Not being an inherently organized person, I have learned several ways to help overcome my tendencies of disorder. In this article, I share a few of these tips.

Even though I am not convinced that we will ever become a paperless economy, I do love the advantage of being able to set up files and folders on my computer. Do take the time to create a system of filing. When I first started getting into technology, my system (not a system at all) was haphazard, so I had a terrible time finding what I was looking for. In the beginning, you might even want to make a chart or a map of where you are placing important information.

I also love the great colored plastic holders with handles that you can purchase at an office supply store. I have a different one for each project and make sure that I file everything about the project there, including all correspondence, a copy of the contract, etc.

What is really important? Remember, this is your organization -- no one else's, so you must decide what is important to you. If you stay organized by creating "to do" lists and checking off the tasks completed one at a time, do it. But if this just doesn't work for you, don't feel guilty about not doing it. I felt almost ashamed that I like working on several different projects at the same time, until I read Time Management for Unmanageable People by Ann McGee-Cooper. The traditional time management theories often don't apply to or work for creative people.

What distractions should I avoid? It is so easy to fall into distraction to get out of doing something we know would be a benefit to us and our career. Stephen Covey in his The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People describes his four quadrant theory of "First Things First." This diagram will get you into the second quadrant of doing what is important, but not urgent (organizing and planning definitely fall into this quadrant). Stay out of quadrant four where distractions that are unimportant and non-urgent fall (like watching TV, opening junk mail, some e-mail, some phone calls, etc.).

What else gets in the way of true organization? With the benefits that accompany true organization, one would think that everyone would work on achieving this goal. Even if we know how wonderful it is to be organized, we procrastinate. Part of the problem is that it almost seems overwhelming and out of our reach.

My advice to you it to take it one week at a time, until you are there. If it helps, write down how much you got done that week and/or give yourself an award (even a colored star on the calendar can make you feel good).