Better you. New You. Improved You. We live in a world where mediocrity is our biggest enemy. The smiling faces of superheroes watch us from the TV screens, talk to us on the radio and make us envious on all of our social media. Pictures of beautiful houses and offices on Pinterest leave us wondering how in the world we are going to keep up with all the latest trends.
The reality is that roughly, only 20% of the general population actually knows how to design systems for structured organization. Another 20% will never be organized. They thrive on disorganization and any attempt to get them organized is going to be short-lived. But what about the rest? Most of the population, 60% to be exact, CAN be organized, even though they are not able to create the systems for themselves. Instead they will use the tools, resources and systems that are available.
This means that unless you are one of the 20% who thrive on interruptions and can’t follow systems, no matter how hard you try, disorganization is hurting you.
Let’s have a closer look at disorganization and how much it actually costs you.
1. Disorganization is a big time waster
How much time do you spend looking for your keys? Or your phone? Whether you’re looking for a piece of paper or a tool, it’s important to remember that wasted time is just that – wasted time! What is it that you look for most often – paperwork, tools, emails, phone numbers, addresses, receipts or bills? If you only search for 6 things today, spending 10 minutes to find each will eat up a full hour of your day. How else could you spend this hour?
2. Reclaim your space
I’ve recently organized my computer files and I couldn’t believe how many duplicate files I found. The same applies to physical space. If you don’t know what you have, you will most likely end up having duplicates of same thing, everywhere, wasting space that could have otherwise be used for something else. Having files everywhere won’t give you space to enjoy your work, just like a sink full of dirty dishes won’t allow you to fill up a new pot.
3. Count your losses
Yes, disorganization will cost you financially. Big time! This is a no brainer. If you struggle with disorganization or you know somebody who does, you know exactly what I am talking about. You buy another package of socks because you can’t find the ones that you just bought a week ago. Or you get yet another box of envelopes just to find out that you already have two boxes of them. And don’t get me started on all of the missed opportunities due to missing deadlines or meetings…
4. Beware of others
Whether you realize it or not, your disorganization affects those around you. If you are constantly late or looking for stuff just before heading out the door, others will be affected by your behavior. As I mentioned above, deadlines get missed, appointments get canceled, and it’s other people’s time that’s at stake. This is a sure way to lose trust and rapport with those around you.
5. One more thing…
Disorganization has a negative impact on your emotional well-being. Living in cluttered space drains your mental energy and lowers your creativity. If you want to get more done, how about you start with cleaning an area that frustrates you? If you feel overwhelmed just by the idea of cleaning up your mess, ask for help or consider paying someone to do it for you.
Join me next week as I’ll share some simple ideas how to turn your messes into beauty.
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