The Window

- By Florence Feldman, www.clearly-organized.com

Have you ever observed that there are times when you are able to sort through your stuff, get rid of what you don't want, and put what you are keeping in an appropriate place without much angst? And then there are times when you can't get going no matter what you try to do.

I call this phenomenon the Window of Organizing Opportunity (WOO). When the window is open, organizing is possible. When it is closed, stashing things out of sight is the best you can do.

This observable truth is why it is so important to "go for it" when the window is open. Yet that little voice saying, "I can do this later," can convince you that you can get organized whenever you want. It convinces you that the window of opportunity is always open. It whispers, "Don’t worry! You will be able to get it together in the future."

This is a lie. Life does not work that way. Things happen that make it impossible to focus on the organizing process. And sometimes those things go on for a long time. Illnesses, deaths, professional obligations, family obligations, sports activities, and just day-to-day living eat up all our time and energy.

We stuff and stash and toss and try, and just manage to keep our heads above water. We promise ourselves we'll get a handle on it all very soon, and yet “soon” never seems to come. The window is closed!

Then comes a time when the way is clear. You still don't want to tackle that garage, attic, or office, but you could if you wanted to. The window is now open!

I implore you to put aside those feelings of revulsion and procrastination, and get out there and get the job done. Push yourself as if this is really important. Work as if your time is limited. (It is!) Remember to do a thorough job because it will have to last for awhile, possibly a long while.

Really apply yourself when that window of opportunity is open, and you will be amazed at how smoothly things will go afterwards. You will find yourself grateful for the ease of movement you now have since your "stuff" and space are organized.

If that window is open in your life, read no further! Get busy!

If the window is closed, carry on! Keep your eyes open so when the next opportunity comes along, you will take advantage of it as never before.

©2008 Florence Feldman. All rights reserved.