Getting Organized
(featured column)

Dispelling the Top 7 Myths About Being Organized
by Maria Gracia

There are lots of myths going around when it comes to getting and staying organized. Here are the top 7, along with the truths.

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MYTH NUMBER 1:  BEING ORGANIZED MEANS BEING NEAT.

While you can certainly be neat AND be organized, the two terms should never be confused with each other. While you might have NEAT piles, or NEAT boxes piled one on top of the other, or objects lined up NEATLY in a straight line, you may still not be able to find a single thing when you need it. Being organized means you're using a structured system that allows you to find everything you need when you need it, and you get everything done when it's due--without frustration, chaos or stress.


MYTH NUMBER 2:  TO BE ORGANIZED IS TO BE CLEAN.

Once again, while you can be BOTH organized AND clean, those terms should not be confused. Cleaning means that you're removing dirt, grime and otherwise preparing a sanitary surface. But, you can have the cleanest home or office on the block, and still be disorganized.


MYTH NUMBER 3:  TO BE ORGANIZED MEANS TO SCHEDULE EVERY MINUTE OF YOUR DAY.

While scheduling appointments, projects you need to complete, chores, etc. is highly recommended, you certainly do not have to schedule 'every moment' of your day to be organized. 'Scheduling is the fine art of packing every day JUST FULL ENOUGH of the most useful activities.' Never overload it. Your schedule should always allow you time for spontaneity.


MYTH NUMBER 4:  ONLY CERTAIN TYPES OF PEOPLE CAN BE ORGANIZED.

While there are a very small percentage of people who 'don't have the ability' to be organized, such as someone with a serious illness, most people CAN be organized. Being disorganized is not a disease, it is a decision. If you truly want to be organized, there are proven systems to help you. Once you know these systems and apply them every day of your life, you will be organized.


MYTH NUMBER 5:  BEING ORGANIZED TAKES LOTS OF TIME AND EFFORT.

The truth is, it takes a lot less time and effort to be organized, than it does to be disorganized. Disorganization takes more time than you can imagine, and ensures that huge obstacles are always directly in the path of 'getting things done.' Getting and staying organized is not rocket-science. The systems and ideas, once learned, applied and practiced, can become as simple as brushing your teeth or combing your hair.


MYTH NUMBER 6:  EVERYONE I KNOW IS ORGANIZED, EXCEPT ME.

Beware of this myth. Being organized is both an outer and inner trait. Unless you really know a person well, you really can't come to this conclusion. For example, someone may have a very neat home, but she is never on time. Another person may have an organized home, but his office filing system is out of control. Yet another person may have an organized home and office, but never reaches any of her goals. You are not alone. There are many, many people in the world who need help getting organized in certain areas of their lives--even if it doesn't seem so on the surface.

MYTH NUMBER 7:  ORGANIZED PEOPLE HAVE NO FUN.

On the contrary, the people who are organized are getting the very best out of life. They are getting things done. They're achieving their goals. They're not wasting time searching for lost items, or re-doing things, or missing appointments. They're finding the time they need to do the things they love, and to spend time with the people they care about.

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Copyright © 2004 by Maria Gracia

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