One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to get organized. Make lists, take a class in organization, or purchase an organizer. Do whatever works for you. One word of advice: follow the KISS principle (Keep it Simple, Stupid). If your organization system is too complicated, it will become just another task to avoid. Here's my own system. You are welcome to use it if it works for you.

Sherie's PortaVault Tip:     I highly recommend breaking the task of completing the PortaVault into at least the topics listed on the six section dividers.  Make a one to two hour appointment for completing each section.  Finance section may take a little longer because there are so many documents to consider.

Bite Off Only What You Can Chew

• Break large projects up into smaller tasks. For example, doing your taxes can be broken up into: pick up necessary forms, get records organized, fill in forms, double check forms for accuracy and mail. It won't seem nearly so burdensome if you take a small bit at a time.

Sherie's PortaVault Tip:  If you are not sure how to organize the documents in the portavault - just start by locating the document and putting it into a record protector - then insert the record protector behind the appropriate section divider.  Later you can go back and put the labels on the record protector and reorganize as needed. 
 
Just Do It!

• Next time you catch yourself saying, "I can do this later", think Nike. Just do it! Push on through the feelings and do it now. The feeling you get when you finish will be so much better than any relief you get from putting it off.

Sherie's PortaVault Tip:  When a family emergency or disaster is happening - it is too late to organize your documents.  You may only have a few minutes to take action so - Just do it! I guarantee you will feel so much better.

Schedule Reward Time

• As you go work through your tasks, you may find your mind drifting off to all the activities you'd rather be doing. You will find it much easier to concentrate on your work if you know that you have scheduled time for these activities. Tell yourself, I will work hard today accomplishing my goals because tomorrow is Saturday and I have scheduled time to go fishing. Knowing that you have finished your tasks will also make it easier to relax and enjoy your leisure time.

Sherie's PortaVault Tip:  You will have more fun playing when you know you are prepared - guaranteed!
 
Change Your Expectations

• Perfectionism and feelings that things should be a certain way, can be stumbling blocks to beating procrastination. Next time you catch yourself using language like "should" or "must", evaluate if these are only restrictions you are imposing on yourself or they backed up by the reality of the situation.

Sherie's PortaVault Tip:  The benefit of the PortaVault system is that you can complete it any way you want to and with as much detail as you are comfortable with. By just identifying the important documents and putting them in one location you have accomplished a lot.   When you have time you can organize it and make it perfect for you.

Mental Tricks to Give You Momentum

• If you have several small items to do which are directly related to the project at hand, do these first. Even though you have some larger tasks left, psychologically it feels as if you have less to do when the list isn't so long. It gives you a feeling that you have accomplished something. Just remember, it must be a task that is relevant to accomplishing your goal. Raking the leaves may be a quick and easy task, but if what you really need to accomplish is a big term paper, you won't be helping yourself.

• When you have accomplished a task, mark it out on your list with a pen. It gives you visual confirmation that you are getting somewhere. Again, this gives you a psychological boost. Sometimes I feel as if I'm getting nothing done, but when I look over what's marked out I see I've actually done quite a bit. I'm just constantly adding new tasks.

Sherie's PortaVault Tip:  Completing the portavault can be broken down into three steps:
  1.  Locating the documents.  Go through your files and pull out all the file folders that you think relate to the items listed on the labels for the section you are working on.
  2.  Inserting the documents:  Once you have located a document and inserted it into a record protector- check it off on the appropriate label.  This indicates you have put it in the portavault
3.  Organizing the documents: Apply the labels which contain check marks to the record protectors and re-arrange the documents as you see fit.
 
 
The Best Laid Plans...

• Remember, if something can go wrong, it will. Allow yourself more than adequate time to finish each task. If you do not need all the time you've allowed, you will be able to progress ahead of schedule. This will be a psychological boost to you. At the very least, you won't be left rushed to finish.

• Don't panic if you get behind schedule. If you've allowed yourself extra time each day, you will simply shift everything forward until you catch up. The key is to leave yourself room to be flexible.

• What if you really don't have time to finish everything? Get creative. Request extensions on deadlines, get help from friends and relatives, delegate tasks to others, drop non-essential items from your schedule (the world won't end if you can't redecorate before your mother-in-law visits), or hire outside help. I haven't found a situation yet that couldn't be solved somehow once I let my expectations change about how it should be.

Sherie's PortaVault Tip:  If you need help - call a Professional Organizer.  www.napo.net to locate one in your area who specializes in home offices.  Ask them if they are familiar with the PortaVault system - we have lots of fans who are professional organizers.