Discipline is the Key to Stay Organized

Discipline is the Key to Stay Organized

Stay Within Your Systems lies in our power to do, it lies

When we set our minds to become more organized, the first step is finding the right system that will help you reach that goal. Once you find one the system that works for you, the key is to keeping up the momentum to maintain that system. Over time, it is normal to need to re-evaluate or tweak your system in some way.
Develop a more updated system periodically based on your changing priorities, needs and To-Do List. When organizing your home or office, stay within the system that you’ve adapted so that your routines and actions are consistent and work together. Aristotle
Organization doesn’t happen overnight and it is not an easy destination to get to. As we’ve said before, it takes hard work, discipline, and lots of good habits to keep on the path of good organization. This is why the process can seem overwhelming at first and seem like a real challenge, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. With some of the following tips and techniques, we can feel more empowered to stay disciplined in your organization.

Learn to Say No

Often times we can become disorganized by taking on too many projects or activities, which can take a toll on our time management. It is important to learn the need to say ‘no’ when asked to help with a request or to waste time. While you may feel the need or desire to help everyone that you can, realize that you can best serve others by sticking with the areas in which you have the most to offer and can do the most good. If you over-extend yourself and your skills, not only do many people miss out on the great things you have to offer, but it keeps you from feeling more confident and organized in your life. (Do not use “no” as a cop-out to avoid doing what we need to do).

Sample phrases for saying No:
“No, thank you.”
“Sorry but I am already committed to another project.”
“That area is not one of my strengths.”
“Thank you, but I am needed for (project/assignment) right now.” “Not right now, I will let you know”.

Have Organization Be Part of Your Life

Organization doesn’t happen every once in a while or when the occasion arises, it is something that is continued and carried out each day. In order to stay organized over time, we must make organization part of our everyday life. Organization is in everything we do, from daily activities such as sorting out documents, to more long term activities, such as reorganizing a department. When we practice these good habits and helpful tips every day, we are making organization a regular thing in our lives and letting it help us build a better future for ourselves. Don’t wait for things or tasks to clutter up your life before you decide it is time to get organized again.

Plan for Tomorrow, Today

If you’re waiting for the beginning of the following day to start your organization plan, chances are you are already headed to disorganization. Start today and make a plan for what you want to do in your life, including on a daily, weekly, monthly and even a yearly basis. When you determine what you want (such as becoming more organized!), you can make plans today to reach those goals in the future. Make a To-Do List and plan a time to tackle it instead of waiting for the ‘urge’ to do it comes along. Make plans on how to motivate yourself to keep going and plan rewards for productive behaviors. Set deadlines for yourself and stick to them. When you plan ahead and manage your time effectively, the stress and anxiety of becoming more organized will feel much lighter and a lot less like a chore.

Tips:
Make short- and long-term To-Do Lists.
Plan ways to execute each list.
Find ways to keep yourself motivated to stay on task.

Don’t forget to plan deadlines or plan to meet those already in place.

Dr. Eric J. Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D.C., is a Developmental and Behavioral Specialist who specializes in Autism, ADHD and related disorders. Dr. Nach is the founder of the College Life Skills Program where he and his team of professional’s help develop the Emotional Maturity, Executive Functioning, Life Skill and Social Abilities of college students and those high school students preparing for college. The CollegeLSP is a subsidiary program of the Support For Students Growth Center, in Boca Raton, FL.