I’ve talked about it before, (probably countless times) but I still believe it to be just as true as the first time I talked about it. Organization is key to success. My success at least. Looking back, the times in life where I had absolutely zero organization are the hardest times I’ve gone through. When I really think about it, the times where I had 85% organization or more are the times that went amazing! And obviously not everything can be organized.

Life pops up in the most unexpected ways. People come and go, jobs come and go, even children come and go over a certain period of time. But we can choose to stay as organized as we can. What we have control over organizing. And of course there will be times that the motivation isn’t there. Times where our lives get shaken up causing us to organize in a different way. This is all okay. In fact, this is just a part of life!

But if you’re anything like I was a while ago, you may have no idea where to start. Again, that’s okay! And even if you’ve tried before and didn’t think it was right for you, read on before making your final decision. You may find that there are some things in your life that are worth organizing after all!

Time

Time management is by far one of the hardest things for me to organize. For reasons that are obvious, like things pop up. But also for reasons that aren’t so obvious, like not being the best at it. Look, for someone who ‘preaches’ about organization, it doesn’t mean I’m a master at it. I’m very good at it, yes. But that’s because of all the practice I’ve put in over time. And all the practice I’ll continue to put in will only keep making me better. So instead of talking about what I’m still working on, I’m going to tell you what has helped me.

A planner. A daily planner has helped me in my most absolute hectic times in life. Whether it be getting through college while working two jobs or work a nanny job while running a business. (Color-coding has especially helped me during the times where I had a lot going on!) A to-do list. Yes, on top of having a daily planner, I also have a list of things that need to be done around the house, groceries that need to be bought, etc. That way I can bundle things together instead of taking extra time to do them separately.

Feelings

Feelings are a bit of a tough one for me, but not because I have no control over them. Instead, just when it seems like I have my feelings under control, something that I’ve never experienced before happens and I have to learn to navigate my feelings and emotions about it. (Go figure.) Whether it be sad news about a loved one, a major life event, or any other of the number of the many things that are associated with life, I’ve had to learn how to put my feelings into introspect. But again, instead of writing about where I’m still having trouble, here is what has helped me.

Counseling. Therapy. There’s many names for it, but what it is is talking to someone and having them help you learn to navigate your feelings in a healthy way. And it’s not because I’m not capable of handling my own emotions, but it’s sometimes as simple as getting an outsider’s point of view. Journaling. I talk about it, oh, about every other time I write. But the impact it’s had on me and my life is indescribable. I get those feelings out of my head and onto paper, and that simple act makes it easier for me to calm down and move on.

Finances

Again, finances aren’t an organization skill that I’ve mastered at only 26 years old. (Though I know there are those who have, and congrats to them!) But for the others who have found themselves thousands of dollars in debt, or with a credit of less than 150, or struggling to make ends meet, this one’s for you. Yes, there are still times where I am only able to pay bills, (and barely at that) but I’m a lot farther than I was 7 years ago. And this is how I became debt free and have stayed that way!

Cut Expenses. As hard as it was, eating out and shopping and trips and basically anything that wasn’t considered a necessity was cut. At least temporarily. Save More, Spend Less. While spending less, I would put the money I would’ve spent in savings. When I had enough saved up, I’d pay off one of my debts. Then repeat the process. Ask For Help. No, don’t just ask people to help pay your debt off. But there are people who can help without spending money on you. I had an $8,000 hospital bill from procedures I had done and talked to the hospital coordinator. She knocked off $2,000 and set me up on a payment plan until I was finally able to pay it off.

Now That That’s Sorted Out

Now that you know that while I love organizing, I’m not the best at it. Which means that you know that even though you may not be great at it, you can still start trying! And don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work out how you wanted the first time. That’s how you’ll know what to adjust and hopefully do it different and better next time. If not, there’s something else you’ve learned! Well, you get the picture. If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.

For starters, check out this Happy Vibes self-care regimen to get you started in organization. One time everyday, maybe 20-30 minutes, to get organized and focus on yourself. Win-win! And as always, thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with Mommas and others alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:

With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth To Momma