Resolve To Get Organized
by Denise Lee, professional organizer

    I think it’s safe to say that the majority of the people believe that getting organized is a good thing. In fact, getting organized is continuously among the top 10 New Year’s resolutions. However, by tax day many people have given up on their get-organized resolution and are a bit downtrodden by their experiences.
    There are many reasons that their resolutions did not bring about the desired result. I would like to focus on three of them: mental clutter, operating in a vacuum and lack of planning.
    Mental clutter consists of thoughts and feelings that get in the way of our goals. Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) are part of the clutter. You may say, “I want to get organized,” but the parallel ANT is, “Who are you kidding? You’ll never get organized!”  ANTs are self-fulfilling. Since they sabotage your goal, the ANTs turn out to be true.
    Be aware of your ANTs — listen to your internal dialogue. Matching an ANT with a contrary statement — “I am not disorganized” — will sabotage your goal as well. Contradicting statements create a tension that your mind will resolve by accepting what it observes. Acknowledge and accept that the ANTs are there, but respond positively to them in a way that affirms your goal. “I may not feel organized now, but I know that I am becoming more organized.” This statement positively emphasizes your ability to attain the goal.
    Dealing with ANTs takes objectivity, consistency and energy. A good partner or mentor can help you sustain your energy and focus while you work toward your goal, in part because she/he has a strong belief in your ability to achieve your goal. A mentor is especially useful because she/he possesses the skills you wish to develop.
    Education is an important part of developing skills and creating change. Without new knowledge, you’re working in a vacuum and destined to repeat the same ineffective behaviors that have caused you distress.
    With education and the right attitude, change can happen, but it may take time.  Planning how you will use your time to achieve your goals is analogous to using a roadmap to reach a new destination. Your route is more direct and the likelihood of getting lost is diminished. While unexpected events may sidetrack you temporarily, you are not likely to get lost. The key to planning is to write the plan down and review it frequently so your intentions are in the forefront of your mind.
    To change our behavior for the better — such as becoming more organized — we need to not only change our actions, but our thoughts, attitudes and knowledge as well. Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”  The mental work is the foundation for lasting change that will carry you beyond tax day.