Clutter isn't just physical

Whether it’s a cluttered desk, kitchen counter, computer, or to-do list, most of us could benefit from organization.

It helps us accomplish more.

It keeps us from being overwhelmed.

It takes us from panic to peace.

Being organized can benefit people in every walk of life.

So, how does being organized help writers accomplish more? (If you’re not a writer, bear with me. I’ll get to you soon.)

Writers often have deadlines, whether from others or self-imposed. There are numerous tasks associated with producing a published work. This process can easily become overwhelming. How to keep track? How to stay on track?

Here’s what I did. I joined an accountability group with some fellow writers. We use a shared Google Sheet to document our tasks and we have video calls biweekly to report our progress–or lack of it, if that’s the case.

I’ve learned that postponing a task derails the entire process, so I do my best to consult my task lists regularly to stay on track.

What if you’re not a writer?

Sometimes there are too many items on our to-do list. We add things to it faster than we can check things off. I confess I will add a task to my list that wasn’t on it before I did the task–just so I can check it off!

Are you involved with your church or another organization?

Consider the 80/20 principle, which states that a small percentage of people handle most of an organization’s productivity. Let me share an example from personal experience.

I was once the director of two major children’s ministry events in a church of roughly 2000 members. These events required many volunteers. Dozens of children attended the Vacation Bible School. Just scheduling them in classes was a challenge. Our fall festival required about a hundred workers! That's a significant number of individuals to oversee.

These events required an enormous commitment of time on my part, to the point where I was getting burned out. The children’s ministry director kiddingly “fired” me from managing one of them so others would step up.

Do you know what happened after he made the announcement in church that I was stepping down? People came out of the woodwork and pitched in. I felt an enormous weight lifted off my shoulders.

Are you saying ‘yes’ to too many requests? Do you find it hard to say ‘no’? It’s a good cause, right? Just because something is a good thing doesn’t mean God wants you to do it. He might have someone else in mind. So prayerfully consider a task before you agree to do it.

Or maybe you just have trouble prioritizing.

Which task is time sensitive?

Auntie Ursula’s birthday is in four days. Better get that card mailed today.

Your car’s tag expires this month. Renew it pronto, or you risk a fine.

How about the video cabinet full of TV shows you recorded before DVRs and streaming were available? It can probably wait, but I wouldn’t recommend waiting until you’re preparing for a move, as I did. (I tossed them all, by the way.)

Clutter results from postponed decisions.

The mail you brought in yesterday still sits on the kitchen counter. It’s there because it requires decision making to sort through it and place each piece where it belongs. I know. Each one requires a decision. File? Shred? Pay? You can do it.

The pile of now-wrinkled clothing on the bed? It’s there because something else demanded your attention, so  putting it away became less important. (I prefer to get it put away before the wrinkle monster attacks.)

The kitchen counter is littered with dirty dishes, spice jars, pots, pans, and the cat.

Wait! What’s the cat doing on the counter?

Well, off he goes. That’s one thing put away. Hooray!