What is This Thing Called Organization?

I started this morning with a flat tire.  Ugh!  It’s Monday morning!  Everybody is crazy & it takes 3 times as long to do anything or get anywhere.  What am I going to do?  My morning could go one of two ways:

1.  I have time to rearrange a few things & get the tire fixed

2.  I’ll be late to a client’s home and won’t get my To Do list completed today.

Sometimes when I tell people what I do, I receive a blank stare back.    Actually, it’s really every time but whose counting.  I think it’s the word organization that does it.  Let’s face it, if you aren’t organized, then how can you really understand the definition of organization or quickly get a mental picture of what I can create when your desk is piled with papers or you can’t see the floor of your closet.  Besides, you’ve tried to get organized & it didn’t happen or didn’t stick.  How can I possibly have the magic formula?

Let’s start with a definition; methodical & efficient in arrangement or function.  YUCK!

Maybe my flat tire example would be better.

1. Flat Tire Morning for an Unorganized Person

a.  Items needed for today scattered around the home.

i.Handbag, lunch, paperwork, favorite lipstick, keys, phone

b.Woke up late

i.Alarm not set or went to bed late & too tired to start day

c.Nothing available for breakfast

i.Didn’t take time to grocery shop

ii.Coffee not prepared to just turn on & brew

d.Don’t know what to wear

i.Didn’t check weather forecast for today’s temperatures

ii.Didn’t take time to consider options while preparing for bed

e.Gas Tank on Empty

i.Thought you would have time to do this on the way to work

ii.Were not aware that tank was low on your last drive home

✤SUMMARY: Too many decision left for the morning when your brain isn’t yet functioning & clarity is an impossibility.

1.Flat Tire Morning for an Organized Person

i.Handbag, lunch, paperwork, favorite lipstick, keys, phone

i.Went to bed on time. Now rested & ready to start the week

i.Grocery shopped & have options available to choose from

ii.Coffee prepared to just turn on & brew

i.Checked weather forecast for today’s temperatures

ii.Considered options while preparing for bed

i.Knew you would not have time to do this on the way to work

1.It’s a MONDAY!

ii.Have a habit of checking tank level on your drive home

a.  Items needed for today are gathered together for easy pick-up

b.Woke up on time

c.Breakfast laid out

d.Know what you might wear

e.Gas Tank Full

✤SUMMARY: An easy routine has been established of preparing the night before allowing your mornings to be relaxed & easy or able to handle the unexpected.

Which life do you want to live?  I want the second.  It doesn’t happen everyday, I’m only human, but it happens most of the time.

One last note, it always helps to have a friend in time of need.  Thankfully my neighbor noticed my flat tire before I drove away for work & graciously offered to fill it up so I could make it to the Tire Store for repair.  I wonder which morning he was having……