It’s easier to keep up than to catch up (Day 2 of 31DoO)

Over the past couple weeks in social media land, I asked for specifics about where you are struggling with organization, time management, and/or prioritization so I could speak directly to your issues during our 31 Days of Organizing together.

One reader wrote, “I struggle with prioritization when it comes to organization. Where do I start?”

This is a great question.

The simple answer is: just begin. Doesn’t matter where. Just start.

That’s true for anything, isn’t it?

Let’s get more specific though and answer the question this reader isn’t consciously asking.

On my Make Some Room Manifesto, I note that it’s easier to keep up than to catch up. Keep that in mind as I get into specifics below.

When someone in front of me confesses to feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to even start, I automatically ask them, “What are you struggling with most?”

See, for most people, the clutter, the piles, and the overwhelm are symptoms of something subtle but very powerful.

Often, the cause of these symptoms is really that you’re giving your power away. You say “yes” to too many things. You let yourself off the hook when it comes to adopting and abandoning tools.

There are generally three ways to figure out where you’re giving your power away:

1. Where are you losing the most time? For example, are you constantly searching for papers, electronic files, emails, or something else?
2. Where are you losing the most energy? Is there one area of your life or business that makes you feel exhausted?
3. Where are you losing the most money? If you’re literally forgetting to invoice clients or deposit checks because you misplaced them OR if you aren’t following up on leads – you are losing money.

If you’re struggling with all three, pick the one you’re affected by most (for some people, it might energy; for others, money). Begin there. Get it to a manageable and workable point, and keep it up with it (remember that keeping up is easier than catching up, yes?). Once you’re keeping up with that area, move on to the next problem area. Get it to a manageable and workable point, and keep it up with it. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Easy as pie, yes?

If using this method still doesn’t help, it might be time to call in an expert. I can help. I have the gift of being able to see very quickly where people are stuck. I can help you move into action so you can:

• Create more time
• Discover more energy
• Make more money

Make Some Room,

Angie

P.S. If this 31 Days of Organizing isn’t your thing, I sincerely invite you to unsubscribe. It’s easy – see the unsubscribe button below? My feelings absolutely won’t be hurt. And your inbox will be immediately less cluttered.

P.P.S. If, however, you know it’s time to do something about your disorganization, procrastination, or overwhelm, I can help. Let’s schedule a Clarity Session and get you into action.