Stop Procrastinating, Start Organizing

While the red-haired orphan girl in Annie sings the praises of “tomorrow, tomorrow,” tomorrow is often not the best time to get started with organizing — especially when tomorrow turns into the next day, and the next. Putting your organizing goals off  “til tomorrow” can cause regret while lowering self-esteem and productivity. The negative results of procrastination can be seen, heard and felt throughout a home or office. Let me share some ideas on how to stop procrastinating and start organizing.

First, know that you are not alone. Approximately 15 to 20% of the general population procrastinate.

Get Started Organizing

The idea is simple. Don’t put off until tomorrow what could and should be done today. Assess your mindset. This old saying is true: “Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're probably right.” Expect to succeed. Then ask yourself what value you will gain by completing the organizing task.

What is it about the organizing task that creates immediacy: more space, less searching, more productivity or availability? Ask yourself if you are more tolerant of delays in other areas of your life or just organizing.

Focus on the how, when and where of the organizing task. Studies show that when people think in more concrete, specific terms it makes them feel as if the task should be completed sooner. When people think in broad, abstract terms about a task they often procrastinate more.

Can professional organizing help? I think so. While visiting a home or office an organizer is a good listener and good observer. I think about tasks and prioritize based on a person’s goals.

As for Annie, had she not decided to act and leave the orphanage, she would never have met Daddy Warbucks who gives her a life worth singing about. Still, don’t put off until tomorrow what should be done today. Stop procrastinating and start organizing.

What’s getting in the way of completing your organizing goals?