Understanding the parallels between a weight-loss journey and an organization journey, can help you be successful.
Buying the tools is not enough.
You are trying to lose weight so you buy books, a scale, special food, exercise equipment, etc. This is a great start and tools are important but it is not enough. There is a process and a plan needed to lose weight and the tools and equipment you bought will not work without the plan and process. Similarly for organizing, people will buy bins, baskets, calendar systems, organizing books, etc. and find themselves still as disorganized as they were before these purchases. There is a process and a plan to organizing and building your skills and understanding of this will allow you to move forward and finally put all those tools and equipment to good use.
Making a resolution is not enough.
Getting more organized and losing weight make the top 10 New Year’s resolutions year after year. They do because both resolutions are hard to keep. They need a shift in lifestyle and habits, not just a resolution. In order to be successful at either losing weight or becoming more organized, you need a plan beyond the resolution and the motivation to carry through on that plan.
Hiring help builds your knowledge and motivation.
You can hire help to design a weight loss plan for you through a personal trainer, nutritionist, or diet expert. Likewise, you can hire a Professional Organizer who will design a plan specific to your organizing challenges. Having a plan that meets your individuality can mean the difference between success and failure. This is why books don’t always translate into success. A book may not meet your specific challenges. Hiring help can also give you the motivation to carry through on your plans. Meeting regularly with a personal trainer keeps you going to the gym or sticking to your diet. A Professional Organizer also sets up regular visits which can inspire you to keep up with your organizing efforts and be motivated to continue to change.
Making it a permanent change is necessary for success.
Losing weight and keeping it off will be very difficult if you go back to your old habits. You need to stick to the process for a lifetime in order for there to be a permanent change. Organization is the same. Once you have set up systems and processes in your home you need to keep up with these activities or you will quickly fall back into your old habits. Backsliding in weight loss and organization are part of the process. It is very common to move three steps forward, one step back when making any change to your lifestyle. Being able to forgive yourself and get back on track are the differences between those who succeed in making lasting changes in their lives and those that don’t.
Having support is crucial.
It is very difficult to lose weight when you are surrounded by family and friends who do not support you. They may even sabotage your efforts by tempting you with treats, mocking your exercise efforts, or belittling your progress. It is similar for getting organized. Your family and friends must be supportive or it will be a very difficult change to make. If you are trying to change the organization of your household you need everyone in that household to change too. Everyone must put agree to putting things away in their designated spots, picking up after themselves, writing things on the family calendar, etc. This can be very challenging and requires great communication, forgiveness, and support between family members.
It is a journey not a destination.
Weight loss is a journey. You may have a set target that you aim to achieve and even meet it, but it is a continual effort to stay at that weight. Organization is a journey too. You can aim to achieve a certain level of organization but there is always maintenance required to stay there.
Begin your clutter-be-gone journey today and Let’s Start Organizing!!
