The end of the first quarter of 2009 is a few days away. How are you doing with your goal “to get organized?” Let’s continue de-bunking some common organizing myths so you can achieve your goals!
Myth: You have to organize your home/office all in one day.
Reality: Organizing your home/office (or anything else for that matter) is an ongoing process. You need to create and maintain systems for your current needs and then modify or create new systems/processes when situations change in your life. You don’t get organized today then stop tomorrow. Organizing is a lifelong process. Realistically, expectations to organize your home/office in a day are a recipe for frustration and disappointment!
Myth: Everything must be organized “perfectly.”
Reality: Organizing is a time saver and perfectionism is a time waster! Your home/office doesn’t have to look “perfect” to accomplish your organizing goal, which is to save you time, money and reduce stress. It’s OK to use attractive bins/totes setting up your system, but don’t continually revise the system or products. This wastes time and money. At some point you have to say, “this system works for me” and use it! As time passes, it is OK to update or tweak your system, but you shouldn’t have to start all over.
Myth: If you weren’t born with the “organized” gene, you’ll never be organized.
Reality: Being and getting organized has little to do with your genes! It’s more about skills that everyone can learn, like riding a bike. Some people learn these skills early in life, understanding and practicing them, which leads to productivity and efficiency. Others may read books and watch organizing television shows or observe other people’s organizing methods. Some work better with a coach to teach only the needed skills so they can practice to perfect them, much like a sport. If you need that in-person support, consider hiring a professional organizer.
Myth: Everything in your life must be organized!
Reality: Organizing is a solution to dilemmas in your life. The goal here is to create solutions to solve problems that create stress and cost money and/or time. You only need to organize the places in your home/office that will simplify your life, solve a problem or save you time.
Barbara Ricketts is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO). If you need professional assistance to get organized, contact her at MessDoctor@Mac.com or call 661-263-0124.