Like any other skill, organizing is not automatic. It is something you practice, fail at, try again and again and again, and finally get your feet under you. And here’s a big secret…organizing efforts will never be perfect because life is not perfect. So, if you struggle with staying organized, you are not alone. But that doesn’t mean you should give up. By sticking with it, you'll have a chance to heal the past as you design a more organized future.
What Have You Been Telling Yourself?
Now, let’s talk about why some people find it difficult to even get started on an organizing project. It usually has to do with what they’ve been told or telling themselves over the years. For example:
It’s just too hard.
I’ve never been able to do it, and I never will.
This other person in my life is getting in the way of my organizing goals.
I’ve always been a pack rat.
I’ve never been very tidy.
I have ADHD and just can’t seem to do it.
What Else is Stopping You?
Sometimes the things that are keeping us from getting organized are deeply rooted in our experiences. Maybe you can relate to one or more of the following:
Mental Outlook
- Scarcity mindset
- Limiting beliefs
- Low self-confidence
Fear
- Not having enough
- Not having what you need
- Letting go of something or someone
Shame
- What others think of me
- What others have said to me
Disappointment - Why can’t I do this - How could I let it get this bad
Remember, Skills Have to Be Learned Skills must be learned and practiced before they can be mastered and executed with ease. Organizing is no exception. So, give yourself some room for growth! What if you heard an encouraging voice that is louder than that self-deprecating voice you’ve heard for so long? Listen carefully… You can do it!
Never Stop Trying Think about when a baby learns to walk. It’s a good thing babies are small and close to the ground because that baby is going to fall over and over again. They will cry, get frustrated, and eventually get creative in how they get from place to place. During this time of learning and practicing the skill of walking, no adult will say, “Well, you’ll just always be a crawler. You’re not really getting this walking thing as fast as the other babies, so just give up.”
No! We encourage them and smile when they stand up and try again. We laugh with them when they find a solution and get a “win” for themselves. And when they take their first wobbly steps, boy are we proud, and so are they!
Do It for the Future You
If you can let go of what is holding you back from organizing, you can finally move forward. Calming the chaos in your home will help you heal your past and shape the future. You can leave the heavy burden of what you can’t do and replace it with new possibilities. It may be helpful to think about what future you…or future someone (children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, future generations) you are doing this work for. By healing yourself, you heal future generations, too. Wouldn’t that feel amazing?
Need a Teacher? Over the years as a professional organizer, I have realized that some people want things done for them, while others just need a guiding hand. That’s why we offer both On-site Services and Virtual Organizing Sessions. Either way, we can help teach and encourage you along the way. You’ve got this!