As seen in the Dayton Daily News on February 14, 2015.
People often ask me where they should start when organizing their home or office. My answer is always the same: in your mind.
Going from disorganized to organized is no different than any other habit you try to break. You must first open up your mind to change.
Let’s use the smoking habit as an example. You can show someone who smokes a picture of a lung blackened by the effects of smoking, share statics as to why they should quit and point out all the cons of smoking. If the person is not ready to quit, all of these facts will not be seen or heard.
It’s not until the person makes up his own mind, in his own time, to quit smoking that these facts become tools needed to gain the power to quit.
The change from being disorganized to organized works the same way as quitting smoking. It’s not until you make up your own mind, in your own time, that you will be successful at getting more organized.
I can give you lots of advantages on why you should get organized, share with you the health risks associated with disorganization and show you testimonials from others who are newly organized. However, if you’re not ready to change, you will find excuses and become defensive when these facts are presented.
So how can you make up your mind to get more organized when you know deep down this would be good for you?
Focus on your future. If you’re tired of wasting your spare time on stuff you don’t use and have had enough of playing the “rearranging my things game,” you need to think about what you want to do with the rest of your life.
Start by writing down three goals you would like to achieve. They can be personal, work-related or a combination of the two.
I’ve had clients who get stumped at this step. Life has got them down, and they tell me they don’t have any goals. Everyone has goals. You are just trying to think too big, which is making this step more difficult.
Instead, think of smaller goals to help you figure out what you want the next chapter of your life to look like.
Think about which people in your life energize you and make you feel good about yourself. A goal could be to spend more time with your grandchildren, friends, clients or volunteering to help someone in need.
Decide on something you want to get better at. Do you want to learn how to dance, make your own wine or become a better cook?
For another goal, focus on what makes you happy. For me that would be a long weekend camping with my family. For you that might mean joining an adult soccer league or reading a novel in your favorite chair. What makes you happy?
Now use these goals to help you make up your mind that getting organized will be beneficial for you.
Whenever you get stumped about letting something go, ask, “How will this item help me reach my three goals.”
When your mind is made up that being more organized will help you reach your goals, you won’t let stuff get in your way.