See this mess of books and papers? It looks eerily like my home office.
And yet......
Its like that saying, The harder I work, the behinder I get.
I do have somewhat of a system. (See my little jotted notes below?) They are some I clipped together in June 2011, to keep track of contests, calls for submissions, and notes for my memoir. At least I had them clipped together!
And I do have files and folders, but I don't keep up with them. I'm nowhere near as organized as I used to be when I was younger, and worked full-time in offices. My mind is always in a zillion directions now and I don't stay focused. Is it because I'm older? Or because I have so much writerly stuff on my mind? Whatever the reason....now is the time to change!
I've read quite a few blogs lately that have a new Word for the Year. Something they want to focus on. I've decided that's what I need, too. After much soul-searching, the following three words jumped out at me:
Concentrate - Organize - Complete
What do you think? Is there any hope for me?!
Do you have a Word for the Year?
* Welcome to my newest follower Josie Two Shoes. I hope you will stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you so much! *
*Note: Yesterday, I did get caught up (I think) replying to individual comments on my blog all the way back to December 9th! Today, I'll be making the rounds to as many blogs as I can!
"I'm a disorganized mess. My purse is gross: I once found a shoulder pad, string cheese, and a Christmas ornament in it!" -- Hoda Kotb
COC.... that is what my staff needs to do LOL. Have a fabulous Friday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Hey Molly The Wally! Thank you. I still haven't gotten much accomplished...but, I'm at least working on it every day! :)
DeleteThat's a wonderful goal. My word for the New Year is 'mindfulness'.
ReplyDeleteHi Delores! I love your word: mindfulness. That's a great one!
DeleteI know the feeling. I could use more organization in my life too. I always feel like I'm juggling too many balls. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Daisy! I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one! I think I read in one of these comments, something about a creative person doesn't have a neat and clean desk! Well, there's your answer! LOL
DeleteI hear you, Becky! I don't have a word because it would take a whole dictionary to straighten me out!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia! I literally laughed out loud when I read this!! Thank you! :)
Deletei can relate to disorganization. You're not alone. My word for this year is courage. Hopefully, I'll confront life with less fear.
ReplyDeleteHi Myrna! Courage is a powerful word. I really like it. And I think you will conquer your fears this year!
DeleteI think that is a wonderful goal…and it's one I can follow as well. My husband is always so organized. I guess I am too, but in a really messy way.
ReplyDeleteI didn't pick a word this year, but I do have some goals that I blogged about. I am excited and determined to see them come to fruition.
Hi Sue. Isn't it funny how many times married couples are the opposite when it comes to clutter and organization? I USED to be very good at both, but The Ronald never has been....so somewhere during these past (almost) 31 years of marriage, when it comes to keeping the living areas uncluttered, I've about given up! I don't remember if I read your blog yet, so I'll hop over there again!
DeleteGreat little post there. I too would choose Organize and Complete! Like you, I used to be SO organized when I worked in an office. What went wrong?! Have a lovely weekend my friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane! I can't figure it out, either! I guess when we let ourselves relax...we REALLY relaxed!
DeleteI so need to follow your mantra! You're not the only one so disorganized. We can do it!
ReplyDeleteHi Ellie! Hey, I love that you said, "We can do it!" I'll check on you about once a month, ok? If I can remember! LOL
DeleteOh wowsers, Becky, I can definitely identify. I HATE going into my home office it's such a freaking mess. I MUST get in there and, and, and, do SOMETHING. So glad I'm not alone! Susan
ReplyDeleteOh Susan! I love it that you shared this info! LOL I would never have thought of you as a clutter-bug! I hate dealing with ALL THE PAPERS! It's all stuff I've written and printed, mostly, and whether I really need to keep them, and where to file them, etc.etc. Acckkkkk!
DeleteMy word is NOW -- and it relates to all the things you mention -- concentrating, organizing and completing. Just doing it and not putting it off. Like going to the gym. Which I really need to do now...
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie! Now is another great word. It wouldn't work for me, though. I'm too much of a procrastinator! LOL....Hmmm, maybe that has something to do with why my office is such a mess......
DeleteIt's that time of year where we all think about what we can change. As I've said in a few other blog comments, my motto for 2014 is "Try to Do Better". That seems achievable to me.
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat, you are the smart one! "Try to Do Better." That really does seem achievable! Good for you!
DeleteOh my...but you are a busy lady. I don't have a word for this year. I just want to be a better me. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHi McGuffy! From what I know of you, I don't know how you could be a better "you"! Really!
DeleteWhen my desk gets crazy disorganized, I get a recyclable grocery bag and the kitchen trash can. For ten minutes, I work on a section of the desk (I usually do a third of the desk at a time). I put papers I don't need directly in the trash. I put stuff that has a home in the grocery bag, and I put pens/post-its/desk stuff in their proper places. I file the papers I need to keep. When the timer goes off, then I take a ten-minute break (read email, goof off on FB); repeat. So in an hour, my desk is cleaned, and then I deliver all of the grocery bag items to their proper place. My only problem is my relaxed attitude about clutter, so it gets pretty bad before I use this system...oh, how I wish I were more of a neat freak!
