In a world filled with self-help books, promising that their method will change your life, decluttering gurus, and Marie Kondo-inspired minimalism, it seems to me, that organizing is perceived as “One Fits All” kinda deal. The conventional definition of organizing often implies tidiness, order, and structure. And yes, there is some of that, but in my professional opinion, the missing ingredient in the Organizing Recipe is adaptability.
In my sessions, I encourage clients to instead of striving for perfection, to develop a flexible mindset that allows for adaptation and change. What worked yesterday may not work today, and that’s okay. By being open to adapting our organizational systems, we can better navigate the challenges and transitions that life throws our way.
When we understand that while we are trying to organize, life is happening and life is unpredictable and sometimes chaotic, adopting adaptable organizing methods will make your life happier and more peaceful.
Another point that I share with clients, is that it’s important to recognize that there is usefulness in temporary chaos; Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard to deal with chaotic environments, but when your internal world is changing, most likely it will reflect in your external world. Don’t let it demotivated you. Take a breath, look around and adapt. Embracing chaos doesn’t mean living in constant disarray but rather acknowledging that is possible to live temporarily in it and can be a catalyst experience for innovation and personal growth. If you keep in mind that organizing is not about following a set of rigid rules or conforming to societal expectations, your stress will subside. Keep in mind that organizing is about finding what works best for you as an individual (and your immediate family) and embracing your unique approaches. The most important thing about organizing is not to have a perfect looking environment but knowing how to get back to organized after a chaotic phase. This change of perception is life changing!
So, instead of striving for perfection, embrace flexibility. There’s no right or wrong way of organizing; it’s a deeply personal journey that should be guided by your own preferences taking into account your strengths, weaknesses, and personal traits.