why a strong mindset is needed before organizing

So, you're ready to get organized? It's probably best to say that you've done your due diligence by reading multiple organizing books, watched countless 'how-to' YouTube videos and even received inspiration watching HGTV, which I totally understand because after watching an episode of Property Brothers, I feel like I'm an expert in interior design and closing out real estate deals. But one important factor that you may have failed to consider is your mindset. My mother use to always say to me, "you can do anything that you put your mind towards." I may be biased because she's my mother but she was absolutely right. Your mindset can set the tone to accomplish anything. So, how does this relate to organizing? You must have an unwavering mindset that will make sure you complete your organizing task even during the most difficult times. ​

Think about a time when you wanted to adopt a healthier lifestyle by eating right and working out. Or maybe there was a time that you wanted to become more financially responsible by attaining a specific savings goal. Well, those things just don't happen by chance, they really require that you are intentional, disciplined and acquire a strong mindset to see it through completion. Why? Because you can buy all the workout clothes and gym membership plans you can afford but if you don't have the mindset to go to the gym everyday and work-out then you just end up wasting money. So, when you are trying to get organized or set the intention to become organized, your mindset should be strong.

Acknowledgement

So, now that you understand that your mindset should be used to guide you throughout the organizing process - then now you can acknowledge that you need to implement some organizing solutions within your space. Your mindset led you to click on this blog-post or maybe you were just curious but either way you acknowledge that structure and order is necessary. It's exhausting to live in clutter and to be unable to locate your belongings when there is chaos. You don't have to continue to live that way. Maybe you're tired of being unable to walk into your closet because clothes are just hanging off of the hangers or shelves due to a lack of systems. Or maybe you are too embarrassed to invite people over to your place because it's cluttered? Whatever the trigger may be - that trigger is now responsible for shifting your mindset and will drive you to becoming consistent in getting organized. You can buy all the fancy organizing products you want, but until you have acquired a strong mindset that acknowledges a problem and implements a solution then that's when you know you're ready to get down to business and get organized!

“Your mindset should be used to guide you through the organizing process.”

Pace Yourself

Now that you have acknowledged that there is a problem and have a strong mindset, the next step is to organize! There are many notable organizing tips and guides available that discuss how you should get organized but I try to be realistic and understand that while the end result of organizing your space will be amazing - the road to getting there can be overwhelming - maybe even a little intimidating. But that's ok. As the saying goes, anything worth having doesn't come easy but you will be required to do the work and that's where your strong mindset will be used as a guiding tool to keep you motivated. There may be times where you just say, "I can't do this!" Or become discouraged and that can be normal when going through a pile of your most personal belongings. So, I recommend that you pace yourself, and reference the childhood classic tale of, "The Tortoise and the Hare." Remember how the tortoise ends up winning the race because he's strategically slow and paces himself - yup that's the story to keep in mind when going through the process - slow and steady wins the race.

​Before starting, you want to prioritize a specific area that really needs to be organized and complete that space first. This will probably be the most challenging space but once you organize that area and see that it can be done then this will encourage you to organize your other spaces. If you're organizing by yourself then maybe invite friends over and make it fun or turn on some music. I feel like when you view organizing as a "chore" then it becomes such a daunting task but you can make it fun! If you have children then get them involved. By involving your children, this teaches them accountability and responsibility by learning how to return items back to their original storage place once they're finished with them. They too, will take pride in their space. It's up to you to determine in what capacity they can help but assigning a small task to them is acceptable. Lastly, I suggest that you time yourself so maybe organize for 1-2 hours and then take a break. You can set a timer so that you stay on track while organizing and while you're organizing remember that there is a finish line that you will cross!

“Prioritize which space(s) may first need to be organized. ”

Becoming organized requires a strong mindset, patience, muscle-flexing and faith but it is achievable. If you want to shed a few pounds that requires work and dedication and if you want to reach a savings goals then that requires discipline so keep that in mind when it comes to organizing. By acknowledging the issue and then pacing yourself to implement a solution and using your mindset as a guide then organizing your closet, office space, bathroom, kitchen - whatever it is, is certainly doable!