| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 12:32:46 PM | Hi Everyone
I wasn't sure if this is the right forum to post this but it seems that the more organized I am in my personal/career life the more I feel in control of my life. The result is me being less of a basket case. The problem I have is well I'm just not really good at it. I just don't have a good concept of it it, I admit it reflects on my personal/ and work life. So what are some tips I can model after to make my life more effective, so I don't miss appointments and bills etc, procrastinate. I've tried every thing and all kinds of systems and some things helps help but like an alcoholic I fall off the wagon. What would people suggest and how do keep that discipline.
Thanks to everyone that contributes, POF is a great community and a resource for useful info. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 1:48:47 PM | Dear exxess,
First of all, the first (3) sentences are contradictory.....You either "are" or you're "not" an organized person.....From what I'm gathering from your statement you're "not" organized but would like to be. You try to be, but just can't "do" it. So, it's affecting your interpersonal relationships with other people. You say you've tried everything and all kinds of systems etc...If you've tried all these things and you still can't get it together it basically boils down to being, you're: irresponsible, unaccountable and unreliable. Nobody can just give you a system. If your miserable and you want to be more accountable, responsible, and reliable then you just have that mindset and just "do it". Nobody is responsible for reminding you of appts. etc. and it's not fair to ask us to be held accountable for "your" schedule. That's selfish and self-centered. Everybody has their own schedules and if you just don't care about anybody but "yourself" then your actions as you mentioned above will result. Change your behavior pattern and start caring about other people besides yourself and hold yourself accountable, responsible, and reliable and you'll see a difference. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 1:49:11 PM | | The key word as you mentioned is discipline. It doesn't really matter how good a system you have unless you're disciplined. And that just takes time and practice. I'd stay start small, try to keep disciplined at a few things instead of everything, and gradually, you'll just start taking "the extra time" to do what you need to do. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 1:57:03 PM | Thats Captain.
Your right giving yourself enough time and taking on things that are manageable. I think in the past I've bit more than I can chew and thing's pile up. Thanks much appreciated, | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 2:07:04 PM | | Speciallady4 you - Ok first of all this is not a b*tch session. This is asking for advice, which is a pretty normal thing to do. How, about I rip into you if you don't know how to put a car together? I'm acknowledging I could improve on something. I have job and I'm decent enough at it to hold the job but yes room for improvement. I'd say that everyone you say I am is more like what you are Self Centered, grow up. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 2:11:48 PM | | My big new years goal this year was to become more disciplined. However, the plan was simply to start by trying to make my bed every morning. Though not always consistent, I've been able to keep my room clean, and my kitchen is now clean more often than not. Discipline grows- you just have to keep at it. (And never think in terms of falling off the wagon- that mentality doesn't help you out. You didn't stay organised for three days? That means you just weren't organised for three days- that's all it means.) | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 2:32:19 PM | Dear exxess,
I wasn't turning it into a biotch session. I was giving you "constructive" feedback. Sometimes the truth hurts and growing up hurts and being held accountable for one's actions/behaviors or lack there of also hurts...I was simply trying to be diplomatic and let you know that being organized, on-time for appts. etc..starts within one's self and you simply lack self-discipline and the only way you will become organized etc. is to hold "yourself" accountable. Maybe you are taking on too much. It seems to me you already admitted that, so I'm not sure what kind of advise you are looking for. I mean what do you want me to say: "set your clock (2) hours earlier" "Hire an answering service to remind you of appts". What answers are you looking for that you "don't" know already...Hire a nanny for pete's sake to babysit you... | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 3:45:53 PM | I think I understand what you mean OP. There are areas of my life that are organized to a "T". When I got those areas figured out, I did feel more in control, relaxed, you name it. But, there are other areas that are still "a work in progress" and I will feel better when I have those areas mastered as well. It depends on where you need the organization. Captain Girly Girl mentions her bedroom and kitchen, so domestic chores appears to be her area to is choosing to concentrate on. (that's not to say you live in a mess, Girly.  ) I work from home, and my days can be pretty hectic as it is just trying to balance my contract work and my business without getting sidetracked with the laundry and dishes. I spoke to a friend of mine who always has 17 things going on at any time and she gave me some good, but very simple tips, (who knew how easy it would be???) which have made a big difference in my work habits. But, once I get that under control (it's not a habit, YET), there's still a few things that I would like to see changed and tweaked. As I said, it's a work in progress, but each step brings me closer and closer to my goal of being more efficient and organized in a home based office.
Decide what area you need/want to concentrate on but, good for you for noticing, and as mentioned already, dicipline, along with persistance, is what will turn it around.
