Life Organized Podcast

What if the key to getting organized isn't about time or talent, but about your thoughts?    In This Episode: We're uncovering how beliefs like "I don't have enough time" and "I don't have the organizing gene" are holding you back. I'll introduce you to my "JTT (Just Take Ten - or Two)" mantra, and debunk the myth of innate organizing skills. Together, we'll explore how shifting these limiting beliefs can open up new possibilities and make organizing feel achievable—and even enjoyable!    Don’t Miss Out: Don't miss this enlightening conversation that's all about empowering you to take control, one thought at a time. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use some extra organization in their life!   Click HERE for full show notes.   Mentioned in This Episode: Monster’s Inc. Boo + Randall scene Ep. 8 - Done is Better than Perfect Link to  online store   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

In This Episode:In today’s episode, we dive into the power of personal rules—simple decisions you can make to eliminate recurring problems and streamline your life. Whether it’s avoiding discomfort or stress, personal rules help you stay organized and live more smoothly. Learn how these small but mighty rules can transform your daily experience and help you avoid those unnecessary landmines in life. Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 2: Learn about "Home Base" routines Join the Conversation:Share your personal rules with me on Instagram or in the show reviews. Let’s cheer each other on as we create a more organized life! Don’t Miss Out:Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use some extra organization in their life!   Click HERE for full show notes.   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

In This Episode:In this episode, I dive deep into one of my favorite coaching topics—time management. Inspired by a client who needed help managing her busy schedule, I explore why time management is crucial for living an organized life and share actionable steps to help you get more done with less stress. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list or like your calendar is overflowing, this episode is for you! Mentioned in This Episode: Free Discovery Coaching Call: If you want to take control of your time and declutter your schedule, book a free discovery coaching call [here] to see how I can help https://thehappygal.com/letsconnect Join the Conversation:Follow me on Instagram @JLTheHappyGal, and send me a message with your biggest time management challenges! Let's tackle them together. Don’t Miss Out:Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content that’s aligned with your needs. Thanks for listening, and remember—decluttering your time is just as important as decluttering your space! Click HERE for full show notes.   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

I think we need to address a big piece of the puzzle of an organized life: feeling good. And more specifically - feeling good about the way we look. I know, feeling good about the way you look isn’t EVERYTHING…but isn’t it something? Have you noticed how much better life feels on a good hair day? Or when you have something new to wear? There is an invisible connection between how we take care of ourselves on the outside - and how we feel on the inside. And in this episode, we talk about three easy, fun, and practical ways we can level up our self care so we can feel good.    Other fun takeaways: Feeling good is a giant springboard for doing other things that can help you feel good.  We wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. When your clothes don’t fit, it’s the clothes that need to be fired – not the body. It is abuse to yourself to make yourself wear clothes that don’t fit or are uncomfortable. In other words, everyone deserves clothes that make them feel good – inside and out. The gap between your current and future self closes quickly when you line up your wardrobe with your future self. The space for what you want is filled up with what you’ve already settled for instead. If you want confident, self-assured kids, they will learn best from your example.  Click HERE for full show notes.   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

In this episode I thought I’d let you peek behind the curtain and see a few of the things that I do to organize my world. We’re talking about car-cleaning tricks and dinner-planning hacks…anything to make daily life a little smoother! We’ll talk about the "first in, first out" rule to minimize clutter, and why I never leave a room empty-handed. These aren't complex systems - just small, actionable steps anyone can implement. Ready to feel more in control of your day? This episode is packed with practical tips to help you stay on top of your game. Join me and start your journey to a more organized, less stressful life today!   LINKS   Episode 10: https://thehappygal.com/10-when-you-forget-to-do-things/ IG: @JLtheHappyGal FB: @JLtheHappyGal Email: hello@theHappyGal.com   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” – Jenny

Have you ever felt like your life might look good on paper, but you still feel empty and unfulfilled? This is exactly what led my sister, Lisa Amundsen, to start organizing her life. In this episode I interview Lisa so we can pull back the curtains on what it really looks like to organize your life. Slowly but surely, Lisa went from feeling frustrated and lost to creating a life she absolutely loves. Discover the power of core routines, the importance of addressing both external and internal clutter, and how personal coaching can be a game-changer. Lisa shares practical advice on self-reflection and taking those crucial first steps towards change. Whether you're drowning in physical clutter or emotional overwhelm, this episode offers hope and actionable strategies to help you start crafting a life you love.   Tools mentioned:The way you do one thing is the way you do everything Start with what you know Done is better than perfect – momentum is better than perfect   Bootcamp - https://thehappygal.com/get-organized-bootcamp/   Ready to try out coaching? Click here to schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to see if coaching with The Happy Gal could be a fit for you: https://thehappygal.com/letsconnect   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Ever feel like your big goals are out of reach? In this episode, Jenny shares the incredible story of a client who slashed her overwhelming workload by 75% in just four weeks. Discover the three game-changing strategies that made it happen and learn how to apply them to your own life. Whether you're aiming for better health, stronger relationships, or career success, these strategies will help you break down those daunting goals into achievable steps.    See full show notes at LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/68   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Even though it’s summer…   Even though you might not be ready to think about it yet…   There are a few things strategic things you can start doing to give yourself a low-stress back-to-school season and have a productive fall.    From snagging the best school supplies before they sell out to mapping out your family's hectic fall schedule, a few minutes wisely invested now will save you lots of hassle.    Most importantly, discover how to make the most of that golden productivity window from Labor Day to mid-November.    Whether you're a parent or not, this episode is packed with tips to help you stay ahead of the curve and live your most organized life.   Tune in and learn how a little planning today can lead to a happier, more organized tomorrow! For full show notes, see: https://thehappygal.com/67 LINKS Ep. 11: https://thehappygal.com/family-season/ Ep. 36: https://thehappygal.com/36   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Ever feel like everything's out of whack, but you can't pinpoint why?   In this episode, we're diving into that upside down feeling of imbalance and how it affects our daily lives.    Imbalance can be solved with two simple questions that can help you regain your equilibrium when life feels topsy-turvy.    This episode is full of plenty of examples about how recognizing and addressing imbalance can lead to the relief you are looking for.    Whether you're juggling family responsibilities, work pressures, or personal goals, this episode offers practical insights to help you find your center. Get ready to flip your perspective and discover a straightforward approach to feeling more balanced and fulfilled.   Tools taught in this episode:  What do you need? What’s missing?   For full show notes, see: LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/66 ----more----“Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

‘Tis the season for vacations…and while this time with our family can create memories and help us relax, coming home is no picnic.   This episode is a replay from one of the most downloaded episodes of 2023  - When You Go on Vacation.  There are two strategic times to recover from your vacation, and this episode will help you get the most mileage out of both of them!   For full show notes go to: Episode 65.   Links:Vacation Recovery Checklist   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Tired of a closet full of clutter? Wish you could find what you need - when you need it - so getting dressed can actually be easy – and maybe even fun?   In today’s episode I tried to give you ten tips – but it turned into 11 because I just couldn’t help myself!    See tips in full show notes HERE –    But be sure to download this guide to all my favorite closet containers HERE. (And yes, it includes the link. Don’t worry – I’ve got you!) And if you’re ready to go beyond just tips, check out Episode 12 where I teach my professional organizing system to help you organize any space.   Organizing your closet is the best gift you can give yourself! Hope you enjoy the episode!   Links:Free Download – Favorite Closet Containers Episode 12 – When you Want to Organize Your Pantry   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

