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Blog: The Nature of Being Organized
 Organizing Setbacks Part 2
Do you always find yourself in a cycle of getting enthused about organizing, going at it in a whirlwind, then stopping dead in your tracks? It feels like a never-ending merry-go-round, doesn't it? It can change.
This pattern can be prevented by taking some simple, but not always easy, steps. When approaching our organizing projects it's important first to "check in" with ourselves. Taking some time to "be" will prepare us for the task ahead. Find a quiet spot free of distractions, a comfortable, serene place. Then connect with Spirit. During this quiet, reflective time ask these three questions:
"What do I want for myself during this organizing time?" --peacefulness, joy, success.
"Why am I taking valuable time and energy to delve into this project now?" — rewards, benefits, shame, guilt, frustration.
"Who am I doing it for?"—myself, someone else.
It's important to be clear about what our motivation is with everything in life, but it will serve us well to start this practice before beginning an organizing project. If we are taking our valuable time and energy to delve into an organizing project because of embarrassment, guilt, or discomfort, or if we're doing it for someone else, ego is in control. Now hear me, that's not bad. It just is—no judgments, remember!
Let me clarify with an example. I was coaching a client the other day around her perfectionism. She was clear that trying to be perfect holds her back in many ways, but it also motivates her to get things done and it has afforded her many opportunities in her career. She loves it when she plans a party because it forces her to put the house in "perfect" order and it feels great. She doesn't have many parties because it feels too overwhelming to prepare for them. She's organizing for someone else. She also realizes that her perfectionism is attached to her ego voice, not Spirit. So is perfectionism bad? No!
What my client needs to do is to understand the story—where this coming from--behind her fear-based perfectionism and how it's serving her. What lesson is she learning from this behavior? What is it guiding her toward? There is a difference between focusing on our fears and feeding them. When we can step back and become the observer of the fear-based thought we step into a place of power; we're in charge, not the thought. The moment we recognize the ego voice we're no longer in the ego mindset; we're listening to Spirit.
Organizing setbacks when related to fear-based thought patterns can stop us dead in our tracks or give us an opening to know ourselves on a much deeper level. The choice is ours. The first rule of thumb is to let the setback be OK. We allow the voice of Spirit, which is always gentle and non-judgmental, to step in. Ego is no longer "running the show". We now feel centered and grounded as we approach the project; we're joyful.
When we are open and curious and willing to look at old patterns that hold us back, life takes on a new view. We automatically feel lighter, even before the project begins! Take some time and try this approach before the next organizing project, whether big or small, and notice the difference it makes. It's time to get off the merry-go-round, isn't it?
I'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and experiences around organizing setbacks?
Happy Organizing!
Warmest Regards,
Maggie
posted on: 6/19/2008 12:00:00 PM by Maggie McCauley
category: The Mental Side
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The Nature of Being Organized
by Maggie McCauley
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About Maggie:
Maggie McCauley, ACC, LICSW, The Effortless Organizing Coach, is the president of "A New View". She takes a holistic approach to organizing coaching her clients to create new habits that promote overall well-being, a sense of freedom and peace of mind.
Maggie's Website:
www.anewviewforyou.com
Maggie's Products:
My Favorite Books
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
- It's Hard To Make A Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys by Marilyn Paul
- Organize With Confidence by Elizabeth Hagen
- The Secret Of Letting Go by Guy Finley
- Life Is Short--Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta La Roche
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Making A Change For Good by Cheri Huber
- "Happiness Now!" by Robert Holden, PhD.
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