Organizing Tips & Resources
24/06/2015 Debunking The Myth "Once and For All"
Conventional organizing systems and methods are designed to be "once and for all" tools. In reality there is no one method that fits all. We all do not all organize the same way. This is particularly true for those who are chronically disorganized and who do not work well with the conventional organizing methods, systems and tools that are based on logical thinking. This would include your conventional time management, filling and storage systems, all of which have a certain logic to them.
Another myth is that once you get organized, it will be all you need. For the chronically disorganized, not only has disorganization characterized their past but they will require ongoing maintenance in their future. Organizing is not a one time event.
Chronic disorganization can take an enormous toll on an individual and their family. It is not a medical condition but rather a quality of life issue. The good news is that a professional organizer can assist those struggling with this issue. Radical organizing methods like emotional organizing, social organizing, visual organizing, kinesthetic time management are some of the approaches used as a better fit for the way the chronically disorganized think, learn and organize.
Stay tuned for more information on these organizing methods on how they may benefit you or someone you know.
Source: "What is Chronic Disorganization" by Judith Kolberg. Conquering Chronic Disorganization. 2004
08/04/2015 Mind Over Clutter
Did you know that having a disorganized space can be more about what is cluttering your mind than the piles cluttering your desk or kitchen counter?
Negative thoughts or "mind clutter" can sabotage even your best efforts in getting organized. Here are three tips to help you get motivated and break through this mental distraction:
1. Visualize your goal and put it in writing. Find a picture or visualize the final result of your organizing
project. What will the space look like, how will it work, and how will it make you feel. Write down your vision by
completing this statement, "Now that _______________ is organized, I can ________________. " Say this
out loud and post your picture and statement in a place you will see it daily.
2. Believe you can achieve your vision by setting realistic goals. You can boost your confidence when you
break your goal down into small, manageable steps and take some action, no matter how simple, every single
day. An example, a step toward an organized entry area is to organize and put away coats and shoes every
day.
3. Overcome obstacles with gratitude and affirmation. Everyone gets stuck. Recognize and be thankful for
the small steps you do make. Use positive self talk and affirmations to keep yourself motivated and moving
forward. One example for an affirmation is, I love that I can keep my closet in my entry organized" or "I am
grateful for the warm, comforting feeling I get when I come enter the front door of my home everyday." Create
one that works for you.
Source: "Mind over Clutter" by Traci Watkins. Outrageously Organized! Ten Professional Organizers Share
Their Trade Secrets. 2012.
Conventional organizing systems and methods are designed to be "once and for all" tools. In reality there is no one method that fits all. We all do not all organize the same way. This is particularly true for those who are chronically disorganized and who do not work well with the conventional organizing methods, systems and tools that are based on logical thinking. This would include your conventional time management, filling and storage systems, all of which have a certain logic to them.
Another myth is that once you get organized, it will be all you need. For the chronically disorganized, not only has disorganization characterized their past but they will require ongoing maintenance in their future. Organizing is not a one time event.
Chronic disorganization can take an enormous toll on an individual and their family. It is not a medical condition but rather a quality of life issue. The good news is that a professional organizer can assist those struggling with this issue. Radical organizing methods like emotional organizing, social organizing, visual organizing, kinesthetic time management are some of the approaches used as a better fit for the way the chronically disorganized think, learn and organize.
Stay tuned for more information on these organizing methods on how they may benefit you or someone you know.
Source: "What is Chronic Disorganization" by Judith Kolberg. Conquering Chronic Disorganization. 2004
08/04/2015 Mind Over Clutter
Did you know that having a disorganized space can be more about what is cluttering your mind than the piles cluttering your desk or kitchen counter?
Negative thoughts or "mind clutter" can sabotage even your best efforts in getting organized. Here are three tips to help you get motivated and break through this mental distraction:
1. Visualize your goal and put it in writing. Find a picture or visualize the final result of your organizing
project. What will the space look like, how will it work, and how will it make you feel. Write down your vision by
completing this statement, "Now that _______________ is organized, I can ________________. " Say this
out loud and post your picture and statement in a place you will see it daily.
2. Believe you can achieve your vision by setting realistic goals. You can boost your confidence when you
break your goal down into small, manageable steps and take some action, no matter how simple, every single
day. An example, a step toward an organized entry area is to organize and put away coats and shoes every
day.
3. Overcome obstacles with gratitude and affirmation. Everyone gets stuck. Recognize and be thankful for
the small steps you do make. Use positive self talk and affirmations to keep yourself motivated and moving
forward. One example for an affirmation is, I love that I can keep my closet in my entry organized" or "I am
grateful for the warm, comforting feeling I get when I come enter the front door of my home everyday." Create
one that works for you.
Source: "Mind over Clutter" by Traci Watkins. Outrageously Organized! Ten Professional Organizers Share
Their Trade Secrets. 2012.