First, it’s important to point out that lots of us struggle with acquiring and hoarding issues to varying degrees.  I’ll be the first to admit that I love fine paper.  If I didn’t monitor myself when it comes to buying note cards, I’d have a room full of them by now.

A former client, Lori, sent a note reminding me that when we worked together she struggled with Christmas cards.  She kept every Christmas card she received regardless whether there was a personal note included or not.  We worked through the cards and she was able to let some go, but she never really understood why she wanted to keep the cards in the first place.

Pam, a hoarding client, had some more difficult issues.  She was a diagnosed hoarder and experienced some seemingly irrational attachment to several categories of paper.  She wanted to keep anything that had to do with children, church, her birthday and a few others.  In this case, we came up with a system to organize the paper into boxes.

These three examples illustrate very different issues, but all boil down to something in the person’s mind compelling them to keep Christmas cards or telling them they can never have too many note cards.  I say this a lot, but it’s just so true.  Getting organized and clearing clutter is very rarely about the stuff.  It’s most often about what’s going on between your ears.  Mindset and sometimes psychological issues that are not so easy to change come into play almost every time.

So, what are the lessons from the show?

1)      Evaluate how your clutter problems might be affecting others.  We saw relationships being tested by the hoarding issues faced by the folks featured on the show last night.  What is your situation?

2)      If you’re having trouble going through things and letting them go, listen to what you’re telling yourself about the item.  On the show, Laurie said that if the therapist threw away a doll she had given him, she would feel that he didn’t like her very much.  It had nothing to do with the doll itself.

3)      Get help if you need it.  Seek out help from someone with no attachment to the situation.  Often folks look to family members, but that’s not usually the best idea.  Family members and friends can be really judgmental and can sometimes make the situation worse.  Not trying to be mean here, just being honest.

Those of you not struggling with these issues so much are probably feeling much better about your own situation.  That’s ok.  You need to feel good about yourself!  Not at the expense of others of course, but very often people calling me for help are embarrassed and ashamed because they think their situation is the worst I will ever see.  More than likely, it’s not.

I hope you guys were able to watch the show.  I had a lot of fun working with Laurie and I am so proud of her for all the hard work she did and is still doing to change her life.

So, what do you think?

Leave your comments or questions below.  I’d love to hear what you think!

Ellen Martin
www.organizationalexperts.com

While chatting with her about the folders she intended to use for her file system, she mentioned that she needed to find them, but she didn’t like them very much.  The statement that she didn’t like the folders immediately sent up a red flag.

Often when people are purchasing tools to support their systems or new organizing projects, they tend to buy whatever is readily available without really putting much thought into whether they actually like the tool or not.  For example, basic green hanging folders are widely available at office product stores, but you may not like the color.

When systems are set up with items like this, that aren’t very appealing to you, more than likely, you will not be very excited about using them.  As simple and maybe a little silly as this may seem, choosing tools that are aesthetically pleasing increases your chances of using them!

If you love beautiful office tools, try SeeJaneWork.com for aesthetically pleasing items.  I have developed quite a fan base for this site among my clients and audiences!  The larger chains have also introduced some items that are both functional and beautiful.  Remember that your tools need to be functional as well.  You don’t want to sacrifice function for beauty, but there are resources for finding tools that have the complete package!

So, as you are setting up new systems and looking at the tools you have chosen, ask yourself if you really love these items.  Do you enjoy looking at your files or stacking trays?  Do you really love that stapler you’re using?  Examining all these details and making adjustments where necessary will help to ensure that you are on your way to having a functional system that you love!

Happy Organizing!

Ellen

They key to getting organized is first and foremost not to give up after the first little mishap.  We all get overwhelmed, have a big project, or life circumstance that causes us to get off track.  Rather than give up just start again!  It’s really that easy.

Sometimes the systems that we try don’t really work for us and it’s important to be able to identify what went wrong.  Starting over with a system gives you the opportunity to really observe what the problem is and to make adjustments as necessary.  You may find that you really don’t like the folders you used to set up your action system.  Or maybe your desk isn’t set up in a functional way.  Look at your system with a critical eye rather than just throwing your hands up and declaring it a disaster!

Here are some things to look for when evaluating your system:

1)      Do I have all the tools I need?

2)      Do I like the tools I am using?

3)      Can I find the documents and files I need when I need them?

4)      Are things I use often readily available and accessible?

5)      Can I easily reset the system when needed?

Remember, systems only work when you use them!  Very few organizing systems work without some effort on the user’s part. Set up maintenance routines to be sure that you are keeping up with filing and other similar tasks.

If you would like to get 2010 and the new decade started off right and need a little help, I am offering a very special discount on my Conquer Chaos VIP Coaching Program.  The first 10 readers to sign up for two months of coaching will get a complimentary third month!  Visit www.anewleafpo.com/conquerchaosVIP to learn more about the program.  To take advantage of the complimentary month, enter the coupon code HOLIDAY at check out.

I would like to thank all of you for reaading and for supporting my business over the years.  I wish all of you a very Happy New Year!

Happy Organizing!

Unfortunately, there isn’t a merge feature yet!

So, you will need to decide which profile to keep and which to delete.  Decide based on number of connections and/or how developed your profile is.

Tip: I would keep the one with the most connections and move the profile data.

Here are some steps to help you successfully move to a single profile:

1. Login to the Account you want to delete.
2. Export the Connections to an csv or excel file. (See link at bottom of Connections)
3. Save all profile info into a Word Document.
4. Delete the account.(Go to Account & Settings and Close the account.)
5. Login to the account you want to keep.
6. Import the Connections stored in file from deleted account and re-invite them to connect on the correct profile. Offer an explanation since they were already connections on the other profile.
7. Update your profile as needed.
8. Associate multiple email addresses with your LinkedIn account so that people can find you by any of your email addresses. (Go to Account & Settings and Add Email under Personal Info.)

I hope this helps!  For more social media tips or to ask your questions, become a Fan on Facebook.com/SocialMediaExplained

As a meeting planner, you have many speakers options available. When looking for a social media specialist, finding someone with technical expertise and excellent presentation skills is essential.  Michelle provides both!  Her programs are fast-paced, content rich and technically strong while her style is warm, relaxed and approachable – a rare combination for technical speakers.

Check out this product feature announcement from LinkedIn onYoutube.