The school year is wrapping up and the kids can’t wait for summer to start, but if you aren’t sharing 100% of their enthusiasm, you’re not alone.    The optimistic part of us is excited to get a break from the busy schedule, spend time with the kids, and just relax. But the realist is worried about a whole lot of things:   How to handle a messy house How to keep up with everyday responsibilities, like work or other commitments How to keep the kids busy, so they aren’t fighting or on electronics too much…   So in today’s episode I give 5 tips to help you organize your summer. From tactical to strategic, summer becomes much more manageable - and fun - when you throw a little organization into the long, lazy days. For full show notes, see LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/63   LINKS Life Organized Podcast Episode 36: LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/36 Organize Your Summer Mini Course: TheHappyGal.com/summer   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

* Check in this weekend to find your free coupon-template download! (see full show-notes linked below for details)   The best Mother's Day gifts show love and consideration. So why not give yourself that same gift this year? Join me for this episode all about creating your own "Mom's Coupon to Myself."   Together we'll get clear on one habit to stop that's holding you back, one new habit to start that aligns with your vision for motherhood, and one awesome thing you're already doing that deserves recognition.   You'll receive a coupon-template download to fill out as a personalized, tangible reminder. It's the ultimate act of self-compassion to consciously design the motherhood experience you crave.   See full show notes at LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/62   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Ever wonder why people who have so little are so happy?   According to Deanna Yates of wannabeclutterfree.com, there is a simple explanation.    Living more minimally can eliminate decision fatigue, improve your focus, and even improve your health.    In this episode, we talk about simple steps to help us live more minimally, how to live with other people who may not be as enthusiastic about minimalism as we are, and important mindset shifts that can help us live without so much stuff.   For full show notes, go to LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/61   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

What if those negative thoughts holding you back are just glitches in your mindset programming? In this powerful episode, Life Coach Mandy Marie Eldredge shares mind-blowing insights that can short-circuit years of self-doubt. You'll learn how to interrupt self-sabotaging beliefs and install new "mental software" that aligns with your inherent worth.    Coach Mandy Marie's approach combines psychology with deep spiritual wisdom to help you become an unstoppable "pillar of strength." Her inspiring personal story of overcoming depression will motivate you to break free from limiting patterns. You'll get practical tools for reprogramming your subconscious through repetition of empowering truths.   Learn how to begin reprogramming your subconscious with Coach Mandy Marie’s programs (links below.)   See full show notes at LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/60   Links:ReviveHer: Transform your daily overwhelm into clarity - coachmandymarie.com/reviveher Solutions Creator Academy: Become a pillar of strength so your obstacles don’t capsize you! : coachmandymarie.com/academy Get this free PDF: coachmandymarie.com/overwhelm-to-confident/ ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Hello, my organized friends! Are you itching to spring clean and declutter your home for the new season? In this episode, I've got 3 totally doable steps to get you organized without the overwhelm! First up, rotating out all those bulky winter items to make way for warm weather gear. Then, I'll share my trick for picking one high-impact space to deep clean for maximum results. Finally, you'll get my favorite tip for livening up your home's look - affordable seasonal decor pieces that make a huge difference! No more putting it off or getting overwhelmed. Just a few manageable actions to wake up your living spaces for spring. Hit play and get ready to nest! See full show notes at LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/59   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

What's the secret to shrinking your to-do list, crushing your goals, and living life a little more effortlessly? Two words: Consistent habits. Life coach Jenny is pulling back the curtain on her simple, yet profound "PATH" system for installing habits that stick. You'll learn how to pick the right routines, assign step-by-step actions, schedule them perfectly, and anchor them to your existing daily flows. Jenny delivers it all in her trademark warm, empathetic style. You'll walk away understanding why past habit efforts failed, and exactly how to hardwire new positive routines this time. Best of all, Jenny will have you map out your top habit using PATH in real-time. It's time to experience the "compound interest of self-improvement" that great habits provide. Whether you want to uplevel your health, work or relationships, great routines are life's master key. Hit play and unlock transformative change today!   See full show notes at LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/58   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Ever feel like you don’t quite measure up? - Your house isn't clean or organized enough.    - You don’t feel thin or fit or young or stylish enough.- Your kids or family don’t quite live up to the mark set by other families    Well, that’s because we tend to get convinced that getting organized, managing a home, raising a family, or anything else we do in our life has to look a certain way.  In this episode we talk about how to create your very own formula – one that will work for you, rain or shine, and leave you feeling capable, confident, and at peace.   ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Can moms really have it all? Running a household, having a career, and making time for the people you love? This week’s guest Chanel Nielsen says yes - if we shift our mindset to view ourselves as CEOs of our family! After years of overwhelm, Chanelle discovered how to design her ideal home life. Learn her secrets of visualization, planning milestones, plus tiny habits that changed everything. Spoiler: it starts with just 3 tasks a day. If you’re tired of the craziness and want to take charge, this conversation will energize and equip you. Time to become the empowered leader your family needs! Links: Essentialism by Greg Mckeown  Eat that Frog by Brian Tracy  Chanelle Nielson's Website Chanelle on Instagram Chanelle's Podcast

Sometimes getting organized just feels too complicated!  We think we need routines and systems to do it right, and while I’m all about getting strategic…sometimes we just need an easy win. In today’s episode I share 5 fast and easy ways to get organized. In just 10 minutes you can get a big win, and you can use that momentum to do even more great things in your day. And, since I’m a coach and can’t help myself, I’m also going to let you in on a little secret about how you can create even MORE fast and easy wins in your day.   Show Notes: https://lifeorganizedpodcast.com/55 ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

The holiday season is around the corner…and if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, resentful, or stressed out by the holiday, this is the conversation for you. Guest Brooke Romney shares actionable takeaways to help us design a more meaningful and manageable holiday by letting go of old traditions that are missing the mark, adjusting traditions that need to evolve with our growing family, and giving ourselves permission to create a holiday that is fun for everyone – including you. In this episode we discuss: Ways to identify the truly meaningful traditions that our kids enjoy – so we can let go of the ones that are, well, clutter. How to set boundaries with the expectations of extended family, and be sensitive to the needs of others without compromising your own well-being. The importance of creating a holiday that moms enjoy too – and how to do it. How to transform your experience of certain traditions that you haven’t loved in the past when you know how much it means to someone in your family. How to build a positive relationship with your teens. ----more----    “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Life has a tendency to get full, and when that happens, we all need the same thing – more time. In this episode I share review my time/pantry analogy, and give a real life, personal illustration of choices I am making right now so that I have more time for what matters most.

Last week we explored the importance of having an organized culture in your family. In today's episode we'll talk about some kid-friendly, Life Organized Tools you can start teaching your kids beginning immediately.

