Don't Start Touching Things…First VIS-U-AL-IZATION 

Start with the end in mind. We do this in our paid work, but now we need to do it for our meaty project. I know it's so exciting when you have all your supplies. But to be most effective, I want you to have a meaningful start. When you are done, come Labor Day, how does it look? AND how does it function? Will it effectively support you during the upcoming most productive weeks out of the year?

• Teacher

  • When you think about going to school, how do you envision the Teacher Friday Workbox® effectively helping you with your administrative tasks? Compile the paper and slash pockets you need to make it a reality. Maybe set up a table in the corner of a room as your project station for the summer. Communicate with your family and remind them about planned neglect.

• Organizing Your Paper

  • The first few steps are very much like starting the Teacher Friday Workbox®. And you get to start once you have time blocked out on your calendar. How much paper will you go through at time? Starting a Sunday Basket®? Consider the Paper Organizing Retreat or hire a professional paper organizer to help. And then plan it on your calendar.

• Organizing Your Health Journey

  • When spaces are modified to support goals, goals are more likely achieved. Again visualize how the kitchen will best support your new goals. If it's losing weight, visualize how you want it to look. I know I'm looking forward to a half full refrigerator and replacing some items I will hand down to Abby and getting some new ones I have my eye on.

• Personal Development/Personal Spaces

• Reflect! This is time you are setting aside to reflect on who you are and what you want. I strongly encourage you to attend Embrace. I'd start there because you may find you want to do something different than before Embrace. This is also a time to think about your wants. It's not like "I deserve this." No, maybe you have wanted something and everyone else has their needs met…go ahead and dream. And if it's in the budget, get it! What do you want your life to look like?

• Getting Your Kids Organized

• Dream with your kiddos how their rooms could look. Consider your budget and make a plan. I noticed I did this about every three years. Your kids have grown and are now different people. Make sure you know how you will do it because once you tell them they will want to start tomorrow!

• Organizing Your Family & Communal Spaces

• Just visualize functionality. I remember this lady who had a perfect home and when a magazine came to take pictures, they replaced some of her decor! It was in that moment that I realized even perfect isn't perfect. These are communal spaces and they will not stay organized long at all. This is the first floor of a two story home. Plan it out on your calendar when you will do each room and in what order. 

Focus

Since this is your summer long project, I want you thinking about it all the time. On the way to the grocery store you may have a great idea come to you; write it down. And the next time you get 5 minutes or 3 hours, you can implement that idea!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• The Sunday Basket®

• Teacher Friday Workbox®

• Paper Organizing Retreat

• The Productive Home Solution®

• Embrace Self-Guided Retreat

• Kids Program

• Sign Up for the Organize 365® Newsletter 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Organize 365® when you share on social media!