Monday, March 2, 2026

Why Organization Matters in my Writer's Life by Teresa Inge

With the arrival of March comes a natural opportunity to reset, get organized, and thoughtfully look ahead to the rest of the year. As winter slowly fades and longer days return, energy and motivation begin to reemerge. Getting organized in March goes beyond decluttering closets and kitchen drawers; it’s about clearing mental space and setting an intentional focus for the months ahead.

Organizing Brings Control

One of the greatest benefits of organizing in March is the sense of control it brings. For me, it coincides with a busy season of writing conferences, panel preparations, book deadlines, and book signings. Staying organized keeps me on track with clear, manageable plans. One strategy I rely on is recording all of my appearances and upcoming events on my website and in a notebook I keep with me. This system prevents me from double-booking when asked about future dates.


Goal Setting

March also encourages realistic goal setting. Unlike January’s pressure-filled resolutions, March allows space for thoughtful adjustment. This is when I take time to evaluate what is working, let go of what is not, and reconsider how I’m spending my time. Small shifts—such as not overbooking every weekend while balancing a full-time job—allow me to spend meaningful time with my family, manage my home and personal responsibilities, and still nurture my writing career.

Create Momentum

Most importantly, organizing in March creates momentum. Having clear plans restores energy and reduces stress, allowing organization to become a meaningful form of self-care. This reset allows me to move forward with clarity, preparing not just for spring, but for a more focused and confident year ahead.

Reset, Realign & Restart 

As March unfolds, I’m reminded that organization is about living with intention. Taking time now to reset, realign, and restart creates space for what truly matters, both personally and professionally. This season, I am taking a more thoughtful approach to plan well and step into the rest of the year feeling grounded and focused. 


 

 

 

16 comments:

  1. And you can apply that any time during the year.

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  2. Inspiring! Thanks, T!

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  3. Good tips. Thank you. You sound like you have a pretty full calendar.

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    1. Hi. Yes, it's a great balance. See you at Malie!!

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  4. Ah, yes. I'm sure that if I were organized, I'd get a lot more done, including writing. Yesterday started out with a weekly leisurely brunch with friends. And it was 50 degrees out and sunny, for the first time in weeks. So I had to go for a long walk. A friend who loves my cinnamon rolls was not feeling well, so of course I had to make some to bring her. Then someone who feeds me a lot of inspiration for some stories called. His mother died that morning, and he considers me his "second mother" and wanted to talk. Today I have a doctor appointment way across the city, farther and on roads I don't like to drive. So I've arranged with someone from the network of drivers for the Amish to take me. It's always a social occasion as well as just a ride. I know lots of people manage to be organized anyhow, but I must confess I go with the flow.

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  5. I've enjoyed a productive two months inside, staring at mounds of snow. Now I'm staring at dead bushes and downed tree limbs. It's time to fold several hours a day into yardwork.

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  6. I love this. What a wonderful system!

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  7. Love this, Teresa — especially the part about organization creating momentum!

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  8. Debra H. GoldsteinMarch 2, 2026 at 12:54 PM

    Sounds like a plan ... but for me, that requires organization.

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