NEW YORK, NY — Just like hitting the gym and quitting smoking, you have to be honest with yourself if you are going to get organized in 2008.
In fact, this goal, which tops the list of the most prevalent — and often unsuccessful — New Year’s resolutions, is all about budgeting your time and setting realistic expectations, said Sonya Weisshappel, president and founder of Seriatim, a New York City-based company that specializes in organizing seamless transitions.
“Whether you want to finish that photo album you started or you’re planning holiday parties and gifts in advance, the key to becoming organized is managing the tasks appropriately, leveraging your time and being practical about what you can do yourself and what you should hire someone to do for you,” said Weisshappel.
The expert, who has worked on projects ranging in size from preparing for home renovations to moving families and companies overseas, said the first order of business is pondering your immediate needs and then considering some unique solutions.
“Think about what is really bothering you and what piece of that you feel you need to do yourself,” said Weisshappel. “You have to remember that time is a commodity and you are not going to get anymore of it, so how you spend your time and how that makes you feel is really important. If you don’t have the time — or the desire to do it — it may cost you less, both literally and figuratively, to ask for help.”
Of course, companies such as Weisshappel’
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Weisshappel said there are also ways to force oneself to complete, or at least begin, a project. For example, she adds, throwing a party to share your wedding or vacation photos might just provide the kind of urgency you need to start that album. Likewise, planning a gathering for months down the road may give you the push you need to complete those pesky home repairs.
For information about Weisshappel or her company, Seriatim, visit www.seriatim.net or call (212) 877-3267.
