Let's face it...we all make resolutions for the new year.  Whether you believe in doing this or not, naysayers and believers alike find themselves promising to do a myriad of things each and every new year.  I'm one of those non-believers, but I still found myself secretly exploring all the possibilities that 2010 would bring if only I would resolve to...oh, well, so many things! 

This thought led me to muse about the home office and small business office dilemmas pertaining to the resolution to "get organized."  We perceive a new year as a time to start fresh and wipe the slate clean.  Everything looks brighter right before the new year, and for a few lucky folks, this good feeling even extends for a long period of time into the new year.  Most of us, though, peter out at some point.  Our rose-colored glasses become scratched, foggy, and much less rosy.  Our enthusiasm dwindles as the "I'm Overwhelmed" feeling bullies us until we finally give up.     

Let's begin with the seemingly simple, yet quite daunting task of just organizing one's home office, work space, and/or business office.

Of course we all want an organized office or workspace.  Of course a homeowner wants to spend the least time possible sitting behind a desk after they get home from their job.  Of course business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs want more business.  Of course we all want to feel the relief and satisfaction of knowing we are on track, we all want to be able find what we need when we need it, and we all want to have more time for the pursuit of pleasure, happiness, and relaxation.  

Some of us are neat and tidy by nature; others of us are not.  Being neat and tidy does not necessarily mean we are organized, and conversely, not being neat and tidy does not necessarily mean we aren't organized. 

The goal of being organized does not just include finding what you need when you need it, and having a tidy desk.  It also means being able to prioritize tasks and meet the goals you have set for yourself, whether you are an individual trying to get your bills paid, a small business owner trying to sell a product, or an author trying to write your next book. 

Take a look around your office.  Do you have projects you've yet to start, projects you've started but haven't finished, or are you simply overwhelmed and don't know where to start?

As Julie Andrews sang so long ago, "start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start."

Organizing anything successfully begins with organizing your mind.

The Next Installment:  Organize Your Mind Before You Organize Your Office 

About the Author:  

Claire Zimmerman is a Virtual Assistant, and the owner/operator of CM Office Support.  Claire's mission is to help individuals, small businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and solopreneurs not only meet but surpass their goals.  How does she do this?  CM Office Support accomplishes tasks and projects her clients would normally spend their precious time doing, but don't need to, affording them more time to concentrate on the bigger picture. Claire also offers proactive, viable, and cost-effective solutions for streamlining work flow, organizing, and planning.