Thursday, December 23, 2010

Maintain your organizing system to prevent relapse


It is a common assumption that once you put an organizing system in place it will always work and function exactly the way it did in the beginning indefinitely.  Even more widespread is the thought that one is a failure if the system does not continue to serve the purpose for which it was intended.  Both of the previous outlooks lead to a lot of frustration and and a sense of inability to rise to the task.

The reality is life varies constantly.  When your schedule, routine or responsibilities change it is important to recognize that the organizing system supporting you must mold to the new development.  Do not beat yourself up if your methods need to modify to fit the new dynamic you are facing.

The best approach is to take stock of what works in your current system.  Then identify the changes you must make in your system to make it fit your current needs. For example, if you now take the kids out through the garage instead of the front door it is ok to move the coat and boot storage so it is convenient to your new point of exit and entry.  What once worked may not be the best solution anymore. 

When your system no longer feels as though it functions properly, take an honest assessment and see if there is a change that needs to be made.