Thursday, June 21, 2007

Organizing (from the Inside Out)

I have decided to return to the book on "organizing from the inside out," (Morgenstern, 2004), because I believe that my efforts to use time effectively have been hindered by my inability to use space effectively. Morgenstern likens our attempts to organize to ineffective dieting--i.e., "the Yo-yo Organizing syndrome" (p. 1). Is that ever the truth! Ultimately, it seems that organizing is an impossible task, and yet, I know from firsthand experience that one of the most frustrating things about not being organized is not being able to find items that I need in order to write (or do whatever else I would like to do). Morgenstern's goal is "to radically change your thinking and approach to the organizing process" (p. 2). I say: bring it on!!! The most amazing thing that Morgenstern says in the Introduction is that I might actually come to ENJOY the organizing process. I can see where that might happen, but now I want to SEE it happen!

Next: A new way of looking at organizing.

This is Morgenstern's definition of organization: "Organizing is the process by which we create environments that enable us to live, work, and relax exactly as we want to. When we are organized, our homes, offices, and schedules reflect and encourage who we are, what we want, and where we are going" (p. 7).

Some misconceptions about organizing:
1. That it is a mysterious talent that some are born with... In fact, it is a skill that can be learned. 2. That it can be overwhelming to try to get organized... In fact, it can be liberating.
3. It may be impossible to stay organized... In fact, you need an adaptable system that becomes "satisfyingly ingrained" (p. 10).
4. It is "nonproductive use of time" (p. 10)... In fact, it is an investment that pays off in the end.

What Morgenstern means by "organizing from the inside out" is that we create a system that reflects our unique "personality, needs, and goals" (p. 11). That means I need to look at the "big picture!"

Finally, Morgenstern suggests the following three steps:
1. Analyze: take stock, define what you want to accomplish and what's holding you back.
2. Strategize: create a plan of action with a realistic schedule.
3. Attack: address clutter methodically, so as to be able to see visible results.

Tomorrow I will consider what's holding me back!

4 comments:

peaches said...

It seems so simple. It's true about being visual. If you see clutter, it's so hard to focus - so in order get over the "overwhelming - where do I start?" it's all about baby-steps, so you really CAN see progress. And a positive attitude is helpful. Instead of "I'm so disorganized" how about "I'm making progress!" You go sista!

The Tennis Prof Chronicles said...

Hey thanks, MJ:-) Great to get your feedback. I tend to focus on what remains to be done, so no matter how much I accomplish, it always seems there is so much more to do! The progress is what I need to start seeing, so hopefully I will be able to document something soon!

peaches said...

hey - it helps to have the reinforcement of "how to". I really think you accomplish more than you give yourself credit for. I get inspired by reading this. It helps me so much to realize it really takes an effort - but it's so worth while. You should know - you're doing it not only at your home, but m & d's....and that's HUGE!

The Tennis Prof Chronicles said...

thanks (again) for the reinforcement about making a difference (for m & d especially). i came home from j & j's really energetic about getting something done today, so hopefully i will be able to begin in the kitchen. i also plan to update the blog with another post on the factors that can hold us back. i know the number one thing for me is: "things do not have a home." as i look at clutter scattered around, i wonder to myself, "where does this belong?" and the problem is that i just haven't determined where i want to have storage, even though i have potentially tons of room, including the basement. so i will post more on this later. thanks again:-)