All the best to you. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 4:10:56 PM | | I don't mean to make excuses for myself but part of the problem is that the company that I work for has love for paper for whatever reason they just love it and piles of it. Very old school thinking and the company I came from was much more computer literate and was pro technology so there was almost no paper work everything was on an online database system. So what happens is you swim through piles of paper for half a day looking through paper files. But people are right here and taking initiatives and accountability is important as well as coming to resolutions. I've taken it upon myself to help the company step into the 90's and create for them a customer relationship management system to get rid of unnecessary paper. Yes I did say the 90's as 21st century might be a little too much of a jump for them. I'm hoping this will help out. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 4:12:41 PM | just went back and saw your bills and appts comments. I got a binder and put divider pages in it from 1-31 and then Jan -Dec as well. When I get a bill, or a class confirmation, etc., I stick it in the binder in the day or month that I will take care of it. (Ie. bloodwork in 8 weeks. stuck it in Mar. When I start using the 1-31 for March I will decide when I can go in for that bloodwork and put it in that day) That takes care of papers laying around on my desk and they are already organized. Once paid, etc., then I file them. All my appts, calls I have to make, days I'm on the road, etc., are entered into my palm pilot on my computer using the handheld device for when I'm on the road. I also plan my day the night before which would include info from the binder, the palm pilot, vmail messages, emails with priority, etc. and roll with the punches when I have to make changes.
try googling "coaching companies" or "life coaching" etc (tip above is from David Allen Company) Lots of them have free e-newsletters that will give you other hints and tips) | |
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exxess
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Joined: 1/31/2006
Msg: 11 | |
| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 4:26:41 PM | | Healthconscious - Thanks for the tips. I really like that 1 - 31 idea. Funny thing I used in my previous company that I worked for I never thought of it to use in my personal life but makes sense. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 6:15:36 PM | | I really really like the binder idea.. I'm doing it first thing tommorrow.. Makes sense.. I'm forever missing appointments, bills, due dates of stuff .. I think I should put it on a bulletin board, then I forget to look at it.. Duhhh.. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 6:33:17 PM | I have a calendar at my computer and a pocket calendar in my purse. I try to keep them both synced but usually the one in my purse has everything on it. My appointments, my work schedule.
Most of my bills are paperless so I get an email notifying me that they're ready and I go pay them immediately. Just because one is due in 3 weeks doesn't mean you need to (or should) wait that long. I go to my credit card sites every so often and just pay the balances. My car loan is through my credit union so I go once a month to make my principle + interest payment just by transferring money into the account. Then usually at least one other time per month I go pay extra on principle only.
Try to pay your debt off so that all you have is your revolving stuff. Have one calendar where you have all your shit posted. If your rent is due on the first, a week before the first write "pay rent." Same with car payment or any other bill that you don't get notified about every month. Pay your other bills as they come in.
Oh, and take care of bills as soon as you get paid, don't wait til you've wasted a bunch of your check. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 7:06:22 PM | SpecialLady4you
So I am assuming you are perfect then? Well good for you. So disgusting the negativity of some people on here sometimes. One question…if you are so good at everything…. how come you can’t follow a diet? Hmmm…..who is accountable there..I wonder?
OP
If you are trying to organize your life, it really starts small. Clean out one drawer, or closet at a time. Make sure you use your appointment book. Even small things like updating your cell phone book, and vacuuming out your car. It is the little things. I know most people know these things already, but sometimes a reminder helps. I am a list maker. Even if you only write it out in the morning and don't look again all day, you will still benefit from it. There are professional organizers that you can hire if it comes down to it! What exactly are your biggest problems? | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/17/2008 10:23:44 PM | Jeepers lady.. ASAP.. and remember that Jesus didn't judge, he taught, he NEVER called names and he would be all that happy to hear you being so judgemental either.
As for trying prayer, I think that was totally uncalled for in light of your earlier comments.
As a strong Christian, I take offence to people using religion to be nasty.
Try taking yourself to task and perhaps discerning what might be causing you to find yourself being so bitter and judgemental on an internet dating site. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/18/2008 3:54:58 PM | Excuse me misfit, I was NOT being nasty. I was being helpful and if you think that's being nasty you should really see how nasty I can be dear....Prayer (or diet as you will) has absolutely NOTHING TO DO WITH RELIGION....Now you want to bicker about religion and spirituality...c'mon,,,if you are a CHRISTIAN you should know the difference....so, maybe you both need to ASAP..."together"....You don't like my earlier comments too bad..they were my and my "opinion" only and if she or you can't handle the truth that's you're problem.......I didn't downsize anybody else's opinion or advise on here whether I agreed with it or not..Nor should you...If you didn't like what I said MOVE ON..........NEXT......................................... | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/18/2008 9:29:11 PM | Well SPECIAL (And special you are) the Op didn't ask your opinion on grammar, or for a counsellor.....Un-cluttering was the topic....
Op I also think that if you are feeling overwhelmed maybe some yoga would help. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/18/2008 9:49:06 PM | Once again, another positive pleasant POFer threatening how nasty they can be.. Well, my dear, you would win because I make it a mission in life to be as pleasant and helpful to people as I can. Hope you're proud of winning THAT title.
