Sticky notes are tiny and easily get lost. Write important information in a planner or notebook, or record in a phone app.

I was driving this morning and noticed a woman getting out of her car. Once she did, she stood next to the driver's side door of her car, in the street, facing the opposite direction so she could not see me, and was texting on her phone. I slowed my car down to a near crawl, thinking to myself that she may just begin crossing the street without looking. Also, my vehicle is a hybrid, so it's quiet and I knew she may not hear it approaching.

Sure enough, she finished texting and proceeded to cross the street, in the middle of the road (not a crosswalk) never looking to see if a car was coming. I was stopped by then, but she didn't even notice me until she was literally right in front of my car. She finally looked up, startled, and then continued crossing.

This brings up an important reminder. Being organized isn't just about weeding out clutter, managing time, and finding appropriate storage. It's also about methodical thinking and planning ahead.

When you're driving...do you have enough fuel to get to your destination? Are children playing in driveways nearby? Are you driving at a speed that will allow you to stop if the car in front of you stops short?

When planning a party...what will you do if it rains? Is the party room large enough to comfortably and safely handle your guests? Do guests have a safe way to get home if they drink and are not sober enough to drive? Will the coolers you're using for an outside picnic keep the food you're serving at a safe temperature?

When you're organizing your kitchen...if you store the food processor blades in a high cabinet, will you potentially get cut trying to grab them? Are they best stored up there? Are you storing medications near a hot stove and how will that affect their effectiveness? Is your refrigerator stuffed to the max, hiding foods that could go bad and potentially make someone ill?

This is not to say that you have to painstakingly come up with every possible disaster scenario. We certainly can't avoid all problems in life. However, whether you're driving on the road, planning a party, or organizing your kitchen...whatever you're doing...thinking ahead will help you to get from start to finish as well as help you to avoid potential problems (or dangers in some cases) along the way.

P.S. If you want more happiness in your heart, be sure you're adding a bunch of 'happiness actions' into your life. You'll find those happiness actions in my resource, Happy for Life!

"Hi Maria, When I started using the Internet back in 1999 I didn't want to subscribe to anything unless it was very beneficial. You were one of my first subscriptions. I have never had a chance to tell you how your organizing skills, and your GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter, have won first place in my heart. The people who help us the most usually don't get the recognition they deserve. But I am here today to tell everyone, you have made my life so much easier that words could never say it!"
-- Dianna Taylor

"I love the quotations you include in your GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter. Our homes definitely have become our sanctuaries during this pandemic. Thank you for your organizing tips to help us have more beauty, peace and safety. "
-- Ruth Sussman


I'd really love to know your thoughts about GON in Five Minutes! Just hit Reply and let me know.

-- Thanks! Maria

To fast-forward to getting organized today, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-ifo.html

No matter what your organizing challenges are, they are all causing UNHAPPINESS, STRESS, EXHAUSTION, OVERWHELM, and FRUSTRATION...and those are five things you definitely don't need in your life.

I have the perfect solution for any organizing challenge you're dealing with, and it will help you get permanently and automatically organized.

It's called my 'I'm Finally Organized Toolkit' and it includes literally EVERYTHING you need to get organized now!

I know you want to get started on your organizing journey, and I'm excited to help you begin as quickly as possible. In light of this, when you get your hands on my I'm Finally Organized Toolkit BEFORE FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 11:59 PM, you'll get a whole bunch of amazing, COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES!

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___ 1. Do today's task on my March Monthly Organizing Checklist. The March 19 TO DO focuses on quilting. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my March Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Did you vote in my March web poll yet? This month, I'm asking GON readers, 'What is your decision-making style?' Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to vote in my poll. Results will be shared in an upcoming newsletter.

___ 3. Check out this photo. I recently posted, on Facebook, how I organized one of my kitchen cabinets. Did you see it yet? You may be inspired. Visit my GON Facebook page to have a peek.

'If you think your best days are behind you, they are. If you think your best days are ahead of you, they are.'
-- Jon Gordon

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And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

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