What's Your Sign?

There are several signs of procrastination:


• Unpaid bills and parking tickets

• Stacks of unused gift certificates

• Clutter

• Last minute shopping (and the stress that comes with it!)

• Piles, not files on a desk (and the wasted time searching)

Ever notice busy people get things done? They move at a quick pace but they are not running around in circles, moving or shuffling paper or things from one area to another. Ever wonder how they do it? They have a plan, they always know what they are going to do; they take the time to plan. They are prepared for those last minute monkey wrenches that suddenly appear at the worst possible time.

Why do you procrastinate?

I think procrastinators are rebels. Rebelling and delaying the obvious, making excuses. For example, do you ever hear yourself saying...? “Leave my things alone, if you clear my desk (or other appropriate location), I won’t be able to find anything!”

The truth is, it is there, you will find it, but how much time do you waste going through the piles of paper or stuff?

Most of us know that it is best to have the brakes of our vehicle checked and repaired before the damage becomes severe. If we wait, the cost to repair is a lot higher. If we ignore the problem, we pay for it. The same is true for clutter and your to-do list.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Give your tasks the attention!

• Set goals

• Set a realistic time frame

• Prioritize

• And finally, “Do it”! Or, better yet, hire someone to do it for you.

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer and Speaker

Practice What You Preach!

I practice what I preach, or so I thought. I am a firm believer in regular purging. I take pride in the fact that I control my clutter. I created a habit of clearing and purging my home on a regular basis. As I bring something new into my home, I take something out.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not a minimalist, but the clutter in my home is under control. As I write this sentence I am remembering that old phrase “things that make you go hmmm”.

My “awakening” occurred recently when a family member moved to her very first apartment. I remember how exciting it is to move to your new home but also how expensive and difficult it is to stock your new place with essential items. Wanting to help out I decided to pass on one or two items that I do not use. In the back of my mind, I thought it would be a difficult task as I am not a collector.

I started in the kitchen. I searched my kitchen drawers, cabinets and pantry. Here and there I discovered extra cups, glasses, serving utensils, extra oven mitts and even cans of food that are in the cupboard-just in case items. The small bag I had on hand soon had to be replaced with a larger, sturdier bag.

Wow! Did I just find all these extra things in MY kitchen? I felt good about passing these items on, but started to question myself and my own ability to purge.

Of course, I had to continue the process; so I found myself in my linen closet repeating the process. Two large (very large) bags later I completed my task.

I have to admit, I felt lighter. Something I visually witness with my clients when they are ready to purge. Just imagine the feeling of space and organization whenever you open your cupboard or storage area.

I enjoyed the learning experience. I was reminded just how easy it is to lose control over the “stuff” in your home. How quickly one or two items become many and the wonderful feeling that engulfs you have when you finally release your clutter.