Get Organized

I am a firm believer in the power of organization - I think it drives my husband nuts and he appreciates it all at the same time. To be honest, the level of my organizing might (will more than likely) be a little too over the top for most. But...it's time to come clean about my habits and not be ashamed.

So if one of your resolutions is to be more organized, get more done, keep your house clean, have structured play time/lessons for your kiddos and not go crazy - stay tuned...my OCD just might come in handy!

First, I am super forgetful - so I have to write everything down. Second, I'm very task driven. And third, I love to plan. I plan out everything. Planning it, and then writing it down sure helps me get more done! Having a *realistic* to-do list propels me forward and I accomplish far more on a daily basis then I would without it.

Here's what I do...

• Every Month
• I print out a calendar with all dr's apts, engagements, monthly goals, etc on it. Then I meal plan for the entire month (only the dinners). - click image below to enlarge, this is my actual calendar for the month...however, I have hand-written my meals on it already...

• Every Week
• I print out a weekly calendar/spreadsheet with detailed descriptions of what I do on certain days. I then add things by hand as they come up, change, etc. And obviously - I leave plenty of room to hand write things in as necessary...

• Every Night
• I update my weekly spreadsheet for the next day depending on circumstances, how I feel, etc. I also add things/switch things around if I didn't get everything done the day before.
• Every Day
• I work off of my list - but focus first on what is most important. Once the urgent things are done I can spend my time on fun things - like sewing or scrapbooking.

Scared yet? Don't be. I know it sounds like a lot. But it didn't start out this intense. I worked up to it. =)

So if you want to get more organized, but not as crazy like me. I would suggest starting with a monthly calendar + monthly goals. And the meal planning - totally worth it! We get a healthy varied diet, I always use up leftovers, and we save tons of money by not eating out because we "don't know what to make" at the last minute.

How do you organize your life? Have any great tips to share?