Likely you’re here because you want to get organized. That’s great! Before you start however, there’s some basic information you need to know.

Do you know any naturally organized people? If you do, have you ever noticed how they do things differently than those of us who are naturally disorganized?

Naturally organized people seem to know from birth how to run their lives, homes and offices so the clutter never accumulates, deadlines are never missed and life just seems to chug along in a calm orderly manner.

Naturally disorganized folks somehow missed out on that crucial ‘how-to-be-organized’ information. That’s why we procrastinate our way through life, struggling with clutter, late bills, last minute emergencies and no idea what’s for dinner.

There’s good news. If you are naturally disorganized you aren’t destined to live in clutter and chaos for the rest of your life.

You can become what I call a reformed messy; a person who has learned how to be organized. Best of all, once you learn how, being organized is a skill you’ll have for the rest of your life. Kind of like riding a bike.

How do you become a reformed messy?

1. You’ve got to learn the basic habits of organized people. The habits organized people unthinkingly follow to keep clutter and chaos from entering their lives.
2. You’ve got to tweak those habits of organized people so they work for you and your personality. You’ve probably read lots of advice about how to get organized. And, if you’ve tried to follow that advice did you begin wondering what was wrong with you because you couldn’t make what you read in those organizing books work?

Here’s a little secret about being organized…

Disorganized people think and operate differently from organized people. When you, a disorganized person, attempt to copy exactly how an organized person does something you’re likely to fail.

That’s why you’ve got to tweak those basic organizing habits to fit your way of thinking and operating. Once you do you’re on your way to getting organized so you can stay that way!

Looking for more resources to help you become organized?

Check out the other organizing information on this site as well as my Organized for Life! program. Your life will never be the same.

–
Dana Rayburn is an ADD Coach and former Professional Organizer dedicated to helping adults get organized, outsmart their ADD / ADHD and live more successful and satisfying lives. Read more free articles about living successfully with ADD / ADHD.