10 Common Roadblocks to Getting Organized

1. All or nothing thinking/taking on too much.

" I'm going to take a few days off from work and finally get this house/office together!" Doesn't sound very realistic, does it? What usually happens?

2. Not having a plan.

Fail to plan, plan to fail. Be specific about what you're going to tackle. How long it will take and what tools or materials will you need in order to do the job?

3. Not writing it down.

It's too difficult to keep it all in our heads. Once you decide on the task or project, break it down into small steps. On paper.

4. Not scheduling time to do it.

Thinking you can do this anytime, really means NO time. If you can't take the time to schedule it, in your calendar, how will you take the time to get it done?

5. Not scheduling appropriately.

Don't schedule your project at night if you're a morning person. Don't expect to have quiet time when the kids are off from school. Don't try to do the big, focused job on the day you're having workmen in the house. Don't overbook!

6. Not prioritizing.

Do the bigger, time sensitive tasks first. Getting caught up in the little things can cause the time get away from you.

7. Not making places for things.

Take the time to create a logical place for something to live. If there's no room it, some decisions need to be made around clearing some space.

8. Not putting things away.

Prevent piles. File away those papers, books, clean laundry, in a timely manner.

9. Not completing tasks.

Are you one of those people who have dozens of projects lying around, in various stages of completion? Ask yourself what's in the way? Address what's preventing you from finishing the project.

10.Thinking you can do it alone.

It's not easy to make changes. Honor your feelings when clearing out old family possessions or mementos. Make a phone call and tell someone you're going to finally get to that thing you've been procrastinating about. Or hire a professional organizer so you don't have to do it alone.

Andrea Feldman is a Professional Organizer, Time Management Consultant, Motivational Speaker and Trainer. She helps businesses and individuals increase productivity by setting priorities, creating more efficient use of space and changing habits that drain time and energy.

Andrea is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and holds a Specialist Certificate in working with the chronically disorganized from the National Study Group for Chronic Disorganization. As a public speaker, Andrea addresses business and community groups on topics including time management, controlling clutter, how to balance work and personal life.

Andrea is a past president of Last Word Toastmasters Club in Pittsfield, MA. She is on the steering committee of Berkshire Entrepreneurs Network, and President of Southern Berkshires Business Network International.

Andrea offers a free phone consultation and can be reached at 413-655-7766. Her website is http://www.GetOrganizedwithAndrea.com