This time of year I always seem to get a bit ‘stir crazy’. I want everything – offline and online, from top down – in tip top shape. Having a family, working online as well as a job offline means every minute counts. I’m always *doing* something, have something in the works and going in ten different directions at once. It suits me well and I have a lot of fun – and heck ya, it keeps me outta trouble .

But things do get crazy and out of control. That kitchen junk drawer – it takes on a life of its own. The hall closet becomes a catch-all for everything from bath towels to plumbing parts. My office filing cabinets have some kind of freak goin on. We all know how easy it is for clutter, disorganization and big fat messes to take over. Since my personality is sensitive to and easily distracted by the ‘chaos’ around me – it does affect me and my ‘output’.

Earlier this month I finally finished reading “Getting Things Done” by David Allen (not an aff link) and I just *have not stopped* since reading the last page. My house has been torn through from top to bottom, closets, cupboards, drawers, storage rooms (eek even the laundry room) and finally now my office. So far we’ve hauled off two truck loads to the dump, a load to charity and I’ve got another load waiting to go.

I have websites that are down to the last one or two action items and then they’re on their own. I’m done with them for awhile.

It feels *great* to have everything clean, decluttered and organized. I’m making room for the ‘new’ that I’m planning for 2006.

I’m also implementing a new filing system and task/project management system for myself for both my offline world (business and job related) as well as my online world. I’ve done a lot of thinking of what this year accomplished for me and what next year (just days away) is going to involve. My old system of managing tasks and projects isn’t as efficient or as helpful and productive as it could be. I’ve outgrown it and I’ll be taking on projects and a direction that needs to be better organized and mapped.

IMO the whole premise of David’s book is to ‘free your mind’. Document all your inspirations, your To Do’s, your appointments, errands, etc., in a manner that is organized, made into action items and reviewed regularly. When your mind doesn’t have to work so hard trying to ‘remember’ everything, it’s more open to being creative and productive.

When you don’t have all that ‘clutter’ around you, your focus is more sharp and you get more done. I like that part.

My goal was to have both offline and online worlds completely up to par, organized and ready to go for January 1st. Good gosh I’ve been busy and it’s going to be a tight race to the finish line!

PS:

A couple years ago I used to do a lot with FlyLady, which is also a great method and motivation to get your home and your life back in shape.