One of the most helpful methods to use when you are organizing, is making lists. Now, don't let the listing process become heavy. Just start making lists of practical reachable goals, brainstorm a list of things you want to organize, and list your plan to organize your life as you achieve your goals.

You might be asking the question: Why are you discussing goal setting in the context of organizing? My answer: To get organized you need to set goals, and to set goals you need to get organized. For example; suppose you can't get organized to accomplish the things you want to accomplish in one day. Your goal could then be to make better use of your time,so that you could have some time left over. Suppose also you want to be 20 pounds lighter in one year. You would then want to organize a weight loss plan. You see! Goal setting and organizing work together. The reason you want to get organized is to accomplish certain goals. Otherwise, you will be impulsive, and this leads to all kinds of problems.

Start by making a list of your goals. Now, this will probably change as you work through the process. Don't let this discourage you! Don't think too hard. Just start making a list of the things you want to accomplish. This will be the starting place. If you want to modify and improve it later, that will be fine. Find some place quiet, where you can relax, and list some goals.

Brainstorm on all the things you want to organize. Whatever comes to mind, write it down. Don't strain your brain. This is gonna be fun. Make lists about everything that's bothering you. Get it down on paper. The list is for you, so it doesn't matter how it reads or looks to other people, and try to be specific. List specific things you do that show you are disorganized. Maybe you blow to much money on fast food, and maybe you don't keep your check register up to date.

Now look at your lists. You have listed your goals, and you have your, "things to organize" list. Find the things that you want to organize that fit with the goals you want to achieve. For instance, You want to be 365 dollars richer in one year is one of you goals. One of the things you listed was uncontrolled spending on fast food. And, maybe you don't keep your check register up to date, so you really don't know how your spending your money. So now you would want to make a new list. You would list uncontrolled spending on fast food, and an unbalanced check book under your goal to be 365 dollars richer in 1 year.

$365.00 Richer In 1 Year
uncontrolled spending on fast food
unbalanced check book

You now have the information you need to proceed. Armed with this information, you can make a plan to organize your life as you achieve your goals. I know what you're thinking. "I know this already. This stuff is elementary." But, are you making the associations? When, you get ready to impulse buy, are you thinking, "Will this keep me from making my goal to save this much money by the end of the year?" You need a reason not to be disorganized - To reach your goal. When you make your plan, be specific, and write your plan in the form of a list of instructions. Using the example above:

Save $365.00 this year.
1. Take time to record each check when you purchase something.
2. Spend $1.00 less at the hamburger shop per day. 3. Put $1.00 in a jar everyday for one year.

I know! I know! That's a stupid example, but it makes the point. You now have a plan. A list of instructions. Lists are good. Make all kinds of lists all the time. Even if you throw them away immediately. Listing things helps you organize your thinking.