Organizing and Your Personality Type
by Linda Griffith, The Organized Option
One of our flaws as humans is that we blame
others for our unfortunate circumstances. We certainly don’t
blame others for
our ‘fortunate’ circumstances. We’re quick to
proclaim that we’ve worked hard
for our accomplishments, but we’ve worked even harder at
sabotaging ourselves.
We all do it, subconsciously I think, by comparing ourselves to others
and
thinking that we’re not worthy of success. We do the same thing to
ourselves when it comes
to getting organized. We think there’s only one way to do it, and
we beat
ourselves up for our unsuccessful efforts and perceived failure. I
always
explain to my clients that there’s more than one way to get (and
stay) organized. The key is to know yourself. Work with
your personality type, not against it.
Whenever I consult with a new client, I'm evaluating
their personality type to determine if they're an Analytical thinker or
a Visual thinker. A perfect example is when I create a follow-up
tickler system. For an Analytical thinker, I'll set up the tickler
system in the front of their desk file drawer (they need a clear
desktop). If the client is a Visual thinker, then I'll create a
desk-top tickler system (they need it in sight; otherwise it's out of
mind).
Another way we get stuck in a mind-set is by
over-analyzing or obsessing about our disorganization. The most
effective way to overcome this method of procrastination sabotage is to
just do it.
Stop thinking and just dig in. Set your timer for 15 minutes of
uninterrupted time and focus on clearing the clutter off one section of
your kitchen counter top or desktop. When your timer sounds off, stop
what you're doing and congratulate yourself for the clutter that you
have cleared! You really can do a lot in just 15 minutes! I share this
all the time with my clients who have young children and feel they
can't get organized. Make a game of it with your children--reward them
with a story book reading if they leave you alone for the 15 minutes.
It helps you and teaches them self-restraint, as well.
In closing, work with your personality type and put
a stop to your procrastination. And, if after you've tried these
methods you're still overwhelmed, seek help from a Professional
Organizer. It's not a sign of weakness to realize you can't do it on
your own--it's actually a sign of strength. You know yourself and your
triggers, so turn a negative situation into a positive one instead.
And, lastly, I'd like to share with you a little
sign that's posted in my office. It reads: "Do Not Sabotage Yourself".
Make one of your own, too!
Linda Griffith, owner of The Organized Option, is a Professional Organizer & Speaker based in Phoenix. She specializes in organizing sewing and craft rooms and also services residential and home-based businesses. A national speaker, Linda's presentations blend practical how-to organizing tips with motivation and humor. She can be reached at 480-755-3991, or through her website, where you can sign up for her free monthly e-newsletter.