How to Motivate Yourself to Be More Organized

Create a System That Helps You Stay Organized and Achieve Your Goals

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Organization is not about being tidy. It’s about efficiency, productivity and making it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Martha Stewart

How to Motivate Yourself to Be More Organized

Being organized is a skill that can benefit you in all areas of your life. It can help you save time, reduce stress, and be more productive. However, getting organized can be difficult, especially if you're not used to it.

If you're struggling to get motivated to be more organized, here are a few tips:

1. Make it a priority.

The first step to getting organized is to decide that it's important to you. What are the benefits of being more organized? For example, being organized can help you:

Save time: When you're organized, you can easily find what you need when you need it. This can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Reduce stress: When your environment is cluttered and disorganized, it can contribute to stress. Getting organized can help you create a more peaceful and calming space.

Be more productive: When you're organized, you're better able to focus on your tasks and complete them efficiently.

Once you understand the benefits of being organized, you're more likely to be motivated to make a change.

 

2. Set realistic goals.

Don't try to organize everything all at once. Start with a small project, such as decluttering your desk or organizing your closet. Once you've completed a small project, you'll be more motivated to move on to the next one.

3. Break down large tasks into smaller ones.

Large tasks can be daunting and overwhelming. To make them more manageable, break them down into smaller, more specific tasks. For example, instead of saying "I need to organize my garage," say "I will organize the garage this weekend by sorting through the tools, cleaning and repairing the shelves, and putting everything away."

4. Set deadlines for yourself.

Having a deadline can help you stay on track and motivated. When you're setting deadlines, be realistic about how much time you have and how long each task will take.

5. Reward yourself for your progress.

When you reach a milestone or complete a task, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This will help you stay motivated and make organizing more fun.

 

Here are some additional tips for motivating yourself to be more organized:

Make it fun. Put on some music or a podcast while you organize. Or, invite a friend to help you. Having a good time will make you more likely to stick with it.

Use organizational tools and systems. There are many different organizational tools and systems available, such as to-do list apps, storage bins, and file folders. Find tools and systems that work for you and use them consistently.

Don't be afraid to declutter. If you have things that you don't use or need, get rid of them. This will make it easier to organize the things that you do keep.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask a friend, family member, or professional organizer for help.

Here are some tips for staying organized:

  • Create a system and stick to it. Once you've organized your space and belongings, create a system for keeping it that way. This may involve setting aside time each day or week to declutter and organize, or simply putting things away where they belong after you use them.

  • Regularly review your system. As your life changes, your organizational needs may change as well. Take some time on a regular basis to review your system and make adjustments as needed.

  • Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, and that's okay. If you find that your system isn't working for you, be willing to make changes.

  • Getting organized takes time and effort, but it's worth it. When you're organized, you'll be able to find what you need when you need it, and you'll have less stress.

  • Read books and articles about organization. There are many resources available to help you learn more about organization. Reading about different organizational methods and tips can help you find a system that works for you.

  • Join an online or in-person organization community. There are many communities where people can share tips and advice on organization. Joining a community can help you stay motivated and accountable.

  • Hire a professional organizer. If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to get started, consider hiring a professional organizer. A professional organizer can help you develop a system that works for your needs and lifestyle.

  • Create a dedicated space for your self-improvement activities. This could be a corner of your bedroom, a desk in your home office, or even a local library or coffee shop. Having a dedicated space will help you stay focused and motivated.

  • Organize your self-improvement materials. This could include books, articles, videos, or even your own notes and reflections. Having your materials organized will make it easier to access them and stay on track with your goals.

  • Set aside time each day or week for self-improvement. Even if it's just for 15 minutes, make sure to schedule some time each day or week to work on your self-improvement goals.

  • Track your progress. One of the best ways to stay motivated is to track your progress. This could involve keeping a journal, creating a progress chart, or simply reflecting on your progress at the end of each day or week.

Getting organized is a key step to achieving your self-improvement goals. By following the tips above, you can create a system that works for you and helps you stay on track.