Everyone has a certain saying that sticks with them, that becomes a sort of mantra in their day-to-day life.  In my case, as is with many others, one of my personal mantras comes from my ever-insightful mother:

“Chaos is the enemy of achievement.” 

Give it a sec…let it sink in…get it?

How can you achieve your goals, no matter how big or small, when your life is chaotic and jumbled?  You can’t.  At least not as easily.  I learned early on that homework is best done on a clean desk, getting dressed is a million times easier when your clothes aren’t in a heap on the floor, and keeping track of important events is really only possible with an adorable agenda book.  I’m not going to lie and say I’ve mastered all of these things…at times it still looks like a tornado hit my room and my homework often gets done while I sit wrapped in a blanket on my bed (#fine).  However, as I continue to repeat my mantra and control the chaos, I find my stress level declining and my success increasing…#winning.

Here are my suggestions to all of you with chaotic lives:

1. Make lists, sub-lists, micro-lists…  Organize by day, week, or category—whatever works best for you. (Maybe “Do” “Get” and “Go”?!   I’m just sayin’…)

2. Invest in post-its—I literally can’t survive without these…embrace them, use them, love them.  Get colorful or patterned ones that match your décor so you enjoy leaving them out!

3. Check things off as you go—it’ll make you feel like you’ve accomplished something.

4. Keep it cute!  This doesn’t have to be a tedious activity…find some fun notepads that you’ll enjoy looking at every day.

The more you organize your busy life, the more control you will have over it, and the more you will be able to achieve.  Keep it balanced! (This is another one of my current mantras.)  Balance is the magic key to staying sane and enjoying your life, so strive for it every day.

What are some of your fave mantras to live by?

Share them in the comment box below!

(Note: While writing this, I came across the post-it app for iPhones.  Needless to say my life is about to be changed for good…virtual post-its on the go?! #yesplease #checkitout)