I know, I know…if the kids were just more organized it would save EVERYONE so much hassle. But before I give you a list of things to teach your kids, let’s talk about YOU. The quickest way to organized kids is to pave the way yourself, because “kids will follow your example, not your advice.” This episode is rich with ideas about how YOU can develop a family culture that is organized – and it’s so much easier than you think. This conversation was too rich to limit to one episode, so be sure to check out episode 52 where I’ll teach you kid-friendly Happy Gal tools that can help you teach your kids how to be more organized.  See full show notes at http://lifeorganizedpodcast.com/52-2

We all love how it feels when life is running on cruise control. We are better able to stay on top of things, we have more time for the things we love to do, and we aren’t fighting curve balls at every turn. But life inevitably transitions into different seasons, and when that happens, we lose our groove. Well, we can’t prevent transition, but we can have a strategy to help us get right back into a rhythm. There is one go-to strategy that will always help us spring to action and create some momentum, so we can cut through the overwhelm and see priorities clearly. And that is our favorite Happy Gal tool: Home Base. But in this episode, we take Home Base a little further. Sure, Home Base is invaluable in helping us keep our homes in order. But what about other parts of our lives that get out of sync? Like our family, our work, and other commitments?  In this episode, we leverage the Home Base concept to cut through the clutter of all kinds of important areas of our lives. Home Base = getting back into the groove quickly.

I know, I know…so many things we have to do. Dishes, laundry, run the kids around, stay on top of work and all. the. things. Who has time for exercise? YOU DO, and in this interview with Courtney Wyckoff from Momma Strong we talk about WHY exercise is so important, and HOW you can make time for it. You are going to LOVE the refreshing approach Courtney takes to fitness and exercise. If you are discouraged or exhausted or totally turned off by the way the fitness industry so often leaves you feeling like you’ll never measure up, you are going to love Courtney’s refreshing approach. Almost in an act of rebellion, Courtney redefines the purpose of exercise as conditioning your body so you can show up in your life with confidence, and have the strength and desire to do all the things that make you feel alive - whether that is doing a cartwheel, hiking a mountain, or getting off the lounge chair and actually swimming with your kids. It’s not about how you look, it’s about the way you feel - and Momma Strong’s customized workouts promote the kind of health that doesn’t fade as you age. For full show notes, go to LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/49

Well, here we are, heading back into the new school year.   And if you’re anything like me, I bet you’re happy and sad at the same time.   While a schedule and routine is sounding nice right about now, the hustle of a new school year can be a little daunting.   So in this episode I’m giving you lots of tips to help you start your school year out right, including a fantastic metaphor that will give you a fresh take on why things feel choppy as we transition into this new season - and what you can do about it. Check out full show notes at LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/48

When I was a little girl I was terrified of dogs. That never went away as an adult, so imagine my surprise when I suddenly found myself owning a golden doodle puppy in March of 2020 - and loving it! What seemed like the most unlikely situation taught me that we never really know what our potential is. It may feel impossible to ever achieve an organized life, but the good news is if you are here at the podcast, you have the power to do it. You wouldn’t be interested in getting organized if you didn’t have the ability somewhere within you. James Allen said “Dreams are the seedlings of potential” - and just like any seed, if we give our deepest desires some quality attention, it’s exciting to think about what we can grow into. After all, I now love my little Oakley like I love my kids. If that could happen, anything is possible - even an organized life! An organized life is a very individual pursuit, and in this episode I ask you to consider what an organized life might look like for you. What will it mean for your relationships, your finances, your health, how you run your home, how you spend your time, and what brings you purpose and fulfillment. As you pay attention to what comes to mind, take note. These are hints of the organized life you can create. It’s a joy to watch my clients transform their lives as they diligently chip away at the clutter - and implement tools that enhance their lives from every angle. In this episode I encourage you to “plant” the seed of something you are interested in on your calendar, and nurture the seed with action, so you, too, can live the kind of organized life you have the potential to create.   ----more----   “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Even though we can laugh about our tendency to procrastination, when we are under a deadline procrastination doesn’t feel like a joke.  Procrastination is one time management challenge that really gets in the way of living an organized life, and in this episode we talk about two ways we can outsmart it. In the “dark playground” of procrastination, our brain tries to convince us that a deep dive through YouTube or rummaging through the pantry is more fun than taking action, but consider what you really want. When “fun” is laced with worry, anxiety, dread, and avoidance, is it really fun? Take some time to recognize that while your brain likes the idea of avoiding a task, procrastination may not be something you actually enjoy. Notice the “fog” of fake fun rolling in, and let that alert you to the need of some quick action before procrastination takes over. Because your brain doesn’t want to work hard, it will head straight to the “dark playground” when it feels overwhelmed and doesn’t know where to start. If you can scale your next action down to it’s simplest step, and it’s something the brain can easily do, you’ll find much more motivation to get started. As I share in my sticky label tool, there are many approaches to procrastination and this is just two of them. For some fun and entertaining more insights on procrastination, see the Brian Reagan and Tim Urban links below. Tools Mentioned In This Episode: Sticker Label Analogy Links:  Tim Urban - Ted Talk Brian Regan - Science Fair ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Ok, buckle up. This is the most technical episode I have ever recorded - and also the most helpful one if you struggle with your paper. If you have piles and old files and are tired of fighting it all, you’ll be really glad you listened to today’s episode. As we pick up the paper conversation again from episode 44, it’s time to figure out what to do with the paper once we pull any actions that need to be taken out of them. But knowing where to put it, how to find a document easily once it’s filed away, and when to toss it without having to spend hours decluttering the filing cabinet is a pretty tall order. But when you have FreedomFiler, it does all the thinking for you. FreedomFiler is like having your own personal filing assistant helping you know what to do with your paper. The color-coded system is based on shelf-life, not category, so it makes it simple to find - and toss - any paper in our filing cabinet. In this episode I give an overview of some of the FreedomFiler categories, and explain how it solves the typical dilemmas we face with reference paper.  It’s just an introduction, but if you are as excited about it as I was the first time I heard about it, you’ll want to learn how to implement it in your own home. Truly, FreedomFiler is the system that is most consistently celebrated by my clients. It has proven the test of time, and will keep your papers organized for years to come!  Tools in this episode: FreedomFiler Links: Episode 23 - When You want to Organize Your Paper Organize Your Paper  Order your FreedomFiler kit HERE and use code JENNY for 10% OFF Jenny’s Freedom Filer Training   ----more----   “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

No matter the class, no matter the client, no matter the conversation, when the organizing conversation turns to paper, I see the same thing. The inevitable eye roll. The overwhelm. The defeat. Organizing paper creates a unique challenge because it requires us to organize both tangible and intangible clutter. Paper isn’t just an object - it is a container for a task. Which means we can’t stash it away and forget about it - and that’s where the problem comes in.  In episode 44 we will talk about how to extract the intangible action out of a piece of paper so we have peace of mind filing it away. Until we do, we’ll keep letting the papers stack up, because “out of sight, out of mind” feels like a very real threat. So we leave paper out where we can see it…only to discover that this tactic quickly gets out of hand. A pile of papers or sticky notes can’t remind us to do anything when it gets covered up by yet more paper. Iin fact, all the “noise” just shuts us down.  So in this episode I give you a place to start. The first step with paper is to pull the task out of it by adding it to your to do list, and manage the task from there. Then we can feel a lot more comfortable storing the paper in a filing cabinet somewhere. And if you’re not quite comfortable or enchanted by the idea of a to do list, that’s where the Life Organized membership can help. Next month we are revolutionizing the way you manage a to do list, and you will find that with the right strategy, habits, and platform, your to do list can be like your own personal assistant, keeping you on track and helping you know what to do - and when to do it.  Then once it’s in your to do list, we are ready to actually put the paper somewhere. But it isn’t as easy as it seems, because…Where do you put it? How can we find it if we need it? And when do we toss it so we don’t have so much paper building up over time? That’s all covered in part 2  in episode 45. Tools taught in this episode: The To-Do List Links: Life Organized Membership

