When faced with a large overwhelming task it is easy to decide that it is just impossible.
I’ve had clients that have contacted me because they have reached a dark place in their lives, and they need to make changes.
We usually start with working on a vision.
But then it is important to drill down to just one area to concentrate on and develop a plan for that one area.
The idea is to have a series of wins. Each win can then be built on for a new plan and a new win.
I have been recently working with someone who is trying to get her financial affairs in order among other things. She lives out of state and has been keeping household items in 2 storage areas for several years. She has decided to fly back and get rid of some of the items and consolidate the two storage areas into one.
The long-term goal is to get rid of everything but there is so much to decide on and many boxes of papers to sort so this is not possible to do on one weekend trip back.
We have been texting back and forth about ways to donate or sell the items in the unit. Because we got a late start, many avenues for donations were not possible. She got very depressed. I reminded her that at this time the goal is just to consolidate the two units into one and that I feel that will be doable though not easy.
She responded that yes, that was still the plan but that she didn’t think that would solve the real problems at hand.
I agree that while reducing her monthly cost by half for the storage areas will not help her manage bill pay, find her affordable housing, or fix relationship difficulties, it would be one win on her financial strain.
I reminded her that we were just going to focus this weekend on the one win and after a celebration of that win, move on to the next step.
She thanked me.
Focus on the win.
If you want help or just some accountability in setting up or working your organizational plan join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.