Get Organized Now! Newsletter by Maria Gracia http://www.getorganizednow.com Issue: March 2-8, 2008 Number of Subscribers: 181,999 ============================================ Hello {!firstname_fix} ============================================ ** Finally! An Affordable and Easy to Use Filing System for Your Home ** Are you drowning in the paper flood that pours into your home every day? You know...the endless stream of bills, warranties, receipts, important documents, user manuals, bank statements, letters, promotions, insurance papers, employment and medical information, school papers. Need I go on? How you deal with that paper determines whether you live in an atmosphere of calm and control or clutter and chaos. Along with chaos comes frustration, tension and conflict-- all because of the never-ending paper flood. But have no fear. Now you can easily gain total control of your vital paper information -- instantly, easily and happily-- with My Oh-So-Organized Filing System (just released and hot off the press!) Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/filing.html P.S. Find out how you can get a BONUS Tickler file system-- complimentary! ============================================ DON'T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE Do you put off tasks that you do not want to do or like to do? Do you say 'I'll just do it tomorrow?' Procrastination, for one reason or another, happens to the best of us. There are ways to help alleviate it. 1) Plan your day according to your most productive time. Are you a morning person? Plan the most difficult or unpleasant activities during the morning when you are least likely to procrastinate and have the most energy. Or are you an afternoon person? Then do the most difficult or unpleasant activities after Noon. 2) If you find you are putting off even beginning a project because you find it too overwhelming and intimidating, break the project down into smaller steps until they are manageable. Write the steps down and be specific by putting a date on each one as to when it will be completed. To remind ourselves of our goals, it is helpful to write reminders that can be posted in different places (i.e. mirror, refrigerator, front door). The more we remind ourselves of our goals, the more likely we will follow them. 3) Prevent distractions and interruptions from occurring. When you have something that needs to be done, turn off the cell phone. Do not answer the door. Turn off the television. Remove whatever it is that distracts you from doing the job at hand. 4) Eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep. Exercising will help you to create more energy and you'll be less likely to procrastinate. Eat complex carbohydrates instead of simple sugars. This will provide a steady release of energy instead of a short boost. Getting a good night’s sleep, at least 8 hours, will help you re-energize and you'll be able to maintain more energy during the day. 5) Get organized. Being unorganized causes chaos and is very distracting. When you are organized, you are better able to focus on a task instead of the clutter. While in the office, close the door and clean up the clutter on your desk. Have all the necessary equipment and supplies on hand before you begin your work. 6) Ask for someone’s help to stop you from procrastinating. Ask this person to hold you accountable for the completion of a task you have been putting off. ----- P.S. Get organized once and for all! You can be Finally Organized, Finally Free. Get 2,175 organizing tips, ideas and techniques to help you organize your home, your time and your life! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/foffhome.html P.P.S. You can be Finally Organized, Finally Free at the office too! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/foffoffice.html ----- 7) It is perfectly fine to make mistakes. If you demand perfection from yourself, you are probably going to put off beginning something until the perfect moment. Nothing is perfect, so it is not going to happen. The most important thing is to let go of perfection and start something. Realize that perfection is impossible to obtain. It is important to do your best, but you do not have to be perfect. Praise yourself for what you have accomplished. 8) Create a mental picture of the project you wish to complete. Maintain your focus on the end result as well as the process to get there. Keep in mind how good it is going to feel when you finish the project. Remember this feeling when you begin a new project. 9) Reward yourself when you have completed a boring or unpleasant task and even when you have achieved a small task on time. If you know a Starbucks coffee or other treat is waiting for you if you succeed, you will be more motivated to get the job done. The more positive reinforcement, the less likely you will procrastinate. Focus on what you have done rather than what is left to do. Do you feel a surge of energy and enthusiasm when you finish an important task? It is a good feeling, isn't it? On the flip side, consider penalizing yourself if you have not completed a task. For example, miss a television show if you do not complete a task on schedule. You will probably not want that to happen again and will strive to get the good feelings that come with completing a task. 10) Avoid overextending yourself. Evaluate your obligations and then prioritize them. Is there anything you can omit, delegate or move to a different time frame? Set realistic goals. As the saying goes, 'bite off only as much as you can chew.' Make a list each day of every task you need to complete in order of importance. Finish each task before starting the next task. 11) Make the task at hand as pleasurable as possible. When you are doing a task, ask yourself a question. Is there a fun way to do this job? Try to make a game out it. Be creative. Give yourself points or prizes as you do the task. 12) Plan for setbacks because they are bound