The Benefits of Organizing

This week I gave an organizing workshop, "Simplifying Your Life" in Salt Lake City. Simplifying is about making life easier when it aligns with your deep desires. It can be a triumphant experience when you ask the right questions. When facilitating my organizing workshops, one of the first questions that I ask the participants is, "What is the No. 1 benefit of getting organized?" You may be surprised by some of the answers.

Many in the audience said they would be more efficient and effective. I couldn't agree more. They would be able to find things quicker and could react in a more efficient manner with all assignments and decision-making processes. Not wasting time was the chief concern. Knowing where things are, whether it's in the work place or at home, would be an enormous bonus for them.

Others in the audience said they desired a sense of peace and more calm in their lives. I wasn't surprised that several working mothers mentioned this as the main reason they want to simplify their lives. They were seeking fewer complications. They knew intuitively that having a handle on issues and concerns on the home front would make them worry less and free them to do the best job they could possibly do.

Third, and ultimately the most important reason to get organized, is to acquire a sense of freedom. Those seeking a better quality of life said they know that they are being burdened with their many things and the upkeep of their belongings. Their lives are becoming weighed down. They no longer want to be inundated with so much around them, and are striving for a sense of maneuverability and versatility.

When you are able to realize your biggest benefit of getting organized, it can be enough to propel you into some level of action -- and provide you with a sense of accomplishment. Before I became aware of the value of organization, I had an inadequate system for storing photos. I was unfamiliar with Quicken and Quick Books and paid my bills the old fashioned way. I also kept my clothes forever. Luckily, I wanted to be better organized because I knew that I couldn't keep up the pace I was living and that I would eventually burn out and become unhappy. Learning how to be organized saved my life. It has enabled me to feel in control and be more productive. It gives me peace, but ultimately, it gives me the freedom I need to flourish in my life, and to educate, inspire and entertain those who are stuck and need a shift. I became grounded enough so that I could focus on what people need and can help them to discover their own method to organize and flourish. Getting organized is a starting place where you can make your dreams become a reality.

If you have questions or need any help, please e-mail info@organizedworld.com. We'll be happy to point you in the right direction, or to offer you advice regarding any organizing concerns you may have.

Lanna Nakone has been teaching people how to gain mastery over their physical environment since 1998. She is the author of "Organizing for Your Brain Type" and "Every Child Has a Thinking Style." Her Web site is www.organizedworld.com. She can be reached by e-mail or by calling 524-9896.