
Example: Put on your favorite energetic music and file for ten minutes at the end of the day. When the timer stops, it is time to close the door and leave the office work behind for another day.
What are some ways you learned a new productive habit?
This post was written by
Gabriela “Gabby” Burgman, President of Claiming Space, provides nonjudgmental organizing assistance to busy professionals who want to bring order, productivity, and inspiration to their home office or work room.
