7 Habits of Highly Organized People

Write Everything Down

FREE your mind. Rather than trying to rely on your memory to recall when that appointment is/was, WRITE it down.

Keep Flat Surfaces Clear

Clutter is magnetic. As soon as you place one random item on a counter-top it will only attract more. Establish counter-tops as 'no dumping' grounds unless a particular item is used in that space every day (Like a toaster on the kitchen counter).

Find 'A Place for Everything'

Eliminate the idea of a "junk drawer" where random items are tossed. Instead, create a defined space (with small containers or dividers) for all the little 'extras'. Assign specific 'homes' for every single item. 'Homeless' items will instantly turn into clutter. It's also helpful to have designated spaces for your things so you can actually find them when you need them rather than wasting time searching or money buying duplicates. Find a specific place for loose change, keys, remote controls, office supplies, or even sunscreen.

Never Leave a Room Empty Handed

Let's face facts: there will always be something that needs to be returned somewhere else. When heading to a new room in the house, glance around to see if there is something out of place {a coffee cup, piece of mail, toy, or rogue sock} you could gather up with you to relocate on your way.

File, Don't Pile

Set up a command central or mail sorting system somewhere in your home. This space will serve to corral all the bills, mail, and other paper related information that comes in daily. Set aside a specific time each week to respond to and file documents where necessary.

Purge & De-clutter Often

How many ________ does a person really need?

Strive to keep what you consider to be truly beautiful and/or useful in your home. If you have limited storage it's especially important to not consistently accumulate more than will need to be stowed. Implement the 'One In, One Out Rule'. When you purchase something new for yourself or your home, or when a family member is given gifts on special occasions.

Make a Plan

Sometimes you just need to tell yourself what to do in order to stay on track. Systems and routines save the day! Keeping a variety of running lists will serve as an external reminder of what needs to be done and when. You'll be granted a peace of mind knowing there is a plan to conquer all that needs to be done and feel the satisfaction of success when you're able to check off items they are completed as well! Everyone in your family will appreciate having a menu plan in place. A cleaning checklist will help keep the appearance of your home serene and welcoming. A family calendar will help show an 'at a glance' view of who needs to be where and when.

..Why do I want to be a Teacher?

I consider myself very lucky in the fact that I have always known what I want to be when I grow up. Many people I have talked to battle with the decision of which career to choose. I have been lucky enough to have never had that battle. I have wanted to become a teacher for as long as I could remember. Yes, there was a time I believed I would grow up to be a famous singer/ actress and marry Jonathan Taylor Thomas. But as I got to the stage of truly determining what I wanted to be when I grew up, I never doubted that I wanted to be an educator.
I didn’t just wake up one morning knowing. I did question my first choice to be a teacher. I told myself I should go for something that paid a little more generously. But this reason was never good enough. My mind was made up. I wanted to be a teacher.
There are many contributing factors as to why it has been such an obvious decision for me. First and foremost, it’s in my blood. I come from a family of educators, teachers.
Just like many people my first teachers were my parents. They taught me from the moment I was born, and are still teaching me today. They taught me to love people, to be kind, and to be helpful. They have taught me to listen, and obey. They taught me about consequences and discipline. They taught me many characteristics that will help me improve not only my life, but also the lives of others. Now, my mom is an educator. I have aunts, cousins, and other relatives who are teachers. I suppose it kind of runs in the family.
I was also fortunate to have had a few very special schoolteachers who touched my life. Their examples have also contributed to my desire to become an educator. I recently ran into my 3rd grade teacher at the store, and I told her that I was going to UVU and that I was studying to become a schoolteacher. Listening to her speak, I went back to the third grade classroom, and I remembered how much I looked up to her. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. I wanted to be kind, and helpful. I wanted to help kids learn and improve their knowledge through education. Just like my teacher.
Above all else, I know that I will enjoy what I will be doing. I won’t wake up dreading going to work. That is what means the most to me in my profession. I am not under any impression that I won’t need to work hard, that I wont be faced with challenges, or that I wont get pushed to my limits. There will be times when I might question my decision to become a teacher. However, I know that the rewards of the teaching profession are great. That all my hard work and sacrifice will not go without notice. If I can become like my parents and my schoolteachers, I can touch the lives of others too. That is why I want to be a teacher!