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The Organizing Corner
Jody Adams, CPOŽ        724.850.7282       jody@in-its-place.biz
 

JANUARY 2010

In This Issue. . .
:: Here A Tool, There A Tool. . .
:: What Can I Do About. . . ?
:: Do You Know These People In Your Neighborhood?
Greetings!
 
Happy National GO (Get Organized) Month  from The Organizing Corner! 
 
We hope that the information and resources below will make it easier for you to keep your New Year's Resolution to get organized.  And if you need a resource you don't see, call me at 724.850.7282 or email me.
  
Enjoy!
Jody Adams, Certified Professional OrganizerŽ
Owner of In Its Place
 
Here A Tool, There A Tool. . .
How having - and using - the right tools can save the day. . . and your business.
 
Getting frustrated while putting together a shelving unit, I realized that I was using the wrong size screwdriver and promptly retrieved one that was more suitable for the job.  I commented to my client about how much easier projects are when you have the right tools.  She replied, "How true.  Sounds like a metaphor for life, too." 
 
She was right - it is a metaphor for life, especially business life.  But it goes beyond having access to the right tools -- it's knowing how to use them efficiently that makes the difference between success and failure.  I'll give you a timely example:
 
I recently heard an ad on the radio by a store promoting a sale on storage containers.  It went something like this: "Get containers for the things you like, containers for the things you don't know what to do with, and containers for the things you don't want.  Pretty soon your whole house will be organized."    
 
Yes, those containers were, technically, tools.  And yes, your space may appear to be organized because everything you have is now in containers sorted by category.  But the tools were used inefficiently and therefore did not contribute to the goal of actually being organized.
 
The ad illustrates the thinking that people, business owners included, sometimes use when trying to get organized.  This approach can lead to wasted time, wasted resources, stress, and a shrunken bottom line. 
 
How can you avoid these pitfalls?Consider following this course of action . . .
 
1)  Before buying any tools (containers, boxes, filing cabinets, shelves, folders, desks, or wall pockets), first determine your organizing goals and what you consider to be a successful outcome.
 
2)  Identify what is causing the breakdown or disorganization in your office or work space .
  
3)  Choose the appropriate tools you'll need to support your goals (#1) and to remedy the problems (#2).   
 
Now you can have your tools and use them, too!  
 
 
Need help organizing your business or choosing the right tools for you?  Call 724.850.7282 or email In Its Place.
 
What Can I Do About. . . ? 
In Its Place answers your questions about actually keeping your New Year's Resolution to get organized.

Q:  It's already three weeks into 2010, and I just don't seem to be making any progress toward my resolution to get organized.  It seems hopeless - should I just throw in the towel?
 
A: Don't give up!  Organizing is a skill that can be learned just like doing math or playing basketball.  The key is understanding the process and implementing it one step at a time. . .
 
1)  Instead of saying "I want to get organized," be more specific.  Try "I want to be able to eat at my kitchen table every day" or  "I want my family to get out the door every morning more peacefully and on time."  Write down this intention.  If there are clutter and disorganization issues in every room, then make a list.
 
2)  Determine what's causing the clutter or disorganization that's keeping you from reaching your goal.  If, for example, your kitchen table is always covered with mail and newspapers, identify how and why they're ending up there in the first place.  
 
3)  Establish a solution that will work for you and your family so you're able to maintain it over the long haul.  Find a new "landing spot" for the mail and newspaper that makes more sense for how you live every day, so it's easy for everyone in the household to follow through.
 
 
Email Jody if you need additional help creating the simpler, clutter-free life you want. 
Do You Know These People In Your Neighborhood?
 
If these popular NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS also happen to be yours, and you're having trouble keeping them all by yourself, the folks at these companies offer products and services that can help!
 
Resolution #1: "Get my finances in order."
Donna and the team at BPU Investment Management can help you plan for and reach your investment and financial goals.
 
Resolution #2: "Spend more time with family and friends."
Bring a friend or your whole family and enjoy each other's company while participating in sports leagues, swimming classes, and other events and activities.
 
Resolution #3: "Help others."
Lend a hand at the newly opened ReStore in the Norwin Hills Shopping Center, or share your talents as a board member and help CWHFH work toward building decent, affordable housing for partner families.
 
Resolution #4: "Learn something new."
If you've always wanted to learn scrapbooking so you can finish the photo album you started for your child - two years ago - Cathy, Regina, and Sally have the class for you!
 
Resolution #5: "Get organized."
Still having trouble finding the top of your dining room table under the piles of paper? Just can't seem to come up with a work flow that works for your business?  Jody has a solution that will meet your needs at home and at work.
  
Thank you for spending some time with us.  Have fun using the information in this issue as you put everything in its place!
 
Happy Organizing!

Jody