Knowing Yourself Helps You Get Organized

When you’re starting to declutter, rearrange, or get things in order, a very important thing to remember is to “know thyself”. That doesn’t mean you can’t change, but if you want something to work for you, it’s a great idea to know your own tendencies before putting together an action plan.

Real example from my week:

Becky has a full office space upstairs with a computer, filing cabinets, office supplies, etc. Someone told her that she spruce it up, get it organized, and take everything from her kitchen area (where she has a make-shift office) up to the office and start using it.

Becky asked me if I would help her make that happen, but I know Becky, so I offered something different. I’ve paid attention to how she operates.

I suggested we spruce up her kitchen area and make that her office, making sure she has all that she needs at her finger tips.

Why did I suggest this? Because…

Becky loves to watch the birds and squirrels out her kitchen window and look at her fish on the window sill.

She won’t want to climb the stairs every time she needs to read a bill. Or grab a paper clip.

Her house phone is already nearby.

She spends most of her time there – drinking her coffee, reading the paper, taking her vitamins, talking to people on the phone, dropping her purse, going through her mail, etc.

Old habits die hard, so instead of trying to do something completely new, the most effective thing you can do sometimes is cater to your tendencies.

I even do this for myself. Instead of doing what’s typical, I do things that make sense for the way I do life.

Another real example:

My mom just moved into a new place. When I was helping her set up her bedroom, she told me she really wanted her bed to be on the left wall in the room. I ask her why. She told me she thought it would look best there.

That’s where tendencies come into play. I reminded her of hers:

She likes to sleep on this side of the bed. She tends to go to the restroom in the middle of the night (and would have to walk around the bed to get there). She likes to have a bed side table with this stuff on it (so we need access to this outlet). She wants to look out the window. Etcetera.

All of those tendencies helped solidify the idea that putting her bed on the right wall in the room would make the most sense for her.

See how it’s helpful?

Another personal example is that I keep my floss in the shower. Why? Because I know myself. I don’t like standing in front of the sink flossing, and I know I’m more inclined to do it while I let my conditioner set in my hair. The floss is also visible in the shower (instead of in a drawer), so seeing it helps remind me.

Speaking of reminders, KNOW THYSELF!

It’s easy to say, “I need to remember to do that later….” and then forget. Nooooo. You’re better than that. Set yourself up for success.

Instead, immediately grab your phone, hold the home button, and say “Remind me to pull the chicken out of the freezer at 1pm.” Siri will say, “Okay, I’ll remind you” and will set you a reminder with a description.

Boom. Try it. Yes, now.

It’s life-changing and keeps you on top of your game.

Now you can go do a workout, play with your kid in the yard, dye your hair, and know that Siri, the great personal assistant, will remind you at 1pm.

Know yourself, friend! It’ll make life a lot simpler.

Venus Monique