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Then you may
have a condition referred to in the Professional Organizing industry
as "Chronically
Disorganized (CD)."
Although it is not a medical or psychological disorder, it can
cause you real problems. You may be shaking your head in agreement
at this point, because you may fit this description, or you know
someone who does.
According
to the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD)
of which this writer is a member, being chronically disorganized
is officially defined by the following:
 Severe disorganization
over a long period of time, often years
Disorganization that
adversely affects your life on a daily basis
Marked by failed self-help
efforts to get organized, indicating the need for professional
help
A chronically
disorganized individual exhibits some or all of the following
characteristics:
Accumulates large quantities
of objects, documents, papers or possessions beyond their apparent
necessity or pleasure
Has difficulty parting
with things and letting go
Has a wide range of interests
and many uncompleted projects
Needs visual "cues"
to remind one to take action (leaves things laying out)
Tends to be easily distracted
or lose concentration
Often has weak time management
skills
Someone who
is chronically disorganized, can have adverse effects on those
around them, as well as to themselves. They are rarely prepared
for meetings, appointments, paying bills on time, deadlines,
finishing things they start, or any combination of these. They
live from one crisis to another. They may feel they have little
control over their lives as life tends to control them.
Can a person
be chronically disorganized at work, and not at home, or vice
versa? The answer is "Yes." It can also show
up in time management. The reason for this can be in lack of
motivation. Once one gets so far behind in their paperwork, clutter
and disorganization, they tend to avoid it more and more. They
are willing to put up with the stresses and frustrations the
mess and the loss of items and papers cause due to the overwhelming
appearance of the situation.
Disciplining
ones self to get organized can be as simple as taking the time
to do so. Many of the CD's I know, are constantly on the run.
They are "too busy" to take time to get organized.
Ironically, taking time to organize can be one of the most valuable
uses of a CD's time. Generally, their time is spent compounding
the problem. In the "being busy," they are avoiding
attacking the problem head on. While in their office, they continue
the avoidance by stepping over and working around the piles,
not realizing the stress they feel is due to the surrounding
disorganization and the inability to easily locate things. It
is a vicious cycle until intervention is sought.
I've had clients
whose own spouses would not set foot into my clients' offices
due to the mess, the clutter, the disorganization, and the stressful
feelings it brings on. It is a quality of life issue.
The good news
is, getting organized is not a painful process. It is a matter
of breaking some old habits and disciplining ones self to create
new ones. And there are people out there (professional organizers)
who can help guide you through the process. They not only will
help you clean up and get caught up, they will teach, coach and
train you in how to get organized, then set up individualized
systems customized for your specific needs, that will help you
stay organized .
Soon you will
be on your way to a new found sense of freedom and control when
you are in your office, a rejuvenation. You will then begin to
notice how it is positively effecting other areas of your life
as well.
Make a commitment
to put in a few hours at a time to get organized. Find a home
for each item and discipline yourself to put new papers and items
away when you bring them into the office.
You will be
guaranteed to reap the rewards of that effort. When you are organized,
you have more time for proactive projects such as providing customer
service, sales and marketing efforts, and for spending with your
own employees. With that additional time you acquire the peace
of mind to enjoy business meetings, lunches, and maybe even an
occasional round of golf .
Think about
simplifying your life. Busy is great, but can actually result
in a loss of productivity if you are not organized. |
