Overcoming the I'm-Not-an-Organized-Person Fallacy

Organizing is for everyone. Even you.

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Organization: it’s easier than you think…

It’s time to talk about how easy organizing can (and should) be. Let’s break it down.

The “Organizing Gene” Debunked

I think we have been sold a bill of goods that some people are born with the “organizing gene,” and others are just hopeless. This is utter nonsense. I have amassed a huge amount of evidence over the course of my lengthy career that anyone, at any age, can learn the basic skill of organization. Even if you feel that organization doesn’t come naturally to you, I promise that it is possible if you follow the steps below.

Step One: Decide You Want to Get Organized

I know this sounds silly, but one of the things I’ve observed again and again is that organized people prioritize organization. If you really do want to get organized, you’ll just have to start by deciding you want to make organization a priority in your life. A little clarity of intention and purpose goes a long way.

Step Two: Keep it Simple

Organization is truly as simple as applying these three basic practices:

One: Group similar items together in categories (like with like).

Two: Store each category in ONE specific designated place (pens in the desk drawer)

Three: Put things away after each use

That’s it. Too good to be true? No, it’s true! If my kids can do it with their Halloween candy, you can do it, too.

Step Three: Start Small and Practice

If you feel like organization is daunting (organizing paralysis is real!) start with itty bitty manageable projects. I suggest projects that take 15-minutes or less like your wallet, your junk drawer, or a single shelf.

Getting organized is really just a series of small, smart decisions and actions. Lots of little decisions will stack up to create big, transformative results. And if you’re feeling resistance or even inertia, just challenge yourself to dive in for just fifteen minutes and see what you can do. I believe in you!

Photography Credit: Vivian Johnson for Minimalista

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