What does getting ‘organized’ mean to you? What it means to most is totally different! From a college student, single female who works a ton, single mother who works a ton, recent newly wed, student again mother, girl who is always thinking of everyone else but themselves, job hunting female…the list goes on, obviously…which is cool.

Why cool? It is cool because that means NO Top 5 List will work for everyone or even 50% of the readers for that matter. Why?  Because every girl’s needed organization begins each morning somewhere different. Like, starting the job hunt all over again, rushing to the office, feeding and raising a child, back to the gym, and on and on we go. So going for gold is unnecessary! Listen to the ladies of ahlivv…It is ok to achieve only one or two items from the list! So let the organization begin!

Quickly, why is organization needed? What does it do for you, me, us, them? Well for starters, the lost time spent due to unorganization like looking for that stapler refill box, (not that we have ever had thishappen!) no matter how much time was spent looking, is time lost. Or say, looking for your favorite ski socks while your ride to the slopes is inching out the driveway, time lost to you and them! So get organized and Reduce Your Stress and Simplify Your Life!

From day to week to month to year. Here is the ahlivv 2009 Get Your Act Together List:

1. Start your day or week or month or year with a To Accomplish List.

From New Year’s Resolution List like pay bills on time and get outside once a week to pack your lunch the night before and water the plants while brushing teeth. To Accomplish Lists have every day items but also those need-to-get done or will be overdue again items. Some suggest actual time slots in your day planner for to dos…that is when the not going for gold kicks in…just put the to do on the list and first step accomplished!

TIPS: carrying small notebook, use cell phone calendar, note in email or even use widgets notepad

2. Perfectionism is Overrated.

Thinking you have to complete a task like putting away laundry or cleaning apartment so everything is perfect is UNNESSECCARY! Doing it is doing it!

Done is done! Do not get caught up in starting something because you are setting too high standards…just do it!

TIPS: throwing everything from floor in back of closet is not suggested!

Lifting each picture frame while dusting is overrated perfectionism. Just dust!

3. Email Haphazards.

Everyone knows someone who is the queen of email responding (currently looking to the sky like I have no idea what that even means!). Yes it can be fun from time to time to be that timely client or friend, but not always!

Come on, you start to stand out.

Starting your day, whenever your shift may begin or your Internet finally works, does not need to begin with email checking. Some situations, yes, but not all. Why, because your mind wanders! Links are clicked. Chain letters are passed. LOL’s are had. Tell yourself, one or two good readings and responses a day is all that is necessary (again for most people/positions!).

TIPS: do not be the instigator for daily email chatting, they will overwhelm you one day!

4 Command Center.

We all have mail, receipts, statements, invitations, paper, paper, and more paper these days. So a few suggestions. Create a command center that divides bills, receipts, invites, whatever you need to keep organized. Now you know where that $5.00 McDonald’s receipt is to expense, no time lost looking for it. From there, note that all bank statements, ATM deposit slips and so on can be shredded once your statement is received! Woo Hoo!

Love that. Next, your paycheck stubs, unemployment checks, mortgage statements and so on can be shredded at years end. Quick note, your W2 and tax returns, 7 years! So find a good spot for those!

TIPS: Buy a shredder…they make falling asleep at night that much easier!

5. Thank You’s

Everyone has a Thank You to send. What way to feel less stressed than sharing that gratitude that is always well received and deserved! Another perfection thought, do not think perfect…think short and sweet and to top it off, mention that personal note of how you have been hoping for that gift forever! Done and done!

TIPS: Keep the envelope gifts or letters were received in to take advantage of the return address. And, create an excel sheet of those addresses. (I may have my sisters wedding invitation list in excel but only because I have been adding to it for years and the organization is perfect!)

6. Even numbers are a must for my man so here it it…#6: Find a Home.

Seriously, find a home for everything. From your weekend getaway bag, again those favorite ski socks to your herbal essence shampoo on the shower ledge, your ski and snowboard gear spot, and your day at the beach bag. Find them all a home and always put them back in their home! What does that do? Helps you remember where things are!!! It’s amazing!

Creating homes are great, right! Home for a dog, friend, whatever.

Everything deserves one!

So that is the ahlivv/Ashley ‘Get Your Act Together List’. I hope they are helpful! If there is only one that is suiting, as you do all the rest, god bless you! If they all are helpful, awesome. If they are just repetitive and you have heard them all before, then I feel sorry that you are still currently reading this. And finally, remember this is a blog, not expert advice. But, Organization is my middle name.

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