This IS the first step to organizing anything

Where do I start?  It is always the first question asked of me when I give advice on organizing.  Sometimes I wish I had this really novel idea for answer – that I totally created on my own.  But alas, this first step to organize anything can almost be seen as elementary.  Just not obvious.

It’s always been a focus of mine to help people learn about how to be well. And organization is, of course, one of those ways.  And so is imparting some wisdom about important questions like, “where do I start?”

Your answer? It’s as simple as vision.  Not my vision.

Yours.

The one you need to have to get started in organizing anything.

Yup, it’s one of the first and most important tenets of getting organized.  Have a vision.  It doesn’t have to be big, your vision.  People hear that word and think quite broadly.  It can be big…but don’t be fooled by the term.

Your vision is simply the picture you have about how you want your space to look. And it should have some weight to it.  Which means you have to dig a bit to get to the truth of your vision and importantly how you want to feel.

When thinking about getting organized don’t start with your whole house or your whole life, even.  Otherwise, you will get too overwhelmed.  Trust me. Instead, pick a spot, like your office or your kitchen and then create your vision by asking yourself:

How do I want this space to look?” Specifically, “How do I want to feel in this space? How do I see myself operating in this space?”

How you want to feel gives your vision more purpose.  And having a vision helps you see what you want and helps you make decisions easier on what should stay and what should go.

That is important stuff in the world of getting organized.  I can just about promise you that if your vision is clear, your space will follow suit.

Think about your vision for that one space. Stay firm with it.  Keep it in the forefront of your mind (hey, put it on your list!).  It will actually bring you the clarity you need  – and serve as a great start – to organize anything.