Fixing Problem Areas, Increasing Productivity

[Lynn Terry]

I have been self-employed and working from home for almost 10 years now. As I approach this exciting anniversary... I am realizing how much I have learned about myself as a person over the last decade - and what I would like to change/improve for the decade ahead.

I have always considered myself insanely unorganized - or better, I like to call it "organized chaos" (laugh). It really blows my mind to think that I have lived like this for TEN YEARS without finding a real solution...

I'm making changes :D . I had a major breakthrough recently, which I have been posting about in detail on my blog:

http://www.clicknewz.com/381/i-am-organized/

http://www.clicknewz.com/391/my-home-office-make-over/

Basically, I have identified my "problem areas", and come up with a plan to dramatically increase my productivity. And instead of diving headlong into an overwhelming make-over process - I am taking a very quick, simple and inexpensive route.

My main issues have been "stuff", being an "out of sight, out of mind" type of person, and finding an efficient way to have everything at hand and stay on task.

With all of us having various personalities and habits, I thought it might be fun to explore "problem areas" and possible solutions. What seems to snag you up the most - or what would you most like to change about your work space or your work habits?

[WAHumor]

It's heartening to hear that you're in the same mess as me and still doing well. If something's not in front of me, it just plain doesn't exist.

There may be hope yet!

My home office more closely resembles the back of a very cluttered garage at this time. It's the one room that has not been renovated at all so far.

Although I often clear off my desk, the clutter creeps back before I know it. And lists? I've made plenty of them, filled with notes and ideas and things to do - legal pad after legal pad. I finally gave up legal pads.

I'm gonna snatch an idea or two from you on this, Lynny...I need it bad!!

[Mila Sidman]

For me at the moment my main issue is time, My older two kids have started school but my youngest is still at home except for preschool a few hours a week. I do outsource a lot which helps but still I could use more free time to work and I definitely need to be more organized as well.

[midwestmedia]

Space and clutter are really holding me back right now. As much as I love to be organized, I usually get things under control and then they slip back into a state of total disorganization.

I'm also sort on space right now, which might be due to my not utilizing the space in my office wisely or the fact that my DH and I have finally outgrown our 2bed/2bath house and need something a little bigger.

I'm also a person who needs to have things "out" and visible, which means that file cabinets just don't work for me. I need bulletin boards, white boards, things posted on the walls....

Jen

[Lynn Terry]

I can relate to that Jen, I'm the same type. That is the reason that I went with dual monitors and am trying to do away with as much of the paper as I can. I am also switching to whiteboards and corkboards. I'm very much an "out of sight, out of mind" type of person, so this is working out well for me so far.

[Lynn Terry]

For me at the moment my main issue is time, My older two kids have started school but my youngest is still at home except for preschool a few hours a week. I do outsource a lot which helps but still I could use more free time to work and I definitely need to be more organized as well.

I miss my babies being babies... I know that doesnt help you much at the moment. I remember very well what it was like starting a business with Ann Marie on my hip - I started the shop when she was jut 5 months old.

She is 10 years old now and in public school (after a few years of home schooling)... which has made a huge difference in my work day. Having the babies at home doesnt last long. Like I said, I know that doesnt help in the current situation. It sounds like you have it under control with outsourcing and part-time preschool.

Other ways that I managed to free up more time back then, if any of these are helpful to you, included: once-a-week-cooking (which I created from the OAMC plan I found online), hiring a housekeeper, hiring a personal assistant, and streamlining business operations as much as possible.

[womaninbiz]

I'm the same as you Lynn,

Living in "Organized Chaos" only it's one that works out well for me but still drives me nuts. I know where to find everything but I hate to see all of the clutter.

I have committed myself to re-organizing at the very least once per month. My goal this year is to purchase products and tools that will help me to get organized and stay organized. I also hope to outsource some tasks in the near future if I can build up enough courage to let go.

I'll keep you all posted and let you know how this new year resolution goes.......probably the same as most but I am truly going to try this year and make it work and stick!

Glad to see that I am not alone in this though


Scharlene