by Julie Sprouse-Verleger

Created on: November 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 23, 2008

Do you make New Year resolutions? They seem to be this ominous task of gathering all of our faults and writing them down on paper. To me, that really is reminiscent of the glass half empty theory. I prefer to choose only a few doable goals and really try to knock my socks off to achieve them. I like to pick goals I'm already trying to achieve. Are one of the things on your list to be more organized? That is one goal that I hold close to my heart. It is a goal that yes, even you can do.

Why should we be so organized? Does it really help us keep a handle on our daily lives with work and home life? I am a professional organizer and I still watch all those shows on TV like Clean Sweep and mission organization but like you (well I hope like you) I never fail to be astounded by some of the homes that are so full of papers, clothing, toys, garbage etc. It makes me wonder how on earth is got so out of hand. I know the stresses of life happen and everything else falls by the wayside but come on! Really?

So your watching the show with the people who have a collection of 2000 Hummel's and enough puppets to start a museum and think "Yes, they are full of clutter and do need help." You also feel that you need help with a few things in your life, work and home but defiantly not to that extent, even if you have a Hummel, (hopefully its only one and was a wedding gift of some sort.) The puppets.well, you know, they are just creepy and I won't get into that now. But, needless to say you feel you could use some good advice but are not the hoarder you just saw on TV.

There are 2 good reasons why we need to be organized. One is because we are American and for some reason feel life needs to be lived large and in the fast lane. Two is how much time do you waste looking for things daily? Are you constantly stepping on toys when you walk through your home? Are bills late because they were misplaced? These things do not need to happen. Being organized is not a freak of nature. It just makes sense!

Okay, lets say there is a lovely bookcase in you living room. When you walk by it what is the first thing that comes to your mind? "Holy Cow! Is that thing dusty" or maybe nothing does. The point is the items that are on your bookcase should only be the things you love and remember who and where you got them. I know it sounds harsh, but if the chatchke is there just to be there and collecting dust, then get rid of it.

There are people believe it or not, whether they have a 1200 or 5000 square foot home, it is filled to the top withwell, crap. They have no idea what they have and when it is unearthed don't remember who or where it came from.

If you are saying right now "Wow, what a snap to reality! I'm totally like that." There are specialized professionals that can help you. But, if you are saying "I can't seem to conquer the paper trail from my door to the kitchen table" or " my kitchen is chaos" or "I haven't seen the top of my desk in a month". All these situations are typical of many busy individuals and families. That is why we need to be organized so we can keep, ourselves, our lives, our work and our family running smoothly. We can enjoy the times that count without all the clutter in our brains and surroundings. Enjoy the shows that expose you to the worst of the worst, but use them to give you a kick in the behind and better manage your life. Believe me speaking from experience it will make all the difference.

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