ReplyDeleteWow, Kim! Just reading this wore me out! LOL. It really does sound like a great way of dealing with it. Maybe you can hop into your car and just drive on over here and help me? Wouldn't that be fun??!! I'd even provide a grand lunch, to help pay for gas! :)
DeleteConcentrate - Organize - Complete - What great words!
ReplyDeleteI think my new thing for this year is to "live life to it's fullest." This time in my life, it's a must!
Have a great weekend, Miss Becky
Nancy
Hi Nancy, thanks! I love your "new thing" for this year! It's something we should ALL do, every year! Thank you for reminding us!
DeleteI hope you achieve your goals. I am afraid three would be too many for me. My desk is always messy, but that is a sign of a creative mind. Mine is to not allow FB to suck too much of my time.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! Thanks, but I don't have three goals. Those words all pertain to that one goal of getting my office into a live-able/use-able space!
DeleteAn empty desk is a sign of an empty mind.
ReplyDeleteAnd my mind is not particularly creative, but it certainly isn't empty - if the desk is anything to go by.
Love your words. Good luck with them. Perhaps you can add CONQUER as another...
Hi EC! Thank you! My big problem is that it's not just my desk that is messy....It's everything and everywhere...including the floor! Eeek!
DeleteLol, I can relate. My house is a disaster. I have been putting every ounce of energy into work. I'm taking this weekend back for myself to try to catch and also to work on my blog. I'm mentioning you today; the post should be up within an hour. Hugs and best of luck on getting things organized! Oh, thank you for the Christmas card!
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
Hi Kathy! You have a perfectly good reason to have an un-perfect house! You work hard every day at a school! I'd come home exhausted! Thank you so much for your sweet and generous post, and I'm glad you liked the card. (I'm STILL mailing some! LOL)
DeleteOh every now and again I feel unorganized and disheveled. I don't like it. It makes me kind of cranky and anxious. Here's to a little peace, zen and order!
ReplyDeleteYou said the exact words I'm in great need of when it comes to this room: peace, zen, and order! Thanks, Julie!
DeleteThanks everyone! I feel so much better knowing I'm not alone in this!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'll be back later to reply to each of you!
I'm sure there is hope for you but I know I am totally without hope in this area. Every year I say I'm going to get organized but.....
ReplyDeleteHey Julie! You made me laugh saying you're sure there's hope for me, but not for you! LOL
DeleteI feel those three words would suit me as well. At the office I was always organised but since retiring many, many years ago I find I do get behind with filing etc. You have such a busy life but me, I have no excuse except for old age.
ReplyDeleteHi Mimsie! I really have no excuse, either.. except I have a low energy level and get tired so darn easily, which I get aggravated about!
DeleteGood luck with your organizational focus. My word for this year is Refrain. I didn't ask for it, but that's the one for sure.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, thanks for your good luck wishes! Hmmm, REFRAIN! That could work for me, too.....as in REFRAIN from crawling around the floor, going through papers and wondering what the heck to do with them! LOL
DeleteWell, I understand your need to get more organized. On the other hand, life is pretty interesting when you start looking for one thing and find a long lost item!
ReplyDeleteHi Betty! Thanks! And yes, that's true about finding a long lost item.....which I've done a time or two! :)
DeleteHey Becky! I blame my disorganization on menopause. That's a pretty good excuse to hang on a lot of things, and no one in my family dares argue about it. lol I have a whole phrase for 2014: Think it, ink it, do it. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, I LOVE your reasoning. It makes a lot of sense....but I can't use it...at least, I don't think I can! (We'll have to talk! LOL)
DeleteYour phrase is awesome! Go, Lisa! :)
In some areas I am more organized than I used to be, but others not so much! I have learned to let go of some of the stuff I don't need, which is a good feeling!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! Thanks for stopping and leaving a comment! I know what you mean about letting go of some stuff. When we moved a few months ago, I got rid of a lot of things that I'd previously thought I "couldn't" let go of. My main problem right now is CLUTTER! And especially lots and lots of PAPER. Copies of things I've written that I like to proofread with paper and pencil. Copies of contests, calls for submissions, etc. that I want to "remember" , etc.etc.! LOL
DeleteI just had to smile when I read this. I am so much in the same boat. Clutter and disorder drive me nuts. . .but I seem incapable of preventing or dealing with it. So I like your three words! Probably my word would be "procrastinate"--as in, don't procrastinate. Thanks for coming by my blog!
ReplyDelete--Rebecca (who also used to be known as Becky)
Hi Rebecca ~ also known as Becky! Thank you so much for commenting! And I apologize, for just seeing this. It was stuck in my "To Be Published" comment thingy. I hope you haven't been wondering what happened to it! Thanks again! (How's your clutter these days? Mine is as bad as ever!)
DeleteMine too!
Delete