Don't Try Mastering Organization

I am of the belief that everyone is good or even great at something. Why everyone "thinks" they should be "able" to be organized is a question I ask myself at least once a week.


After 20 years in this industry and meeting all types of personalities, it is clear that some people will never master organization. Not to be a pessimist, but why even try to master something you are not innately good at or don't like to do. The optimistic side of this is that if organization does not come naturally to you and you do struggle, there is away around it.


First, you must admit you don't like to spend time organizing or you don't do it well. Then, here comes the solution - create support systems to assist you. What does that mean?


There are a number of ways to create systems. One is physically set up your environment so it works for you. Two, ask for help in the areas you are not good at maintaining. Whether it is laundry or paperwork, get help. If you can't pay for help, trade what you are good at for the support you need. Nothing is free.


I have come up with a lot of analogies over the years to try and make people (who need support ) understand that no matter how many hours they spend trying to be organized they will never master it. It may take a team. So, my latest analogy that I explained to my ADD 14 year old son ( who forgets his homework, assignments etc.) is this:


When Lance Armstrong rides a race, he does it with a team of riders around him who help him keep his momentum going. He could not succeed at his pace without them. This my son could understand. Every CEO has an assistant, homes have housekeepers, Doctors have nurses. 


Why is it okay for people to be comfortable with these assistance yet many are not comfortable asking for help in areas they are not good at or don't have time to do? 



For my son and those who are challenged with papers and forgetfulness, they need to have a support system. My son has teacher's that check in with him, face to face  about his assignments. Not just trusting he will get the assignment from the board. He has friends call him at night to followup that he knows what to do, etc. Yes, he was uncomfortable at first doing this but after I explained to him that I did not expect him to master his challenges and I expected him to come up with solutions and support, he accepted it.


Another analogy; I am not an artist. I never will be. If I wanted to paint, I would have to take a class and even then, I will not master it. 1) because I don't want to and 2) I'm not a natural artist. Therefore, I don't expect that I will master being an artist. 


Don't try to master organization if it's not your thing. Create your systems and then ask for support in maintaining them~


~Eve