Do you organize to organize, or do you organize for results? I asked someone this question recently in the middle of their session, and it kind of stopped them in their tracks. They had been describing a fairly complex idea that included setting up times on their calendar and making several lists and checking in with me for accountability and, and, and... Missing in their organizing equation was what all of this work was supposed to do for them.
Sometimes when I'm working with new clients, and we're not quite used to each other yet, and they don't totally know my philosophy, there are some interesting expectations. Sometimes they're thinking I'm going to do some sort of Marie Kondo-like move on them, or tell them to get rid of everything they own, or - and this is the one that gets me - show up with lots of products and supplies that will answer all of their problems. Not to mention a pocketful of my best tricks or hacks for organizing success. Aside: I really dislike that word - "hack." To me, it implies that you can trick or outsmart a process, circumventing the uncomfortable work that may be needed to make progress. As if I could wave a magic wand and give someone a two-sentence solution for conquering years and years of clutter. Also, it puts me in mind of something my long-deceased cat used to wake me up with in the middle of the night. But I digress… If you are accustomed to reading or looking at lots of organizing advice and ideas, it's easy to get caught up in the systems or products that are used. Buying the latest gadget or set of pre-printed labels can seemingly get you where you want to be. But as I outlined in a post about L.E.S.S. long ago, no system will work for your stuff until you work with your stuff first. You can't know what you'll need in terms of a system until you understand what you need it for. The other piece of that understanding is keeping in mind what you ultimately want out of the process. Do you want rooms and storage spaces to look clearer and lighter? Do you want to get out of the door every day more easily? Maybe you want better control and a clearer head, or to be better prepared for an upcoming life transition. Why did you decide to organize in the first place - what was the point? There are some cool products and ideas out there, some really excellent ones. I know someone who is still making great use of a paper and file organizing system that was produced and marketed over 15 years ago. They understood what they wanted it to do, it worked and has stood the test of time. I love velvet clothing hangers - they work for me, and my closet is always in better-than-average shape as a result. But, as is often the case, I have questions:
Lots of people (including me) have shunned resolutions in favor of things that are more meaningful to them, like words, phrases, or themes for their year. Sometimes they write mission statements that help them to give their year some shape, and provide support to the goals they want to achieve. It's more expansive, and less punitive, to state that "2020 is my Year of Intention" than it is to say that your intent is "By God, I'm just going to force myself to exercise every single day!" Coming up with a word or phrase may get you closer to the why of it all, too. Here's something: try writing out a simple statement that expresses what you want to get out of being more organized this year. What's it going to do for you? If you're up for it, please share your thoughts in the comments.
13 Comments
1/13/2020 07:22:53 am
I love this, Sara. I completely agree. Until someone knows 'why' or 'what for' there is very little point in getting started. Actually, it's almost impossible to start until you can answer those questions. The reason that puts me over the edge is: because xxx told me I had to. That never holds water and never produces results.
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Sara
1/13/2020 08:38:01 am
Ooooh, yes, I always hate to hear that one. Trying to live up to someone else's expectations of organization is fighting a losing battle. Thanks for the comment, Diane!
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1/13/2020 07:30:41 am
I organize to save (future) time. Some people don't really get that, but it has been life changing for me. I try to show examples to me clients as we work together to show them the future benefits.
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Sara
1/13/2020 08:38:58 am
That's a great way to think about it, Janet. Saving future time is huge, and sometimes hard for clients to envision. Great to have some concrete examples to illustrate the idea.
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1/13/2020 08:11:28 am
Clarifying priorities is critical for a successful project. It is know it isn't easy to do, and it might not feel as fun as shopping for products, but it is the best way to know when you have succeeded. It also is so helpful for keeping the project on track. I always talk with my clients about the goals because I really need to know what they want to make sure I deliver the right result.
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Sara
1/13/2020 08:41:08 am
Yes, clarifying and communicating make all the difference. And because shopping IS fun for so many people, it's good to think about delayed gratification, too (or in some cases, delayed disappointment - when the stuff that was purchased doesn't deliver the desired result). Thanks for commenting, Seana!
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1/13/2020 08:59:54 am
My word for this year is CHERISH and it's about savoring every moment. Being organized will allow me to make the best use of those moments so I can enjoy my work and not feel that it's a necessary burden.
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Sara
1/13/2020 07:41:58 pm
Yes, I find that connecting your more concrete goals back to a word or phrase is very powerful. Mine is "intentional connection", and it's already informing the way I approach things like taking action to follow up with someone or thinking of ways to build my business. Thanks for stopping by, Janet!
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1/13/2020 09:39:05 am
The why is the most important part of any organizing or other journey. The expectations of our clients, especially when we start with a new one is so true to what you described- everything from expecting a magic wand to a magic "organizing" container. I work with them to clarify their why and then hold that up during the work.
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Sara
1/13/2020 07:46:19 pm
Absolutely - I'm never against products that support (my velvet hangers being an example). It's putting the cart before the horse, and buying all the things before you even know exactly what the "why" is in some cases that has always bugged me. I like how describe the fluid process. Thanks for the comment, Linda!
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1/13/2020 10:37:09 am
"No system will work for your stuff until you work with your stuff first." is such sage advice when thinking about organizing! You make such great points in this article, and I'm glad I'm not the only who dislikes the word "hack".
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Sara
1/13/2020 07:43:14 pm
Anti-hackers, Unite! ;-) Thanks for the kind words, Nancy.
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1/14/2020 04:53:26 am
I love this post because you went beyond the basic goals! Thinking deeper will give more clarity to your actual goal. Surface goals may determine a direction temporarily.
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AuthorSara Skillen - Certified Professional Organizer®, Certified Organizer Coach®, wife, mom, dog-lover, author. Learning to trust my intuition more every day. Shall we work together? Archives
January 2021
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