As I prepared for a program with a group of parents, I talked with one of the parents prior to the event. "What is your biggest organizing challenge?" I asked Lucy.
Without hesitation, the young mom responded, "I'm so overwhelmed I don't even know where or how to begin organizing!" While I could feel the frustration in her voice over the phone, this is not an unusual response.
When the piles get high, it can be so overwhelming that one becomes paralyzed. Listed below are some ideas that have helped others. Perhaps one or more will help you deal with your overwhelm.
Get someone to help you or at least keep you company.
Another supportive person can keep you on task. They can be a sounding board and help you make decisions. If the helper is not someone who will support you by encouraging you, find someone who is helpful.
Decide to work for a specified period of time.
Twenty or thirty minute periods of work may be what works best. Agree that you will stop after the specified period of time has elapsed. Switch activities and you will be more likely to work at organizing in the future.
Be patient with yourself.
It may be unreasonable to expect organization to occur at the speed seen on the television shows. In addition to physical aspects of organizing, there are also emotional changes that may need to occur within yourself and others.
What aspect of disorganization is the most overwhelming for you? We would like to hear from you.
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