What does being organized really mean? If I asked most small business owners that question they would probably sigh and talk about what their office would look like under perfect circumstances. Or talk about having perfectly organized files, papers, supplies, etc. They would sigh because they know that what they just described as organized isn’t just out of reach for them because it would take them too much time to organize, but is also out of their realm of believability.
This past week, I spoke with a coaching colleague about this subject. I remember telling her that I had just finished my strategic plan, have about 60 e-mails in my inbox, and took care of about half of the items in my inbox, among other things. I told her that I felt more organized now than I have in a long time.
For me, organization has nothing to do with perfection. Let’s be serious for a moment - my wife and I have three children aged 5, 3, and 1 - perfect organization just doesn’t happen in our house. There is no expectation that everything will be in its own place and tidy.
To me being organized is not about spending a great deal of time cleaning, buying organizational supplies, sorting, etc. My definition of being organized has everything to do with effectiveness. Effectiveness means being able to accomplish goals. That can only happen when I’m clear - both mentally and with the space that I occupy. That’s why I can say that even though my e-mail inbox has e-mail in it, my paper inbox still has a pile of paper, we have a basement full of stuff and a full garage, I feel organized. I’m not looking for perfection - I’m looking for clarity, progress, and effectiveness.
What’s your definition of being organized? Are you looking for perfection? Do you need to alter your definition and expectations based on your circumstances and your personality? What small changes to your physical space could you make that would make you feel 10% more organized? How about mentally? When’s the last time you looked at your strategic plan?