to happen. Planning will prevent you from slowing down because of a setback. And finally, do not give up. ============================================ New Stuff and Site Updates Everything below is accessible by visiting: http://www.getorganizednow.com Please note that we update our site on a weekly basis, so the new stuff and site updates below may only be available for one week. ** Get Organized Now! Blog: Department 2 Read my personal comments, stories tips and observations about getting and staying organized in today's hectic world. You don't want to miss it. Newest entries: * 02/26 - Where is my pink sparkly barrette? * 02/21 - My Son Doesn't Want My Scrapbooks! * 02/12 - Scrapbook Layout: The Little Gym * 02/12 - Eat, Pray, Love * 02/05 - Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa-Like Sanctuary * 01/31 - Make 'Scheduled' Time for Others * 01/24 - 10 Below? Do Something That Warms You Up! * 01/17 - Making Your Bedroom a Restful Sanctuary * 01/09 - Manila File Folders and Hanging? Why Both? * 01/04 - 2 Nights Left and 200 Pages to Go * 01/01 - Happy New Year http://getorganizednow.typepad.com/get_organized_now_weblog/ ** March Monthly Checklist: Department 1 March right into a new month, fancy-free and organized! Start today with our new March Monthly Checklist. You'll LOVE your new organized life! Go to the link below and look for the shamrocks. http://www.getorganizednow.com/#checklist ** March Web Poll Our featured multiple choice question is, 'What best describes your daily morning eating habits?' Go to the following link and cast your vote. It only takes a minute, and your opinion can be heard. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/#webpoll * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOL Users Link ============================================ Goodies to help you get organized! Tired of being disorganized? You can be Finally Organized, Finally Free BOTH at home AND at the office. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/newbook.html JUST RELEASED! My Oh-So-Organized Filing System. You won't believe how organized your papers are going to be. You'll have a filing label for every category you can imagine, ready to peel and stick on your file folders. It's basically an awesome home filing system in a box! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/filing.html The 2007 holiday season is behind us, but it's the perfect time to start getting organized for holiday season 2008! The earlier, the better. Plus, find out how you can get a copy of Maria's latest e-book, 101 Holiday Tips and Ideas. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/holidayp.html Are you looking for the perfect organizer that can help you keep track of your schedule, birthdays, to do's, home inventory, groceries, and more? If so, visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/ezorganizer.html Discover how to start, manage and grow your very own professional organizing business. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/ultimateguide.html Have a business? Thinking of starting one? Visit our Give to Get site and get your complimentary idea-kit. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/marketingsolution.html Give your aching shoulder a break. TuffBaggs are super tough, but light as feather. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/tuffbaggs.html Pay your bills on time, and have an organized place to put your statements afterwards? Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/ezbill.html Access details for all of our products by visiting: http://www.getorganizednow.com/orderdet.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOL Users Link ============================================ An Organizing Tip From One Of Our Readers Each year a bunch of friends and I go on a shopping trip to Toronto. When we return from the trip we always have to open up each bag to find out whose purchases are in what bags. This year I purchased eight different colored ribbon from the dollar store and brought them with me on the trip. Each lady was given a different color of ribbon to tie around each of their shopping bag handles. When it was time to divide the purchases up it was much easier because we only had to sort the bags depending on the color of the ribbon. There was no need to have to open up any of the bags! Tina Dietrich St. Clements, Ontario, Canada * * * * * Submit your favorite organizing tip! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/readertip.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOL Users Link ============================================ A Few Words From Our Sponsors . . . ===== ** Finally, You Can Pay Off All Your Bills . . . Without Pinching Pennies or Cutting Your Spending ** The new year is here! Why not make 2008 the year you begin controlling your finances, once and for all? Did you know that you can pay off all your bills, including your mortgage, in less than 10 years without having to pinch pennies, get a second job or cut back your spending in any way? It's true, and it's easier than you think. I highly encourage you to visit my friend Leo's web site to find out how you can do just that. He offers the best program I've seen to help you say goodbye to your money worries--forever. Visit: http://www.leoquinn.com/cmd.php?af=250440 ===== This Amazing Tool Saved Me an Incredible $884 on Groceries Last Year! I have good news. I recently came across a product that I consider to be the most innovative coupon organizer that I've ever seen. Since I started using this coupon organizer, I have saved over an hour each week, because I no longer cut out duplicate coupons and I can see everything I have at a glance. Plus, I saved an incredible $884 in groceries last year, and it looks like I'm going to save even more this year. All because of this wonderful organizer. It really pays for itself in just one shopping trip! If you like to save time and money on your grocery