Organizing Philosophy
My intention is not to create a perfect person or perfect bliss. Although the result of organizing can certainly reduce stress and leave you with a more peaceful feeling, thinking that it solves all of life’s woes is just setting you up for disappointment. This “perfect” idea can result in even more stress when life’s reality doesn’t allow it.
My idea is to design a realistic organizing plan around a person, family or business’ day-to-day habits. It not to say there’s no advantage to changing habits, but trying to force habit change is often unsuccessful. Although, for some, sheer will power or strict rules may work for a while, long-term adherence is unlikely because there’s no real motivating force.
Once your habit-centered organizing system is in place, your household or business becomes more functional and less irritating. Without the burden of the clutter and disorganization; without the challenge of the mundane activities (finding your keys or a document), we create openings in our life.
Ideally, we fill these openings with the important things in our life – our family and friends, our hobbies, our health, or we may decide to fill them with nothing at all - if that is what we need. If we approach organizing with the forethought of these anticipated opportunities, therein lies the motivating force. We can decide upfront what we plan to do with our bonus time. This way, we don’t unknowingly fill it with more of the same stress. Reflect on what’s really important to you and decide what to fill your openings with.
Once you’ve decided which important things that you want to bring into your life, you should state your intention to bring it forth. You don’t need to go on a talk show and proclaim to the world that you intend to laugh more or take-up painting again. You can simply write it down or, better yet, tell a friend. Verbalizing it helps build your confidence in your intention.
What’s this all have to do with making my life better? Well, now that you’ve decided what you’ll do with all of your spare time (by stating your intention), you can just go on about your day and let it manifest in your newly acquired openings.
Now as you become more organized and are filling your new-found time with your important things, some of those not-so-great habits (if you have them) may no longer seem to have a place in your life. This allows yet more time for creating the life you desire – without trying too hard.
Chris Fairchild
Easton, PA
August 2006