Have you ever wondered why some people can be haunted by a sink full of dirty dishes - and others walk right past it without even noticing it? Is it simply a matter of habits? Or does personal play a bigger part than we give it credit for? In this episode Laurie Palau from SimplyBOrganized.com shares how she uses the Enneagram personality test to help her clients find ways to get organized based on their unique personalities. With greater awareness of unconscious motivators and tendencies, we can know ahead of time how to set ourselves up for success - and give ourselves grace for the ways that organization might not exactly come naturally. And because I know you’ll want this recap, I’m going to share the 9 Enneagram personality types here: Type 1: The Reformer (perfectionistic and self-controlled)Type 2: The Helper (Caring, people-pleasing)Type 3: The Achiever (Success-oriented, driven)Type 4: The Individualist (Creative, sensitive)Type 5: The Investigator (Intense, cerebral)Type 6: The Loyalist (Committed, responsible)Type 7: The Enthusiast (Fun-loving, spontaneous)Type 8: The Challenger (Decisive, confrontational)Type 9: The Peacemaker (Easygoing, agreeable) If you’re anything like me, you’re immediately starting to identify not only your own type, but the types you see in your family and other close relationships. But hold up - before you start trying to crack the code on everyone else, Laurie recommends we first learn more about how the enneagram personality test can help us understand ourselves. Consistent with our Life Organized membership strategy, we are in a much better position to help others when we have first organized our own clutter - including the unfair ways we might be judging ourselves.  So what do we DO about all of this? Get to know your personality type. Read through the different Enneagram types and see what feels like a fit. (Laurie finds that this can be more effective than taking a test.) Get even more clarity by asking yourself if you make decisions based on thought, feeling, or action. Now…head over to Simply B Organized and use code HAPPY20 for 20% off Laurie’s amazing program that can help you get organized in a way that works for you.  Links:  Enneagram personality test Making The Best Of Your Core Type - use code HAPPY20 for 20% off  ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Links For This Episode: Tools For When Your Kids Are Bored, free ----more----   We're midway into the summer - the honeymoon is over...   Kids are getting bored, fights are breaking out, and summer is starting to feel LONG. But contrary to what the kids think, the real problem is not the lack of things to do –what we need to solve for is imbalance… …because, just like us, kids feel better when they are living an organized life, and that means striking the right balance of work and play. So right now is a great time for a summer reset. How can you plan activities, goals, and adventures that will really hit the mark? As Steven Covey says, we don’t want to climb all the way up a ladder just to realize that it was leaned up against the wrong wall – and too often our summer planning, though well-intended, doesn’t include things the kids are genuinely interested in (or want to support.). It’s important to do a little market research to get the kids’ buy in, so they are invested and excited about the activities that are meant to be fun and restore that much-needed balance. But it’s also not just about fun. Summer can be an ideal time to learn essential life skills. With a little bit of thought and planning, you can be prepared for the long afternoons by teaching the kids home management, financial, and other personal skills that no one has time for during a busy school year.   And if you’d like a little help, message the word BORED to @jlthehappygal on Instagram, or click HERE, and I’ll send you a worksheet that will help the kids brainstorm all the fun things they’d like to learn and do this summer. These 4 thought provoking questions will help you understand what your kids really want this summer and make it easy for you to design activities that they will be eager to support. I’ll also send you THE PLAN – my personal list of age-appropriate skills that you can turn to when you know the kids need to learn and be productive. Summer is a whole different ball game, and you can control the tempo much better when you’ve designed it with intention. Bored kids means imbalanced kids, and it is your job to help them become more aware of why they are feeling this way. Design your summer with some fun and some learning to minimize boredom…and you’ll create a summer they won’t forget! Links For This Episode: Tools For When Your Kids Are Bored, free

Have you ever come home from vacation and faced such a mountain of catch-up, so much that the trip almost doesn’t seem worth it? I remember hearing once that you should expect catching up from a vacation to take at least as many days as the trip itself. Well, I disagree.  There are two strategic times you can make big strides in vacation recovery, so you can be back up and running as soon as the next day. Join me in this episode for my tried and true tips, and or click HERE for a copy of my Vacation Recovery checklists. Links from this episode: Get Organized Fast – Your FREE guide to organize your home, time, and mindset Vacation Recovery Checklist, free

At the time this episode is posted, we find ourselves in the heart of a family season… which might mean that your reservoir of self-care is running pretty dry. But the Chinese yin/yang symbol is a perfect metaphor for balance, teaching us that in the middle of one extreme we crave its opposite. That means that what might be missing from your summer right now is the kind of self-care that we give ourselves in a personal season. So how do we do that in the summer, when there isn’t much time and everyone is competing for our attention? We implement one of my favorite tools, Power Hour, and create small, imperfect habits to nourish mind, body, and spirit. In this episode I share the what, when, and how of implementing Power Hour, as well as a powerful new way to move forward in self-care habits. For full show notes, click HERE.  Links: Episode 36 When You Need to Organize your Summer Get Organized Fast – Your FREE guide to organize your home, time, and mindset  The Life Organized Membership Tools Taught In This Episode: Power hour Physiology before psychology Keystone habits It doesn’t have to look a certain way Floors/ceilings “Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree, and I’ll spend the first 4 sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln “I’ve found that the more I expect of myself, the less I actually do.” – Stephen Guise, author of Mini Habits ----more----   “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Well, as John Lennon said, “Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” There are plenty of ways we get to experience “life,” and the inspiration for this particular episode came to me as I was sitting on the front porch of our Airbnb home, looking out at the lake instead of boating on it, because our boat broke. It was so tempting to sink into disappointment and negativity, because my brain wanted to keep telling me “We should be out on the water right now,” but that thought just led me to a vacation experience that I didn’t enjoy. So whether it is a vacation - or something different, like relationships, finances, health, or even as simple as your plan for your day - our brains have a tendency to generate a lot of clutter (in the form of negative thoughts) when things don’t go as planned. Thoughts have power, and as I give you a glimpse into my vacation that didn’t go as planned, we really investigate the idea that “Your thoughts call the shots.”  In this episode we talk about using one specific tool to shift the way you experience things not going as planned, and this is something you’ll want to keep in your back pocket so you can pull it out when you need it. Download this episode and have it at the ready, because, as John Lennon said, life is just a series of events that happen instead of what we were planning on.  Tools Taught In This Episode: When things don’t go as planned, identify the most troubling thought, and then sidestep it. Immediately look for ways to shift into gratitude for what IS happening. Do you want to be right? Or do you want to be happy? ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up every morning in a good mood? Or just have an extra boost of optimism or energy in your day? Subconsciously we are always looking for pick-me-ups that can do just that – and we often turn to spending money or snacking on junk food for that quick boost. But there is something we can do to experience a happier state more regularly – and that is to organize our home.  “A rising tide raises all boats,” and the state of our homes can be much like a rising or falling tide – we go up or down as our home vacillates between organized and unorganized. There is so much power in making this connection, because we can consciously design our lives to include more organization, so we can regularly experience that little boost. In this episode, I share 3 easy ways we can organize more often, so we can give ourselves that little boost. Create a routine, or regular time, to do organizing projects. Turn to organizing in moments when you feel imbalanced our out of control Bust some clutter every day with my Clutter Busters technique Links: Ep. 5 - When the Clutter is Driving you Crazy Ep. 33 - When You Wonder What Clutter Does to You Clutter Busters, free

