Recently I was asked for 'three secrets of the organized.'  I thought I'd share what came to mind:

Secrets of the well organized:

1.     They make decisions. 

Every orphan item in your home represents an unmade decision. Decision-making is not only the engine that drives getting organized it’s where the power lies.

2.     They know how to make and use lists.

It’s helpful to write down everything you wish to accomplish.  But it’s important to understand the difference between critical items and those that can be scheduled for a later time.

3.     They start small.

It takes 21 consecutive days of repeating an action before it becomes a habit. Start making your bed every day. Put your keys in the same spot the minute you walk into your home. Seemingly simple actions like these build self esteem and positively influence those with whom you live and work.

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As I look at this list I really believe it holds the key to success. Do you have piles of anything in your home?  The big culprits are clothing and papers.  They are nothing more than delayed decisions stacking up to remind you that you need to decide the fate of these orphans. It may indeed be difficult at first if you are used to delaying decisions but after a bit you'll find it's quite addicting.  Why?  Because decisions hold power and the ability to control your environment. We can't control others but we can keep what we own and use under control.  Try it.  There is no downside!

I have an entire chapter on the power of lists in my newest book 'The 8-Minute Organizer.' How to make them and how to use them will help you be instantly more effective in life. One big Master List carried with you day after day will only produce guilt.  It's too easy to feel like a failure.  Lists are great tools but you need to understand how to make and use them. A hammer is a great tool but it's useless if you don't understand how to use it.  Right?

You'll discover that getting organized isn't Rocket Science.  It's actually fun and VERY creative. Dive in.  What have you got to lose but all those pre-conceived notions that have been weighing you down for decades.