I set you loose to look at what’s not working, I’m setting some parameters about the answers you’re allowed to give to the “why it’s not working” question. You may not answer that question with “because I’m lazy/stupid/hopelessly disorganized” or any similar response. In addition to being personally hurtful (and wrong), those answers are organizational dead ends. They say that you’re flawed and that’s the end of the story.
Well, we’re all flawed. But that’s not the end of the story.
If you can analyze why part of a system isn’t working, you can eliminate every other system that operates the same way from your arsenal of organizing tools. That streamlines your choices, helping you to focus on what might work instead.
Let’s go back to my boxes full of course materials, zooming in on the one on the top right in particular, where I stacked the papers on top instead of putting them inside. I know exactly why I did that. The short/nonacceptable answer: because I’m lazy.
See how useful that wasn’t?
Let’s dig a little deeper. “Lazy” is code for “the system is too complicated for me to use it consistently.” I just said I loved my boxes (and I do!) because they’re eye-catching and easy to use. After all, what’s so hard about lifting a lid and sticking papers inside?
Inside this particular box are not one but two pocket folders (anathema to many styles, including my primary organizational style, which is drop and run). Since I couldn’t just drop and run, I took a shortcut, saving the work for later, when I’d have time to file them properly.
So, now that I know why the system broke down, what do I do? Here are three possibilities:
• I can keep my system as is because it works most of the time.
• I can replace the pocket folders with something more style-friendly.
• I can add another box to the system so I can eliminate the need for the folders inside.
Since I really like the system from both an organizational and a visual perspective, I don’t want to overhaul the whole thing. If I had room for another box, I’d go with that option; this problem arose because I have one box that no longer has room to grow. But since I’m pressed for space, that’s not an option. Perhaps, in this case, my full-to-capacity box is an indication that it’s time to weed out its contents.
Once I’ve done this, I still have another choice to consider: replace the color-coded pocket folders (one for each class) with colored file folders, no pockets. Previous experience tells me that this will work just fine. But what if it doesn’t? Easy. I troubleshoot again.
How often do you need to troubleshoot? Until you find the solution that works for you.
Okay, your turn. Take a moment and look at the space again. As you jot down the things that don’t work for you, remember that recriminations are not helpful, but observations are. Also, keep in mind that “tidy” and “organized” are not the same things. A clear desktop may be tidy, but the desk itself is organized only if the drawers aren’t stuffed haphazardly with things that would otherwise be on top of the desk. As you troubleshoot, consider the following:
• What’s not working? How can you tell?
• Why isn’t it working? (Remember to identify what’s wrong with the system.)
• Is the problem a style mismatch?
Go ahead. I’ll wait right here.
•••
What did your assessment reveal? Can you find any patterns? A particular system, container, or routine that’s standing between you and an organized space?
Now for the bonus question: Can you replace something that’s not working with something that is?
Yes you can. Locate your organizational style in the second set of Style Sheets that begin on the next page. Use your observations to fill in the missing sections (yes, you can write in this book!) and circle or highlight the suggestions that ring true for you. Then do the same with your personal styles.
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