As we head into summer, kids and screen time might be on your mind. And that’s exactly why I interviewed Andrea Davis from betterscreentime.com. Andrea's mission is to teach parents how to worry less about technology and connect more with their kids. And what better time to focus on this than during the long days of summer that are around the corner? Because kids’ brains are still developing, this is a particularly vulnerable time to place tech in their hands. That’s why it’s important to take an honest look at what is open and available in the cyberworld when you hand your children a device. Andrea suggests that you take the time to discuss with your kids what they love and don’t love about tech; when and where devices will be allowed; and installing passwords, protections, and limits to keep kids from accessing harmful material. She also recommends designing your summer with intention as an alternative to screen time. This includes setting goals, teaching your kids important life skills, and keeping them busy with productive and engaging activities, which is exactly what my Organize Your Summer mini-course helps you to do. Healthy screen habits + Organize Your Summer make the perfect match! Also in this episode, we talked about how technology can be viewed through the lens of the 3 C’s: Create, Connect, and Consume. Not all time spent on technology is to be avoided, as it assists you to be creative and also connect with family and friends. The 3rd C – Consume – is the aspect of technology that needs to be managed with time limits and boundaries. And don’t you worry – there are plenty of tips for how to help teens with healthy screen use, especially when social media apps like snap chat appear to be a vital way they connect with their friends. Tactics such as installing an app on mom’s phone where it can be closely monitored, and choosing an app like Marco Polo that allows teens to connect with fewer true friends in a safe way rather than connecting with endless friends where dangers exist can help you navigate the tech journey with teens. Andrea’s parting advice: Foster connection with your kids. Connecting one-on-one promotes strong relationships and good mental health, and also gives your kids a safe place to come when they do access something online that makes them uncomfortable. What to do next: Download Andrea’s FREE Quick Guide to Family Tech plan. Check out Andrea’s Creating a Tech Healthy Family* (for families w/kids ages 5-13) Or check out Untangling Teens and Tech* (for families w/teens ages 12-17) *Use code HAPPY20 for a 20% discount, expires June 17, 2023. Links:  FREE: Your Quick Guide to Creating a Family Technology Plan  FREE: Am I Ready for a Personal Device? Untangling Teens & Tech   Organize Your Summer mini-course

Well, the last day of school is around the corner, and if you’re anything like my clients, you are feeling a little nervous about how this is all going to work once the kids are home for the summer… …because it’s a big job. Entertaining the little ones, keeping a close eye on the big ones, staying on top of the never-ending stream of dirty dishes, and finding time to work, take care of yourself, or pretty much accomplish anything else. If there is one magic bullet to help you organize your summer, it is the paradigm shift I am sharing in this episode.  The way you look at something really does make a difference – and this summer we need that difference! So put in your air pods and walk your dog, fold the laundry, drive the carpool, or take a walk with me. Let’s spend a few minutes talking about how we can organize your summer. “You will never have this summer with your children again. This summer is a gift. Breathe and notice. Study their little faces and feet. Relish the charms of the present. Enjoy this summer, Mama, it will be gone before you know it.” - Jen Hatmaker (edited) Tools In This Episode: Personal and Family Seasons Links: Ep. 11 - When It’s A Family Season Organize Your Summer Mini Course

Don’t you just hate that feeling that comes right after you say yes…when deep down you know you should have said no? We’ve all been there.  You already have a busy day ahead, and your sister asks you to watch her kids that afternoon. You’ve promised the kids you’ll take them swimming, but you hear yourself telling your boss you’ll have that project completed today. Why do we do this?! It’s not that saying yes is bad.  But we need an easy way to recognize when to say yes…and when to say no. And that’s exactly what I give you in this episode.  It goes a little something like this:  “If I say yes to _______, I am saying no to ________”.  In this episode we will learn this mantra well - so you can avoid that awful moment when you should have said no - but didn’t. And great news…you can get this tip as a friendly reminder on your phone right when you need it with the free download I'm offering at LifeOrganizedPodcast.com/no.  No more guilt. No more overwhelm. No more regret. Just the peace of mind that comes with a well-timed no. Links: 'Freedom To Say No' Reminder, Free Life Organized Membership  Bootcamp ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it seems fitting that we reflect about motherhood. Lots of emotion around this subject, for sure. Motherhood is equal parts difficult and amazing, and it’s pretty easy to feel like you’re not doing it right. But in this episode I share an experience about how I stepped into my own as a mom. It doesn’t look the way my mom did it. And I realize now that that’s ok. In this episode I share a mantra that has been a game changer for me - and hopefully it will be for you, too. So this episode is my Mother’s Day gift to you. Whatever it is you can give is exactly what your kids need from you. Links: Life Organized Membership Get Organized Bootcamp Top 10 Tips To Get Organized Fast, Free ----more----   “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the clutter in your life? I know I have. In fact, a couple of weeks ago I found myself in huge amounts of clutter because of a flood in my basement.  It was awful! I was so overwhelmed by the mess - and as the clutter got bigger and bigger, my motivation to clean it up got lower and lower.  Have you felt that way, too?  In today’s episode I will talk about a very simple but effective way to get in control of the clutter in your life.  I like to call this method “Just Take Ten” — a cool new tool that eliminates overwhelm and creates instant results.  But that’s not all. This episode also includes some very interesting research that explains why clutter affects us in such a negative way. Ready to Just Take Ten and get on top of some clutter? Let’s do this. Links: Clutter Busters Life Organized Membership  Bootcamp Ep. 5 - When The Clutter Is Driving You Crazy  Ep. 26 - When You Have Doom Piles    ----more---- “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Ever feel like you could use a little motivation?  And I mean for anything? To cook dinner? To clean the bathroom? To get the kids to practice or do their homework? To exercise? To get up on time in the morning? We all have a million things to do everyday, and a lot of them are pretty mundane and boring, BUT they need to get done. So…how are you supposed to get everything done on your to-do list when you're just not 'feeling it'?  You’re in luck. In today’s episode, I share the 3 M’s to help you build a relationship with motivation so it becomes a frequent and familiar part of your life! Links: Ep. 2 - When You Don't Know Where To Start Free Wallpaper/Printout

Um….couldn’t EVERYONE use a little more control?! With so much happening in our lives, getting more in control can sound like a fairy tale. But it’s not. With a simple routine, we can stop fighting fires and feeling behind the 8 ball. We can stay on top of what needs to be done, and even make space for a few of the things we really WANT to do. What is that routine? Weekly planning.  In this episode, I’ll tell you all about it! Tools mentioned in this episode: Weekly planning Find a regular time for weekly planning. Build your week around existing commitments Incorporate tasks that you WANT to do. Quotes: “You either pay the price of success or you pay the price of failure, but either way you pay the price.” Links: Life Organized Membership ----more----   “Are things starting to click for you? Help this podcast reach others by leaving a 5 Star rating and review on your favorite listening app! (Thanks in advance!).” –Jenny

