You Don't Need a System to Get Things Done

If you’ve ever worked with me (personally or professionally), you’ve probably noticed that I love cleaning, organizing, and most of all, organizational systems. Lists, apps, bullet journals, kanban boards, Mari Kondo; I’m obsessed with anything and everything that I think will help me get my life together. A lot of people are drawn toward “systems” because they seem like a magic switch to achieving anything you want in life. ‘Download this program and buy these printables and all your problems will be solved!’ 

The truth is, there isn’t a magic system that will suddenly transform your big hot mess of a life into a perfectly structured, picture-perfect one. (If there was, it would be David Allen’s Getting Things Done, which is amazing and life-changing and the topic for another day.) Life is organic and chaotic and that’s ok.

BUT--

I get frustrated when people around me use “life” as an excuse for not fulfilling their responsibilities or not reaching their goals. It’s like, ‘who’s in charge here?’ If you’re one of those people who feel like organizational systems have failed you in the past, or if you’re like me and you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on planners and apps that you thought would magically transform your life (spoiler alert: they didn’t), then I have a simple solution for you:

Take 100% responsibility for your life.

I’ll say it again, because this idea is revolutionary nowadays. Take 100% responsibility for your life.

That’s it. There’s no special book, no app, no program you can use that will help you get your life together IF YOU DON’T TAKE 100% RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE. I mean, think about it! People who are successful, it’s not because they have some incredible system. They don’t have a life coach. Successful people are successful because they take responsibility for what happens to them. They make a conscious decision that they’re not going to ignore their opportunities or responsibilities. Successful people aren’t flakes.

So, if you’re feeling empowered by this idea of taking 100% responsibility for your life but you don’t know what to do, don’t worry! It’s easy! Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Write down what you need to do 

Step 2: Do it! 

You don’t need a leather notebook or a fancy pen to do this (Unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it)! Just find a place to record what you need to do, and then do it. I like to use pen and paper, but if you want to set a reminder in your phone, great! If you do better with a sticky note on your computer, that works, too. HOW you implement this idea doesn’t matter, it just matters that you implement it! Adopt an attitude of responsibility for whatever task or assignment you’re dealing with at this time in your life.

Homework?
Housework?
Work work?

Be responsible. Write it down, make it happen. I recognize that this principle is harder to implement for bigger projects and long-term goals. But the attitude always applies. If you have something you want to accomplish with your life, don’t wait around for someone to do it for you. Write down what you want to do, and then do it! Break it down into smaller chunks if you need to. Put it on your mirror if that helps. But don’t let yourself get caught in the excuse that life is too busy for you to remember to buy the milk or call your grandma or start that exercise program.

Cute office supplies are not necessary to get things done, but I don't let that stop me!

I’ve ranted enough about this idea to last the rest of my life, but if this idea resonates with you, I really encourage you to check out:

www.secretowlsociety.org
(Awesome blog with tons of free printables all about taking 100% responsibility for your life) and
www.instagram.com/becauseisaidiwould
(An account where people can make promises and fulfill them, it's very inspiring!)

♡♡♡
Rebecca