Why Get Organized?

I've been thinking about my first blog entry - what should it be? An overview of some great products that help with organization, some tips and tricks, some pitfalls of organization?  That's all coming, but I think it's important to begin at the beginning and discuss the importance of organization.  Why even care?  Here are just a few reasons...


Change Behaviors!
Having a good organizational system is important because the systems we adopt help create behaviors.  If you have a good system, your behavior often will follow (i.e. a good filing system leads you to file things right away, thus reducing clutter).  If your system is incomplete, behavior may be erratic, unpredictable, and frustrating, etc.   You can have all the best intentions in the world to get organized, you can set all kinds of goals - but until you put the right systems in place, you are likely to remain frustrated.  Sure, you may be okay for a little while, but unless the system works (i.e. helps creates the behavior you want), things will eventually break down and you'll be back to square one. (By the way, sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the system that works best for you.)


Bring Peace (Less Stress)!
Secondly, systems and organization are important because of the peace it brings to our lives.  We were not meant to live in chaos.  It's unhealthy - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  A Princeton University Neuroscience Institute study found that chaos (in this case, clutter) restricts your ability to focus and process information.  It basically serves as a distraction - an annoyance. This annoyance can eventually wear you down until you become frustrated and stressed. And of course, we all know stress has negative effects on us emotionally and even physically, including things like weight gain! (They found a link between weight gain and clutter...who knew!)  


More Time!

Thirdly, systems and organization give you back the time you've been wasting!  Time is precious, especially in our culture where there are so many demands and distractions.  How much time do you spend trying to find items in your home?  How much time do you spend cleaning and putting things away?  How many things have you forgotten?  Again, if we put the right systems in place, we can accomplish more in less time, locate items quickly and easily, etc.  This means that we can now spend more time with family, have more free time, feel more accomplished, less stressed and more in control of our lives. 


If you've accomplished an organizational project you know the kind of satisfaction it brings.  Even if it's hard work initially, it's so worth it when it's all said and done.  Why?  Because we thrive in organized, less chaotic environments. They make us feel good! They makes us feel more in control!  


Organization (or the lack thereof) affects every area of our lives.  So, let's get the weight of the clutter and disorganization off our shoulders and decide to live differently...to change our behaviors, bring peace and add more time to our busy lives.  I hope this blog helps you get inspired to live a more organized and systematic life.