When you think about clutter, do you picture a pile of things on a kitchen counter or boxes stacked and piled in a storage room that's supposed to be a guest room. Clutter isn't just the stuff.
Clutter is anything that gets in your way.
Your closet might be cluttered with past lives and future dreams but not much space for the life you live today.
Your schedule might be cluttered with tasks and to-dos that leave no time for you or what's important to you.
Your mind might be cluttered with fears, uncertainties and doubts.
Your body might be cluttered with poor habits or excess weight.
Your life might be cluttered with actions and behaviors that aren't getting you where you want to go. And, yes...
Your desk might be cluttered with papers you forget you had, can't find when you need, or have no idea what do with.
Clutter and disorganization are rarely just about the physical things that are overflowing your space. It's not about laziness. It's not a character flaw. It may be life and events overtaking you.
An event (negative or positive) can tip the scales and you begin the slide into disorganization. A new job, a wedding, a divorce, a new baby, or a death can temporarily throw your normal routine off and slowly over time things pile up.
Disorganization can also be a chronic condition, long-term disorganization, that interferes with the quality of your life. This chronic disorganization has many possible causes.
It may be the system they taught you doesn't work for how you process information. Or maybe you were never taught how to sort like with like items or establish a home for your keys, phone, wallet, or purse.
You may have a condition or an injury that makes focusing on the boring aspects of filing papers all but impossible. Using a clutter buddy or accountability partner is a great way to decrease the distractions and get it done.
Again it's not laziness or a character flaw. Maybe you're trying to do too much or using the wrong tools. Maybe your life has changed but your habits haven't.
If you want more information about chronic disorganization (whether you're affected by it
or want to help those who are effected by it, or both) go to the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). They're a great resource for information and education. I am a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD) through them. My focus has been on Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
If you want help to get your project done, consider an accountability partner — me!
For a small fee (encouragement to keep the appointment) we'll connect over Skype, Facetime, or video conference line while you work on your paper piles, closet clearing, or any other project you've decided you want to complete this year. I even have clients who schedule these sessions for writing. I'm there to answer questions if you get stuck, ask questions to CLARIFY your project, and keep you focused on your task. You're there to LET GO, SORT, ORGANIZE, and MAINTAIN. For more information about scheduling an accountability session refer to my Paperwork Party session.
