1) Don't try to get organized all at once. Do a little each day. Ten minutes here and there adds up fast and soon you'll be impressed with your progress.

2) Develop an organizational habit each month. Maybe you need to file on a daily basis or you need one day to get caught up on phone calls and updating your records. Determine your needs and set a new goal each month.

3) Buy the tools you need to get organized. There are terrific desk organizers and storage caddies and filing implements available on the market today. Invest a little money in these tools. They will help you be more productive.

4) Make use of software that keeps you organized. I love Quicken for tracking my checkbook balance, and I use a manuscript tracker to follow my submissions. My MS Entourage calendar reminds me of tasks and appointments. Without these handy programs, I'd spend oddles of extra time keeping myself organized.

5) Plan. Plan. Plan. And then work your plan. A lack of direction is poison for most people. Make a list of what needs to get done and plan when you will do it. Then make yourself accountable for getting it done.

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