shopping, you'll definitely want to take a look at this award-winning tool. They even have a neat demo video: http://www.MrsAsCouponOrganizer.com/getorgnow.html Maria Gracia Get Organized Now! P.S. For this week only, ending on midnight, March 9th, the creators of this organizer are offering a special 33% discount exclusively available to readers of the Get Organized Now! Newsletter ===== ** You already have the power to transform your life. Discover how to easily release it. ** Imagine being able to... * Hit your ideal weight and stay there forever without feeling miserable * Exercise and LOVE it * Be free of depression no matter how severe or how long you've suffered * Get rid of your panic attacks and stop obsessive behaviors * Quit bad habits for good - and not miss them one little bit * Live every single day with passion and purpose no matter what your age Until now, there has been no way to eliminate the mental patterns that stop you from doing the things you want to do. But now there is, and you deserve to live your dream life. Visit: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=373018 ============================================ An Organizing Tip From One Of Our Readers My hubby and I both work long hours. Sometimes we are like ships in the night. I used to think of things I needed him to do and then forget to ask him when I see him--and vice versa. It got to a point where I thought I HAD asked, then got upset when he didn't do things! We now have a large whiteboard in our passage split into 2 sections--HIS and HERS. If there is something he needs me to do, he writes it in my section and if there is something I need him to do I write it in his. We are only allowed to wipe it off the board if it has been done. This way, we are reminded constantly, we don't need to nag each other and no-one can pretend they didn't know. It's amazing how guilty you feel for neglecting to 'do your bit' when your side of the board starts filling up! It also allows you to fit things into your own schedule-- when it suits you and not when it becomes a matter of urgency. Helen de Coster Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa * * * * * Submit your favorite organizing tip! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/readertip.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOL Users Link ============================================ Last Web Poll Results QUESTION: Which of the following statements is most true? RESPONSES: 18% My bedroom is an organized, restful haven. 53% My bedroom is somewhat organized, but could be better. 26% My bedroom is quite disorganized . It's a wonder I could sleep at all in there. 3% My bedroom is an organizing nightmare. I sleep in another room! Total Votes: 2252 ============================================ On the Calendar . . . Spring Ahead! (Turn your clocks ahead one hour.) US Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 2:00AM Daylight saving time is the convention of advancing clocks so that afternoons have more daylight and mornings have less. Typically clocks are adjusted forward one hour near the start of spring and are adjusted backward in autumn. Modern DST was first proposed in 1907 by William Willett. Many countries have used it since then. The practice can be controversial. Adding daylight to afternoons benefits retailing, sports, and other activities that exploit sunlight after working hours, but it also causes problems for farming, entertainment and other occupations tied to the sun. Extra afternoon daylight reduces traffic fatalities. Its effect on health and crime is less clear. An early goal of DST was to reduce evening usage of incandescent lighting, formerly a primary use of electricity. Changes in usage patterns have cast doubt on whether DST now saves energy. DST's clock shifts can serve as fire safety reminders, but they complicate timekeeping and can disrupt meetings, travel, billing, record keeping, medical devices, and heavy equipment. Many computer-based systems can adjust their clocks automatically, but this can be limited and error-prone, particularly when DST rules change. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/ ============================================ Happy Customer! I've only read 68 pages of Finally Organized, Finally Free for the Office so far, and it has already helped transform my office. No more old unused computers as decorative art! All books are organized in my new book shelf. My desk is showing 80% wood as surface space and only one project at a time allowed on the desk. I'm noticing more control over details now and less time wasted on distractions. I'm looking forward to more of organizing. Best regards, Bernard Doyon Plantation, FL For more information about Finally Organized, Finally Free for the Office, visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/foffoffice.html ***** P.S. If you would like to share your very own 'Happy Customer' comments, we'd love to include them in our newsletter or web site. Just reply to this newsletter and email us your thoughts. Optional: We'll even include a photo of you if you'd like. Send that along too. Thank you in advance for taking the time to do so. ***** ========================================== In Closing The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them. --Denis Watley And remember . . . there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now! Warmly, Maria Gracia Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com ============================================ (c) Copyright 2008 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now! * Copyright, contact and reprint information: http://www.getorganizednow.com/contact.html * You signed up to receive our Idea-Kit and/or our Newsletter at our Get Organized Now! Web site. We never add names unless you have voluntarily opted in. * We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone. 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