by Ariel M

Created on: January 09, 2008   Last Updated: January 18, 2008

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are'. T.Roosevelt

With 1 husband, 5 children and a full time job, these are wise words indeed.

It can be argued that women have the innate ability to multi-task; effectively functioning in the face of adversity, and bake glorious cookies!

Multi-tasking may indeed be an ability that is simply just there' , however being organized requires more than sticking notes on a cork board or drawing beautiful lines in a rather smart diary, although that may help.

The way I see being a fully functional and wonderfully prepared individual is this; I have 2 choices, pay a professional to be organized for me or do it myself; believe me with 5 kids I have played with the idea of handing over the money and asking no questions!

Frankly the number one problem in most mothers' lives is there are not enough hours in the day. As it is unlikely that we are able to move time and space it is probably more realistic to have a plan B.

Right mindset is the primary factor in being, and staying, organized. Old fashioned' psychology is key. I know what it is to be ordered, I know what I am doing and when I am supposed to be doing it'. I know where the socks are kept'.

It is really important to recognize that some personality types are going to find being organized' really difficult indeed. The messy bedroom people know who you are'!
Also being prepared is, to some extent, subjective.
My mother believes a person is only organized if clothing is color co-ordinated in the cupboard and not a thing is out of place. My idea of being organized is somewhat different. If we all do what we should do more or less when we should, that's organized!

The mother of 1 or 2 may also have different expectations to the mother of 5 or 6.
A new mother of premature twins who also has other children may have even more basic expectations. Just getting 1 load of washing on once a day, remembering to buy milk and getting to bed before 1a.m will be organization enough.

So now you have completed your psychology test, reviewed your own personal understanding of the word organized and realized your expectations here are some pointers which may help.

Know what day of the week it is at all times. Have a large calendar which you can not miss and hang it in the hub' of the house, the kitchen is most popular. Keep a pencil permanently stuck next to it, rather like the pens in banks which are tied to the desk.

Have you cell phone charged and keep it in the same place always. Thrashing about

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