Interestingly enough, decluttering your life is more about simplifying our lives. If you haven't used an item in 12 months, get rid of it. I find that the more "stuff" I bring into my life, the more things I have to organize and keep track of .
I think the OP is actually looking for personal organization and sometimes the lack of that is a sign of ADD... I know that I struggle to stay organized and have since I was young. Like the OP I often start an organization system but it falls apart after a few months.
I find the best way to organize my life is to simplify. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/19/2008 10:15:48 AM | I think the OP is actually looking for personal organization and sometimes the lack of that is a sign of ADD
Everyone wants a disorder, don't they? God forbid they admit personal responsibility. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/20/2008 4:27:47 PM | Sharp makes a cool Wizard pocket PDA that is a calender and syncs to the computer. But it's so much more. Three different types of reminders can be set for any given day. You can put grocery lists on it, memos, store extra pws, even emails. At 8mb its really a huge amount of space for under a hundred bucks.
Stylus and touch screen keyboard. HUGE help organizing. You can put in birthdays and anniversaries, bill reminders, lists, to dos...etc..etc... if you lost your memory completely this thing could replace it for you. I shit you not!
I had about 200 phone entries on mine and lots of other stuff and only made it up to using 2% of its memory. 3 phonebooks -- one for personal, one for business, general one. Best of all it let's you set alarms prior to the events -- so if you have an appointment at 3pm you can set it to buzz you at 1pm to get ready.
But don't expect it safe in a pants pocket -- I accidentally cracked my touchscreen and now it doesn't work.  I noticed they make belt clip on pouches for these so go with that or always leave it in a shirt pocket or hard briefcase.
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Sharp-OZ-590A-Wizard-Electronic-Organizer/2626888/product.html?cid=80208&fp=F
The phonebooks let you put in multiple numbers for one entry/person including cell/business/home numbers, email addresses...etc... I mean the features are well thought out and all encompassing. But still it's simple and cheap compared to a blackberry. $50 at the link above. Backlit screen so you can use it in the dark and you can turn the beep off so you don't annoy anyone around you.
Software Included: Builtin-Softwares:
Microsoft Outlook Synchronization
Word Translator (English/Spanish)
Address Book
Scheduler
Calendar
Memo Function
"To Do" Function
Birthday/Anniversary Function
Home Clock
World Clock
Calculator (with conversions)
Expense Manager
Games
FLASH memoryfor data security
Audible Alarms
Secret Function
Spell Checker
Foreign Language Phrase book (5 Language)
PW protected, too.  That is the secret function.
You won't be sorry. But you have to be diligant and disciplined about adding stuff right away because you can procrastinate back into clutter, too. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/21/2008 3:03:29 AM | Hi, I don't post much, However, I think you should be able to state your opinion without getting rude remarks back, I think the lady 4 you was being honest and helpful, the true hurts, we all are responsible for the choices we make good and bad, life is always going to be a learning experience.
I would tell my brother's when they got into trouble, a 2 year old knows they don't crap their pants, 3 year olds know right from wrong, we all make mistakes, but need to be mature enough to admit I screwed up and got myself in this mess, or when they didn't clean their rooms and got grounded of course they blame dad when they couldn't do stuff.
I would ask them (what did you think would happen) you know that saying be careful what you ask for, I'm not judging anyone, lets be adults here and act our age instead of our shoe size, but respect each others opinion's, you have been give good advice, it is your choice how you use the info, if I have offended anyone, I'm sorry, I'm just being honest, goodluck in getting your stuff together. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/21/2008 9:27:34 AM | If disorganization rules your life, you might be dealing with ADD. Coping with organizational skills with this disorder is far more challenging than for others. "Driven to Distraction" by Dr. Hallowell and Dr. Ratey is a fantastic book written for adults with ADD. There are "tricks" and skills that can be introduced into your life that will make an immense difference. My youngest daughter, now a young adult, grew up with ADD.
Aside from ADD, here are two recommendations (which might sound silly):
- make your bed EVERY morning.
- do the dishes (counters and stove wiped as well) EVERY evening before bed.
Sounds elementary but try it. | |
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| Call all POF'ers Tips to uncluttering my life
Posted: 2/21/2008 10:08:02 AM | Apparently though if you admit to having ADD, everyone is searching for a disorder..
See message 21..
I know organization for me is more of struggle..
My desk at work is a mess sometimes, my co workers desk is immaculate, she takes out one piece of paper and does whatever and moves on. I have several projects on the go..
Lucky for me, this equals multi tasking and its a GREAT skill in the workplace. I accomplish far more than some of my more organized co workers, and because ADD also brings with it a heightened memory at times, I remember more than most.
I tell everyone that I meet that I have ADD which means my concentration off them might wander, I may stop doing one thing all of sudden and move onto something else but I multitask like a bandit. In fact, if I could read, watch tv, crochet and play on the computer all at the same time I would.. LOL | |
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