Recently I found myself working with someone who didn’t stop soon enough to get organized. She didn’t stop the hustle and bustle of life to get her home in order. And we’re not just talking about decluttering the countertop and organizing pantries and closets... she didn’t stop in time to get her time management in order – she just kept pushing, ignoring the signs of burnout...  Today we'll talk about a solution to all of this. Tools Mentioned: Small + Specific = Success Links from this episode: Ep. 2 - When You Don't Know Where to Start Ep. 4 - When You Wonder How to Get It All Done Ep. 27 - When You Want Beautiful Organization with Jen Martin of Reset Your Nest Get Organized Fast (free)

It’s that time of year when things get busy – maybe even too busy for family meals. In this episode, Camille Beckstrand from Six Sisters’ Stuff shares her expert tips to help you menu plan on busy nights. Think family mean time has to happen at dinner? Think again! Meal time is about connecting with the family, and that can happen at breakfast, lunch, and even during dessert! In This Episode: What to do about late-night dinners A fantastic plan for leftovers You know what they like to eat, but what do you love to cook? Camille and I discuss all of this and more. Things like... How to make meal planning easy Creating 'theme nights' And how to get everyone on board for eating what's on the table  Bon appétit. Links: 27 Freezer Meals by Six Sisters' Stuff 10 Things You Can Do To Get Organized Fast (free)

Life is full of annoying little pet peeves, isn’t it? And it seems like all there really is to do is grin and bear it, because some things just don’t seem to want to go away. But what if one pet peeve collides with another pet peeve in an inspired way? What if pet peeves can become solutions for each other? What if those pet peeves can actually become a win/win? This is a fun episode where I share a lot of win/wins my clients and I have noticed when we’ve started looking for them. So if you’re ready to put on the win/win goggles, this can be a fun game to play as you navigate the messy parts of life. Since there's nothing we can do about a pet peeve… might as well turn it into a win!

If you are on Instagram and you like to follow organizers, then you probably know Reset Your Nest. Jen Martin is a good friend and fellow organizer, and she has a gift that leaves me drooling – and that is how to make your organizing projects BEAUTIFUL. So today on the podcast she is answering all my toughest questions, such as: Secret “rules of thumb” to organize beautifully How to avoid getting stuck when picking the “perfect” container Budget-friendly container ideas How to maintain a beautifully organized space And the best news? Jen shared so many great products and ideas, I have compiled them all in a free PDF download.  This means you can sit back and enjoy the podcast without furiously taking notes. Believe me, this episode is a gold mine! You will fall in love with Jen – plus she has a great discount to offer any listeners who want to hire Reset Your Nest to come organize for them. Just mention the Life Organized podcast and receive $300 off a session with Reset Your Nest. Links mentioned in this episode: Free PDF download with all tips, products and links from this interview Life Organized Membership ResetYourNest.com ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

What are doom piles? Just a fun, new, trendy term for clutter. So yes, we are back to talking about clutter again.  Because it just. Keeps. Coming. Clutter can be tricky, and so today I’m giving you 5 new ways to fight the clutter. Ready to kick the clutter? Dispel the doom? Let’s do this. Links:  Clutter Busters ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you’re on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

Aren’t bad mornings just the worst? You wake up tired. The kids are late to school. Everyone is grumpy and you instantly feel behind. We need a plan for those kinds of mornings, and in today’s episode that is exactly what I give you. We’ll give these kinds of mornings a name, and then we’ll figure out exactly what you need to do to turn the ship around. Bad mornings don’t need to turn into bad days. With a little course correction, you can get right back on track. Tools In This Episode: A Day/B Day Links:  Ep. 2 - When You Don't Know Where to Start Ep. 8 - When Done Is Better Than Perfect ----more----   Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

Remember in the summer as a kid you couldn’t wait to start wearing shorts? Or go swimming for the first time? If you are like 60-70% of the adult women in recent studies, you aren’t feeling so excited about showing all that skin anymore. I’m not a health coach and I’m certainly not implying you should have to DO anything to get ready for summer… …but living an organized life means you are committed to getting rid of clutter, and that might include negative feelings about yourself and your body. With 3 months of runway between now and summer, there is plenty of time to make some subtle shifts in your self-care. And don’t worry, while there are some great changes we can make with food and exercise, that is not the focus of this episode. Get ready for something a little less emotionally charged – and a lot more fun. Ready to make this your best summer ever? Let’s start with decluttering all the things that will try to hold you back. ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

Research shows that over 50% of people struggle with their paper. They have too much loose paper in their home, and can’t find important papers when they need them. So if you struggle with this too, you’re not alone. That’s why I am helping you organize your paper in this episode. I’ll share two simple tools to get that paper under control: How you can organize paper the way your computer organizes your email The single most important habit for organizing your paper Listen, no one teaches us this stuff in school, and we certainly aren’t paying for “paper lessons” for our kids. Let me help you demystify paper clutter. You’ve got lots better things to do with your time than dig through those piles to find what you need. Links: Life Organized Membership

Have you ever thought about how much of what we do every day or every week is so repetitive? And Isn’t it such a bummer that most of what we have to repeat just isn’t that fun? I mean, it’s not like we need sunshine and roses every moment of the day…but if we feel like a rain cloud is following us around most of the time, it can get kind of hard to keep doing all the things day after day. We procrastinate. We complain. We get behind. We dread it. And that’s not the way to live an organized life. What we need is a way to sweeten it up - and in this episode I give you a clever little tool to help you with those regular tasks that just aren’t very fun. It’s a catchy mantra that you can teach your kids and your spouse - and use for yourself.  It’s funny how much easier it is to do something when we have the right tool. Links:  5-Finger Rule free download ----more----Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

Have you ever thought about how much of what we do every day or every week is so repetitive? And Isn’t it such a bummer that most of what we have to repeat just isn’t that fun? I mean, it’s not like we need sunshine and roses every moment of the day…but if we feel like a rain cloud is following us around most of the time, it can get kind of hard to keep doing all the things day after day. We procrastinate. We complain. We get behind. We dread it. And that’s not the way to live an organized life. What we need is a way to sweeten it up - and in this episode I give you a clever little tool to help you with those regular tasks that just aren’t very fun. It’s a catchy mantra that you can teach your kids and your spouse - and use for yourself.  It’s funny how much easier it is to do something when we have the right tool.   Links: Life Organized Membership ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

How can your stop family members from being packrats. Often, people don’t want to part with their things, even if it's time to move on from them. This can be pretty frustrating if you're trying to keep order in your home. In this episode I share two simple tools — plus one bonus tip — for finding a a solution that works for everyone. LINKS: Get Organized Bootcamp Life Organized Membership Also, contact me if you would like information about personal coaching. ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you’re on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

It may surprise you to know that menu planning is one of the top things my clients want help with. There is something about sitting down at night to a family meal that helps them feel like they are on top of their lives. Research shows there are a whole lot of other important things happening as well. From academics and stronger family relationships to mental, social, physical and behavior health, family meals are important to prioritize…. …and one way to ensure they happen is through menu planning. In today's episode I give you 3 tips to successful menu planning. Plus a bonus tip for when all your plans go out the window! In This Episode: Habit Hooks Go-To Meals Done is Better than Perfect Links: Life Organized Membership

I had an interesting experience on the treadmill a few weeks ago. I couldn’t realize why my runs were so hard – until I noticed that the incline setting was stuck. Even though the treadmill said I was running at no incline, the machine was stuck at level 10. This made me think about more than just running. Sometimes we don’t recognize that we are trying to keep up with everything even though in life we are on a level 10 incline. We expect things to happen as easily and effortlessly as they always do – and when they don’t, we can be awfully hard on ourselves. We can wonder what’s wrong with us, why other people seem to be able to get it all done, and worry that we’re never going to have what it takes. But we don’t have to do it that way anymore. Not when we know how to detect the inclines in our lives, and not when we have the tools to know what to do about it. In this episode I share 3 tools to help you when you are facing life on an incline. In this episode, how to:  Acknowledge the incline Default to self-love instead of self-criticism Do something about it Tools: What do you need, what’s missing? Links:  Life Organized Membership ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast... Here's how: If you’re on iTunes or Spotify, find the review tab and give the program 5 stars! And if you're on iTunes please click  “Write a Review” and let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you. Thanks a bunch!

