Note from Jessa: Today I am hosting my friend and fellow author Susan Lute who is obviously a little too much like me in the “GET ORGANIZED? But why?” department. I guess that’s why we’re friends 🙂
GET ORGANIZED advice from:
Susan Lute
Author of Dragon’s Thief
I’m always intrigued by the New Year’s resolution to “get organized”, mainly because I’m so bad at it. But when I’m trying to be good, sometimes I organize too. Here’s what happens.
I say to myself, “I think I’ll organize my office today.”
Good girl, says the little angelic being sitting on my shoulder.
Really?, snorts the rascally companion pulling the tangled hair on top of my head.
Ignoring that one, I dutifully dig in and get about half way done before I realize how thirsty I am…and hungry…and distracted because all these things have to go into their proper places. Before I know it I’m out of the office, with the promise I’ll be right back, and five minutes later it’s a done deal. All interest in organizing the office has evaporated into thin smoke.
The good news is it usually looks better. And I can live with that.
That’s the thing about getting organized. There are some things that must be organized, like household budgets and how to write a novel. There are other things that…well…pick your battles. What’s important and what’s not? What makes life easier? What doesn’t? Sometimes that’s the best barometer.
What organizational tips work for you? Do you have a favorite? Who knows, maybe the next time I organize the office, with your advice, I’ll stick with it to the end.
Where to find me 🙂 Goodreads, My website, Facebook, Twitter and See Jane Publish. Sign up for my newsletter and have a chance to win a gift card to Amazon or BN. And don’t forget to support your local authors by becoming a “fan” on Goodreads.
Another Jessa note: I have to admit, I’m tempted to go with the “GET ORGANIZED-ER” idea here 😉 Baby steps, right? Today I’m over with Jenna Bayley-Burke offering my suggestions on eating healthier. Where I’m probably going to be about as helpful as Susan was on getting organized! #eatmorechocolate
Stops on the “Resolve 2013” tour: January 1-9, 2013
Maggie Jaimeson – Take a Vacation
Jessa Slade – Get Organized
Paty Jager – Volunteerism
Linda Mercury – Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life
Jenna Bayley-Burke – Eat Healthier
Cassiel Knight – No More Procrastination
Cathryn Cade – Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions
Su Lute – Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss
Jamie Brazil – Shrink My Closet
Jessa Slade 
I like the “pick your battles” statement. It’s so true. For me, organization is an extension of stewardship. I see the smaller investment of time in putting stuff back where it’s supposed to go as a way to make more time for the things I relly want to do. Granted, it’s impossible to be 100% organized all the time. Routines are altered, emergencies happen, husband goes through your office looking for that warranty from May of 2011… suddenly there are piles. So yeah, pick a 20-minute battle and conquer it. Leave the rest for tomorrow.
Pick your battles is a good way to look at it. Do I want to spend half an hour cleaning or half an hour writing…. But I do have to have organized chaos in order to write.
Better is good!
I like Jessa’s ending to Susan’s post “get organized-er.” I have a hard time with a little at a time when it comes to organization. I’m more of an all or nothing person. Some things are always organized (kind-of) like I do have a tax folder where all receipts go immediately, but as for my desk, not so much. Piles work most of the time. 🙂
My work environment is very organized but my home is a mess – hum, the duality of life. 🙂
As I sit at my desk checking out The Tour, I’m eying a pile threatening to either grow larger or topple. Do you think being organized is a component of time management. If I had more “time” would I be more organized?…mmmm…probably not, lol.