Have you ever met someone whose home looks really neat and organized, but their life is still in chaos? It might seem counter-intuitive, but it's not uncommon, because chaos and disorganization often live in realms other than the physical. Chaos can be mental, emotional, relational... essentially my definition is that it's anything that disrupts you, distracts you, or stands in your way of achieving the results you want in the realms of relationships, health, finances, time or goals.

Getting organized and simplifying other areas of your life besides your home will only add to your mental well-being and peace of mind, which helps you to live a happier, more effective life. I'll share some things I've done recently in my own life in pursuit of the same...

1. Eliminate credit card debt. If you have multiple credit cards carrying balances, you get more mail than you need to get and you have more payments to track than necessary. Put together a simple plan to pay them off one by one, and cancel all except your favorite one (or two, if you have a business).

2. Consolidate your task lists. Many of my clients are list-makers, which seems to be an organized person's trait. There is no problem with lists in general ­ - they are a good thing. The trouble is when you have several lists you work from or you're constantly writing and re-writing your lists because you lose them. The solution? Choose ONE tool. It doesn't matter what the tool is, as long as you like it and are willing to keep it with you to capture your tasks and ideas.

3. Capture your thoughts immediately. Speaking of task lists, one of the chief causes of mental chaos - general distraction (and I have to believe insomnia!) -is all the stuff swirling around in our heads every day. When you have a thought, your brain wants you to ACT on that thought right away. And if you don't, your brain will continue to "recycle" the thought over and over for you, just to be sure you don't forget it. And that's distracting!

So when you think of something you want to do, someone to call, a topic to research, an email to send, a book to buy, or anything else that requires action later, CAPTURE IT immediately so you can stop thinking about it!

4. Simplify your finances. Take action to simplify whatever is confusing, burdensome, stressful or extraneous in your financial life. Your financial plate can only be so full!

By thinking about and addressing the NON-physical chaos in your life, you will free yourself mentally and you'll have more time and energy to work on eliminating the physical chaos. What a nice positive cycle!

Monica Ricci is a Certified Professional Organizer®, a speaker, author of Organize Your Office In No Time, and was named one of the nations "Organizing Elite" by Forbes Magazine. She is a frequent expert guest on both radio and national television, including Fox & Friends and HGTV and acts as a consultant and spokesperson for Beazer Homes, Rubbermaid, Office Depot and others.