The 2 Reasons Most People Want to be Organized (and the 1 Reason You Should Be)

The 2 Reasons Most People Want to be Organized
(And the 1 Reason You Should Be)

I think about organization. A lot.

Since writing the book THE GET YOURSELF ORGANIZED PROJECT, I’ve been speaking a lot on the topic. And when I speak, the confessionals start:

“I need to get organized to stay on top of our bills.”

“I hate how my house looks – I am too embarrassed to have anyone over.”

“I need to be more organized so I can get the kids on school on time.”

I get it – I’ve felt all those things at one time or another. (And sometimes, still do.)

There are two main reasons women want to get organized: Fear and Shame.

Fear says: “You are such a mess. You’re going to mess up your kids/go overdrawn on your account/ lose your keys (again), not have something to wear (because you haven’t done laundry) if you don’t get organized.

Shame says: “You will never have a nice house. You can’t even keep up on the dishes much less the rest of the house.” And, “How can you think of getting a job/leading a Bible study/ taking a class when you can’t even find your car keys. You’re a mess.”

Because I don’t want to feel Fear or Shame, I declare that “Today I will get organized! I will never let myself feel that way again!” And we are “organized” for a day or two until the pain passes. And then we go back to our old ways – until Fear and Shame come a knockin’…

But there is another reason to be organized. A better reason.

The reason that every single one of us needs to be organized: because God has things He wants us to get done – and organization is the foundation of that life we are created for. You know, you want to go change the world, but you have to find matching socks…

God has great things He is putting you in charge of. But if you don’t spend a bit of time keeping up on the systems that keep your life running, everything is going to fall apart. Organization allows you to do that which God has entrusted to you.

Tell me how you would finish this statement: If I were organized, I would….

Don’t tell me your fear statement. (“I wouldn’t be late on my bills.”)

Don’t tell me your Shame statement. (“I wouldn’t have my debit card declined at Target.”)

Tell me the life giving, dream supporting reason you need to be organized.

If I were organized, I would….

The 2 Reasons Most People Want to be Organized (and the 1 Reason You Should Be)