The Container Store Solution ~Instant gratification ~ fix a drawer ~

Adjusting to the week that wasn't planned ~

Why systems work when all goes wrong. 

We all have busy schedules and planned out weeks/months and dare I say, some years. What happens when it does not all go as planned?

Well, I had that kind of week. My computer crashed on Tuesday. I was left with my Iphone for all tech communication and I learned from previous experience to have had a back up of my whole computer in cyberspace. My week could have been a lot tougher had I not had some systems in place that kept me from completely going through tech hell. 

I joined the IPhone world - reluctantly 2 months ago. I held off thinking it was more than I needed. I caved in when my cell phone needed updating and decided to just go for it. I added the cloud - had my calendar and all my contacts on my phone and thought I had died and gone to heaven. When my computer crashed, I realized that had I not set up these systems, it would have been a very challenging week. Instead, I went with the flow. I had 2 days of figuring out what I was going to do and then broke down and bought an IMAC and an IPAD. I figure if you can't beat'em - join'em.

I then altered my week accordingly - used a family computer 2x a day to do immediate emails and have left the other computer work for when I am up an running again. While I will be behind in my banking and some other systems that I have, I know that because I do have systems that it won't be that hard to catch up. I felt very grateful this week that I was organized and had systems in place to help me with a week that did not go as planned.

Additionally, by the end of the week I gave into the Buddah way of life and spent 4 hours gardening (on a work day) that I probably would have spent on the computer. Got some sun, nature time and relaxed. (You can only do so much on a phone~)

I encourage to set up some systems that will make your life easier - just in case you have a week that wasn't planned ~

Have a great weekend.

~Eve

Don't Try Mastering Organization

I am of the belief that everyone is good or even great at something. Why everyone "thinks" they should be "able" to be organized is a question I ask myself at least once a week.


After 20 years in this industry and meeting all types of personalities, it is clear that some people will never master organization. Not to be a pessimist, but why even try to master something you are not innately good at or don't like to do. The optimistic side of this is that if organization does not come naturally to you and you do struggle, there is away around it.


First, you must admit you don't like to spend time organizing or you don't do it well. Then, here comes the solution - create support systems to assist you. What does that mean?


There are a number of ways to create systems. One is physically set up your environment so it works for you. Two, ask for help in the areas you are not good at maintaining. Whether it is laundry or paperwork, get help. If you can't pay for help, trade what you are good at for the support you need. Nothing is free.


I have come up with a lot of analogies over the years to try and make people (who need support ) understand that no matter how many hours they spend trying to be organized they will never master it. It may take a team. So, my latest analogy that I explained to my ADD 14 year old son ( who forgets his homework, assignments etc.) is this:


When Lance Armstrong rides a race, he does it with a team of riders around him who help him keep his momentum going. He could not succeed at his pace without them. This my son could understand. Every CEO has an assistant, homes have housekeepers, Doctors have nurses. 


Why is it okay for people to be comfortable with these assistance yet many are not comfortable asking for help in areas they are not good at or don't have time to do? 



For my son and those who are challenged with papers and forgetfulness, they need to have a support system. My son has teacher's that check in with him, face to face  about his assignments. Not just trusting he will get the assignment from the board. He has friends call him at night to followup that he knows what to do, etc. Yes, he was uncomfortable at first doing this but after I explained to him that I did not expect him to master his challenges and I expected him to come up with solutions and support, he accepted it.


Another analogy; I am not an artist. I never will be. If I wanted to paint, I would have to take a class and even then, I will not master it. 1) because I don't want to and 2) I'm not a natural artist. Therefore, I don't expect that I will master being an artist. 


Don't try to master organization if it's not your thing. Create your systems and then ask for support in maintaining them~


~Eve 

Teacher's Discount at The Container Store

I just love that The Container Store is offering teacher discount programs. Here's a great opportunity for teachers to get organized~

Organized teacher discount program. Teachers, sign up now and receive your first discount!

Article in The Santa Barbara Independent

Everything's Organized

Thank you to Matt Kettman of The Independent for allowing me to come and stir up his office and giving it a kick start towards being more organized~

Organizing 101 for Your Office and Life

www.independent.com

Author and pro organizer Eve Brière helps one <em>Indy</em> editor clear his desk.

The Container Store Tip Organized Parenting 101

The Container Store Tip Organized Parenting 101

Santa Barbara International Women's Festival March 10th

Women's Festivals Santa Barbara ~ 
Join me this weekend March 9, VIP Reception and March 10th, at SBCC for the 5th annual Interntional Women's Festival. I will be hosting 2 round table events between 2-4pm discussing Organization as a Lifestyle Choice~ my book will be available for sale at a discounted rate.


~Eve

Yoga and Organization?

What does yoga have to do with being organized? 


I have studied and taught yoga for 15 years. Additionally, I have worked out my whole life. I know what a daily practice is and what the commitment is to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are days when I would rather not practice or workout but when I do, I know that I feel better and that I am more centered for the day. If I have a hectic week, I know that 20 minutes a day is better than nothing.


Being organized on a daily basis brings you a sense of calmness and centering just like a daily workout does. If you have the systems set up in advance that allow you to maintain them on a regular basis, even the busiest week can have some sense of order to it.


15 minutes a day of organization ~ in one area of your life ~ can and will make your life easier. 


~Eve