All right, ready to learn about a quick organizing habit that is mindless and easy to implement – but powerful in preventing the buildup of clutter? It’s a little tool called FIFO and stands for First In, First Out. Today we’ll talk about how FIFO is your new mantra each time you bring something new into the house, because it leads you to automatically select something to get OUT of the house.  This mindset is an easy way to avoid accumulating too much stuff – and with a little tweak can even help you get ahead of a clutter problem without making it into a big project. Learn how to easily implement FIFO, and even adapt it to help you clear the clutter from your time and schedule. FIFO is one of those powerful organizing habits we love because it requires very little effort while giving you great results. I hope you feel an instant connection with this tool and adopt it indefinitely!   Tools taught in this episode: FIFO – First In, First Out Links:  Clutter Busters  ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

Ready for another great metaphor? Today I’ll compare pursuing your goals to sailing on a ship – and if that ship is leaky, you’re not going to be making it very far with those goals. A disorganized life is a lot like a leaky ship – and until we seal up all the places disorganization is leaking into our lives, we will never really have the bandwidth to pursue the things that are really important to us. So how do we organize our lives so we can have smoother sailing towards the things we really want to achieve? Well, you’ll definitely want to check out the Life Organized membership link below to learn more. And if the membership isn’t a good fit for you, then just start to identify parts of your life that hold you back. If you are willing to slow down on your goals long enough to seal up these leaks in your life, you’ll be amazed at how much more joyful the journey of accomplishing your goals can be.  Tools Mentioned: The way you do one thing is the way you do everything. Links: Life Organized Membership  ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you’re on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

I am confessing something kind of embarrassing in this episode. Historically, I have STRUGGLED with decorating. (That is not an understatement. Just ask my husband) But this December I attempted to update my holiday decorations and found unexpected success. As I reflected about this, I realized that what had helped me can actually help you this year as you consider setting your New Year’s resolutions. Listen, if there was something that could help me have some moderate success with decorating, then you can feel very encouraged that this same thing can help you with anything that might feel impossible to you. There is a reason you desire it. And there is a way to achieve it. The proof is sitting in my Christmas bins. Tools Mentioned: You + what you want + the right tools = Success Links: Life Organized Membership

This is one of those episodes you are going to want to download, so you can re-listen when you get really busy… …because during really busy times, like the holidays or the last few weeks of school before summer vacation, or when you are planning a big event or work project, or even when there are a lot of little everyday things that start to add up– it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, stressed, resentful – and also possibly unmotivated, disinterested, depressed, and unhappy. And those feelings are the LAST thing we have time for when we have a lot to do! So in this episode I share two little game-changing questions you can ask yourself in these busy moments. The answers to these questions can change overwhelm to clarity; stress to peace of mind; lack of motivation to enthusiastic momentum. Tools taught in this episode: What do you need? What’s missing? “Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance how much of ourselves we give away.” – Barbara De Angelis ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on Apple Podcasts or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

We work for weeks to create this special holiday for our families, hoping that with all the planning and shopping and wrapping and cooking and decorating we can enjoy a truly memorable day.  But more often than not, we spend the day putting together toys, cleaning up all the wrapping paper and packaging, cooking those favorite Christmas foods in the kitchen, managing to the unexpected… …Or else we relax all day, but face a mountain of overwhelming Christmas clutter the next day. How about a few tips to help minimize the stress on the big day – and the days following -  so Christmas can be as magical for you as it is for the kids? This year can be YOUR YEAR to love Christmas Day. No more stress and work while everyone else gets to sit back and enjoy. Of course, because so much relies on us, that will take some planning ahead. So grab a pen and take some notes, because with a little bit of organization, you can always create an outcome you love! In This Episode:  Mentally create the kind of Christmas Day you’d like to have Prep gifts before wrapping them Assemble a Christmas morning kit Provide everyone with containers for unwrapped gifts Clean up wrapping as you go Think ahead for photos Choose a Christmas morning playlist Precook Christmas meals LINKS: Bankers Boxes ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on Apple Podcasts or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

When you think of an organizing podcast, you probably think of exactly what you’ll hear in today’s episode. Today I am giving you the cliff notes version of organizing any enclosed space, like a pantry, closet, drawer or cabinet. My organizing system takes each letter in the word CREATE to guide you through the process of organizing an enclosed space. Following all of these steps – in order – will leave you with a project that is beautiful, functional, and long lasting.  For a more in-depth training on this system, check out Organize Your Space. Tools taught in this episode: CREATE system of organizing Links: Organize your Space Life Organized Membership ----more----Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes or Spotify go ahead and give us 5 stars. And if you're on iTunes, please click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

Ever notice how during the summer or the holidays, everything seems to unravel? The house is a mess.You aren’t getting anything done.Your own personal needs are on the back burner. …and you start to feel a teensy bit overwhelmed. Or resentful. Or out of balance. This used to be a big problem for me.  My husband actually pointed out that I had breakdowns at predictable times each year.  Well, where there is predictability, there is an opportunity to organize. And so I put on my coaching hat and began to look at seasons in a whole new way.  Suddenly I recognized a pattern I hadn’t seen before.  And with that new awareness, I began to transition through the summer, holidays, and other family times with ease and grace. It’s a little concept I call personal and family seasons, and I can’t wait to share it with you in this episode. Understanding personal and family seasons is the key to avoiding a messy house and feeling burned out when you have little time to yourself – or feeling guilty or irresponsible about focusing on things other than the family when you get deep into a different role in your life. It’s a strategy I can’t live without. I hope you enjoy! Tools taught in this episode: Personal And Family Seasons ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes, scroll down, give us 5 stars, and then click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

How many times have you forgotten to…    Start the crockpot?    Make that phone call?    Add something to the calendar?    Order that thing you needed from Amazon?    Pick up something you needed while you were at the store? And what kind of problems did that cause? Isn’t it the worst when simple tasks turn into roaring fires – all because you forgot to take action on them?  The key is to catch it as you think of it, and today we will talk about 3 ways you can create this habit – and what kind of thoughts you’d be wise to capture. This episode is all about preventing those fires, so you can have less stress and more time for what matters most. This is what having an organized life is all about! In this episode: How to leverage an “external brain” to manage these tasks Find the right to do list for you The power of the mantra “Catch it as You Think of It” When to review what you’ve written down What kinds of tasks you should “catch” Tools in this episode: Mantra: Catch It As You Think Of It Links: Life Organized Membership ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes, scroll down, give us 5 stars, and then click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

