Next Week I’ve Got to Get Organized

by Margaret Lucke

In 1955 cartoonist Herb Gardner (who later wrote the play A Thousand Clowns) published a cartoon that became a classic. You’ve probably seen it. The drawing shows two of his famous Nebbish characters slouching in chairs, their stretched-out legs resting on a table. The caption reads: “Next week we’ve got to get organized.”

I subscribed to that philosophy for a long time, but recently I decided that for me, next week needs to be now. A brand-new year is arriving in a couple of weeks, and I’d like to greet 2025 in an office that is clean and free of the clutter created by old projects, bad habits, and all that stuff I’m definitely gonna get around to reading and doing someday. In other words, I want it to look less like the one in the picture. So I’ve embarked on a project to make my workspace SOFT for the coming year. That’s my acronym for Sort, Organize, File and Toss.

Unfortunately, I’ve discovered that Get Organized is not a task one can zip through in an hour and cross off the to-do list. Oh no, it’s much more complicated than that. In case your next week has become now, here’s a quick guide to the nine stages of getting O.R.G.A.N.I.Z.E.D.

Obliviousness – “What do you mean, get organized? My work, my finances, my home, my office, and my life are chugging along fine just the way they are. Well, sort of. Well, sometimes. Besides, all of this clutter and mess is an expression of my creative, carefree spirit.”

Realization – “Oops. Missed another appointment. And another deadline. And I forgot to pay that bill, though it doesn’t matter cuz my bank account is overdrawn anyway. But what’s driving me crazy is that I can’t find my silk shirt or that vitally important piece of paper.”

Goal-setting – “By gosh, I’m gonna do it. I’m getting my desk, my closet, my calendar, my files, my finances, and my life in order – by next Thursday.”

Acquisition – “Let’s see, I’ll need some how-to books with tips on getting organized, time management, and personal finance. And some file folders and office supplies. Oh, and a few of those cute baskets and boxes for stashing stuff. Uh-oh, where did I put my credit card.”

Naps – “I’m feeling overwhelmed just thinking about this project. And exhausted from all of that shopping. Right now I really need get some rest. After that I’ll be raring to go, I promise.”

Industry – “Okay, okay, I’m buckling down and getting started. This worn-out mateless sock? Trash. This three-year-old magazine? Recycle. This book I’ve finished reading. Donate.”

Zeal – “Look at me! Isn’t this exciting? I’m getting so much accomplished. Here are some tips I’m finding helpful. Tip 1: Break this huge project into small steps. Tip 2: Get rid of stuff you don’t find useful, beautiful, or valuable. When in doubt, throw it out. Tip 3: Have a place for everything and put everything in its place. Tip 4: Write things down; don’t rely on your memory. Tip 5: Reward yourself when you accomplish something. (Mmm, ice cream!)”

Evangelizing – “You know, my friend, your life would go so much better if only you’d get organized.”

Dreaming – “Yay! I’ve finished my organizing project. I have my life under control, and I’ll never have to spend time on organizing again.”

I hope this insight into the process will help you get organized – if not now, then maybe next week.

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Don’t forget the Ladies of Mystery Cavalcade of Books! Each of us has books on special offer until the end of this month. The list includes my novels, Snow Angel and House of Desire, with Kindle editions available for just 99 cents! Buy a few as gifts for your mystery-loving friends—and for yourself! You can find the Cavalcade by clicking here.

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Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and a wonderful, well-organized 2025!