Get Organized Quick!
“In as little as one day… six hours… or six minutes, you can organize your home, your work, and your entire life!”
I often see proposals like this and find myself getting frustrated as I read them in advertisements. Television also promotes this philosophy with shows that transform a home in an hour episode (including commercials). (Kudos to Oprah for her more accurate portrayal of these situations.)
So what is the real deal on how long it takes to get organized?
When I’m asked this question, my response is that it depends on a number of factors… these include, how big of a space you want to transform, how much stuff is in the space, how quickly you are able to make decisions on what to do with the items, what were the underlying reasons that this disorganization occurred and have they be adequately dealt with, how attached you are to the items, who the space is shared with (other family members, etc?), how many systems need to be implemented (ex: already have a process for handling incoming mail or need one created?), how many people can help you with the project… As each person’s situation is different, so is the length of the project.
Unfortunately, this is not always the answer that people want!
It may be helpful to compare getting organized with losing weight. When one wishes to lose 30 lbs. it will probably take focused attention to this goal, over a period of time to achieve it. Organizing is the same way. Schemes that advertise losing the weight overnight may sell product. Reviewing the long term weight loss results after using the product is a completely different story. Same with organizing. A space can be emptied rather quickly… and it will quickly fill up if the underlying issues haven’t been appropriately addressed.
It is possible to get more organized and keep it that way. With a willingness to participate in the journey, focused attention on the goal, and learning needed to make the transformation complete, you will be successful. It may take more than six minutes or six hours although your effort can lead to a lifetime of lasting results!