It sounds cliché, but I’ll say it anyway….can you believe the holidays are here again?! Black Friday is around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about those gift lists. But maybe before we start filling up our shopping carts this year, we might want to pause and ask ourselves a few critical questions, like: "Where will we put this?" "Will they REALLY use this?" "And what could we give instead?" This list of clutter-free gift ideas just might make this the best, most memorable Christmas yet…and leave you with a lot less clutter to deal with when the holidays are over. In this episode: One way to define clutter is “something that takes more than it gives.” Clutter-free gift ideas Links: Free Book: Get Organized Fast ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you’re on iTunes, go ahead and give the program 5 stars! (And if you're on iTunes you can also click  “Write a Review” and let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

I bet you can finish this sentence: “If you can’t do something right…” "Don’t do it at all." Mmm….I strongly disagree. This is one of the most toxic mindsets I see.  Perfectionism likes to parade around as something inspirational and helpful, but if you look behind the curtains it’s all about fear — fear that you might not do it right, fear that it might not look just right, and fear that you just don’t have what it takes.  Perfectionism is just fear in really good shoes. Have you ever stopped to consider how much of your time and energy you spend trying to get something from good enough to perfect — when it probably doesn’t make that much difference in the long run?  What if we adopted this attitude instead?  "Done is Better than perfect.” 'Done' is better because 'done' means you get to move on and have joy in life instead of obsessing over details that won’t matter as time passes. Learn how Done Is Better Than Perfect can help you get organized, be more productive, improve personal goals, and better connect with your family. In this episode: “Perfectionism is just fear in really good shoes.” Perfectionism is a GPS system from the twilight zone Done is Better than Perfect (DBP) Done is Fun How you can implement Done is Better than Perfect when organizing your home, menu planning, working on a routine, health goals, and parenting. Links: Done is Better than Perfect screensaver and printable Life Organized Membership ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast. If you're on iTunes, scroll down, give us 5 stars, and then click  “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you.

Ok, so you’re ready to give routines a try. Let’s make sure you set one up the right way so you can have success! In this episode:​ Time Habit Hook Sample routines Regular tasks don’t ever need to cause stress How routines work in my life Tools Mentioned:​ Your P.A.T.H to a routine Pick a specific task Assign the steps Time Habit Hook

If you don’t love routines, you probably think routines kill all the fun.  Who wants to stick around home and clean and do laundry when there are so many better things to do? Even if you are routine-resistant, you may be surprised to learn how much of your life already consists of routines – and why your brain actually craves them.  Think routines keep you trapped? Think again.  Routines don’t restrict freedom. They create it. “Routines can become so automatic that we start performing them without realizing it. So we get done what needs to get done, even when our minds are preoccupied with other things.” “Routines remove the need to deliberate over what you should do when (which takes time and energy) because once you've established a routine you've already made those decisions.”    In This Episode: How you already use routines Why your brain loves routines How routines create freedom What routines look like for me Links: In This Episode: Life Organized Membership (we're almost ready for ya... link coming soon) ----more----

Ok, time to roll up our sleeves and get to work! Ready to seriously declutter your home? In this episode I will teach you a realistic, sustainable approach that gives you a way to declutter on the regular – without having to take time off work, no babysitter required — and zero expensive containers!   In This Episode: External clutter creates internal clutter What Clutter Busters isn’t What Clutter Busters is How to Bust Clutter Clutter Busting Tips Tools Mentioned: External Clutter Becomes Internal Clutter Links: Organize Your Space Clutter Busters ----more----Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast HERE (coming soon!). Scroll to the bottom, give us 5 stars, and then select “Write a Review” to let everyone know how Life Organized is making a difference for you. This is good karma! Your review will help others find this podcast…which means something new and great will be headed your way soon!

Let’s talk about the reality that there is literally not enough time in the day to do all that you need to get done. And how you wish you could clone yourself a dozen times so for once you could actually reach the end of your to do list. This is a time management issue, and one I can’t wait to talk to you about. Because with the perfect analogy I can help you look at time in a whole new way – and give you the big picture view of what your organized life will look like.  An organized life is a life that has enough time to get it all done…but note that in an organized life you’ve weeded out all the low-value tasks that are cluttering up your time.  Ready to dive in? In this episode: Puzzle Box analogy Time/Pantry analogy How to design your organized life Tools Mentioned: The Puzzle Box analogy The Time/Pantry analogy Life Organized Membership ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast HERE (Review links coming Soon!) Scroll to the bottom, give us 5 stars, and then select “Write a Review” to let everyone know how Life Organized is making a difference for you. This is good karma! Your review will help others find this podcast… which means something new and great will be headed your way soon!

We’ve all been there before… You want to take control of things, get organized, and move on with your life – but there is so much to do, you don’t know where to start. The good news is that there is a perfect place to start, and in this episode, I tell you all about it. But first, you have to understand how your brain has been getting in the way. Let me just say, from this day forward you will refer to your life in two ways: “Before I knew about Home Base,” and “After Home Base changed things forever.” In this episode: Learn how the brain works. You don’t have believe everything your brain is telling you. How to work WITH the  brain instead of trying to force it. The BEST tool for getting your brain onboard. Tools Mentioned: Home Base External clutter creates internal clutter Get Organized Bootcamp ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast HERE (review links coming soon). Scroll to the bottom, give us 5 stars, and then select “Write a Review” to let everyone how Life Organized is making a difference for you. This is good karma! Your review will help others find this podcast…which means something new and great will be headed your way soon!

Remember that Adam Sandler movie from years ago called “Click?” Where he found a universal remote that could fast forward through all the hard parts of life, so he could skip the messy middle and just get to show up at the end when everything was easy again? It would be so great to get your hands on a remote like that to fast forward through all the work and just have everything be organized right NOW. Unfortunately, I don’t have that remote, or a magic wand, or anything else that can give you these instantaneous results…but I do have a strategy that can help you know what to do in this kind of a moment. It is a little formula I like to call Small + Simple = Success. And here’s a spoiler alert: these little wins create BIG results.    Tools taught in this episode: Success is a formula – it is a series of steps Small + specific = Success   Links:  The Compound Effect by Darren HardyGet Organized BootcampOrganize Your PaperOrganize your Space ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast HERE (links to review coming soon). Scroll to the bottom, give us 5 stars, and then select “Write a Review” to let everyone know how Life Organized is making a difference for you. This is good karma! Your review will help others find this podcast… which means something new and great will be headed your way soon!

When Getting Organized Feels Impossible... With organization comes clear thinking, greater productivity, and lower stress.  But is getting organized even possible? I know, I know. You’ve tried to get organized before! Sometimes you see some improvement, but nothing seems to last. Maybe you’re beginning to wonder if getting organized is even possible?   Well, I’m glad you’re here, because you’re going to like my answer to this question. But it involves an approach you likely haven’t tried before. Ready to find out more?   Let’s do this. ----more---- Tools taught in this episode: Looking below the surface The way you do one thing is the way you do everything The Happy Gal Way ----more---- Are things starting to click for you? Starting to see a way out of the mess? Wish you had found this podcast sooner? Pay it forward by rating and reviewing the Life Organized podcast HERE. Scroll to the bottom, give us 5 stars, and then select “Write a Review” to let everyone know how Life Organized is making a difference for you. This is good karma! Your review will help others find this podcast… which means something new and great will be headed your way soon!