In the previous two posts we discussed how organization allows you to be more productive and what the top three hurdles are to becoming organized. Now it's time to tackle the why and how of taking the time to become organized. We all know we are busy. Sometimes it seems overwhelming. There are days that too many small things take up the space that bigger things should be taking up. You need to have a plan for your day to control those smaller things. Then bigger things, like joy, can come in!
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Why Should I be Organized?
We have touched on this topic a bit before, but just in case you missed it, let's recap.
Having a plan for you day will free up the time that you currently spend figuring out how you are going to get everything done.
Think about it. If you don't have a plan, you have to think about these things every.single.day:
- What time do I need to get up?
- Are the kids getting up at that time or a different time?
- Does anyone need to shower or can we just eat and get dressed?
- Is today the day we were going to Mass? Maybe we can make it if we try hard.
- Hmmm, what should we try to get done for school today?
- Is that dental appointment in the morning or the afternoon?
- Oh my, it's 3:00 already! There's so many emails and phone calls I have to return. Too bad I can't find my planner!
- Shoot, it's almost dinner time and I'm not sure what to make. I don't feel like making much, so maybe I'll just throw something frozen in the oven again.
- Bedtime already! Do we have time to pray our rosary?
- Where are those pajamas????
- I'm exhausted.
And this is just the routine stuff! There's always something out of the ordinary that pops up that needs you to think about it. If you're always thinking about this repetitive stuff, you'll have less ability and motivation to think about the important things.
Pretty soon, you'll just be wiped out. Things will then start to always look bleak. You won't have room for joy to seep into your day because you'll never feel like you're on top of things. This is not the way it should be.
How to Plan Your Day
There are many theories out there about the best way to plan your day. The method might vary a bit depending on your temperament, but basically you just need to have the routine aspects of your day set up in their own little systems.
I like to think about five main areas that easily lend themselves to being planned out:
- Prayer
- Meals
- Chores
- School
- Husband/Family/Personal time
I've spent a lot of time practicing and then writing about this subject and have come up with a workbook that walks you through each of these five areas.
You pray about them then plan them out in a way that makes sense for your family and your own season of life.
The best plan is the one that works for YOUR family. Not your friend's plan or your neighbor's. Your plan has to be flexible and it has to take into consideration the dynamics of your family. That's why the right way to plan your day is the one that works for you. If it doesn't work, tweak it until it does.
You will never regret taking the time to get organized. It will save you time in the long run and make your days run more smoothly. Trust me on this one!
But, I Can't be Organized...
Or fill in the blank with another excuse. Yes, you can be organized. Maybe it won't look like someone else's way, but it will be something that helps you.
It's not even that hard to do! Just start with one area. Get that organized, work with it for awhile, tweak where necessary then move on to another area. Never try to take on more than one area at a time!
Now, it's even easier to do because I've brought back the download version of my book! You purchase it, download it immediately and get to work! I'm always available for questions, too, so don't hesitate to reach out.
I hope you'll change your mindset and get motivated to get organized! It really will improve your life!