Backwards

Ever have one of these days?  Things just aren't happening they way they should and you can't quite seem to get things to turn around.

This happens a lot when you start an organizing project.  You have your goal, you're ready to start, you have lots of initiative but somehow things aren't going they way they should.

What went wrong?  Having a goal is the first step in any project, but having a plan is also important.  I am sure you have heard that you should make a checklist of what comes first and then a list of what comes next.  However starting at the very beginning isn't always the very best place to start.  Sometimes it's a reverse process.

Start with your goal or vision.  What does it look like?  What items do you see and what items are no longer there?  If planning a new office, is there new furniture?  Are there file cabinets?  Storage and shelves?   Think of each step in your process.  For example, before you can put in shelving, you have to determine both the space available and the type of shelving.  Will you be putting it up or do you have to call a handyman? 

For each step in your organizing process, make a list of what is needed.  Include supplies, people you need to talk to, measurements, timeline and budget.  This allows you to see the fine details of each step.  

By planning backwards you may discover issues that need to be addressed prior to your project.  Having set forth a plan beforehand, you will have fewer, if any, obstacles  towards reaching your goal.

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