Organizing for Your Brain Type: Finding Your Own Solution to Managing Time, Paper, and Stuff

by Lanna Nakone, Arlene Taylor

Get---and stay---organized!

Let your natural inclinations guide you toward gaining control of your environment and learn to live life on your own terms. Drawing on the science of brain function and her experience as a professional organizer, Lanna Nakone offers tailored and specific advice that will actually work to help you tame your desk, unclutter your closet, manage your time, and save your sanity.

Take the Brain Style quiz to determine which of the four parts of the brain you rely on the most to process information, and which organizing style complements your brain function. If you rely on the

*Posterior left section of your brain, you're a Maintaining Style. You develop and follow routines well and adhere to traditional organizing methods.

*Frontal right section of your brain, you're an Innovating Style. Artistically creative, you have a unique stacking system that no one else understands.

*Posterior right section of your brain, you're a Harmonizing Style. Valuing interconnectedness with your family or coworkers, you need to be organized enough to keep your environment peaceful.

*Frontal left section of your brain, you're a Prioritizing Style. Adept at analyzing data, you prefer to delegate organizing.

Chapters specific to each type offer practical tips and strategies for implementing an organizing system, maintaining your system, and coexisting with different brain styles.

Insightful and understanding, Organizing for Your Brain Type turns the task of managing your life into an enjoyable experience.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Productivity, Reference, Business

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took the quizzes and then read only the sections that applied to my type (Innovating with a visual sensory preference). I loved that this book was designed for you to do just that, making it a quick and easy read! And it was spot-on, at least for myself. I literally laughed out loud, because it was like Lanna Nakone was writing about me when she described the Innovating style. Things that I have always known about myself now make more sense. And I now fully realize that organizing with files and labels and pocket calendars won't ever-ever work for me. I feel liberated. And I am armed with new ideas to find what does work for me. In fact, as I was reading about what doesn't work for the Innovating personality (and totally relating, as I have just inherited an office that was previously occupied by a complete Maintaining style personality) I started to think of things that might work better ... lo and behold, every time I had an idea I would find it as a suggestion on the very next page! Like I said, spot-on! Reading this book prompted me to recognize some organizational problems, confirmed some things I have wondered about, and affirmed some things I already understood about myself. And I am reassured that my piles are not the ultimate form of evil. What a relief.

There were only two things that kind of bothered me:

A.) There were a few typos that were minor but glaring. They were things that an editor should not have missed.

B.) Nakone makes fairly frequent reference to one's assistant, whether by suggesting that you hire an assistant or suggesting that your apparently already-hired assistant should take care of details that are beyond your organizational skills. Alright. Nice thought. But I don't have an assistant, and neither can I afford to hire one. In fact, I am basically the assistant. Maybe Nakone should have written a paragraph or two about the reverse, or about how the assistant can express to the employer that the colorful chalkboard calendar is really the best way for the assistant to keep track of the conference rooms schedules ...

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite the title, this book has very little to say about how your brain "type" affects your organizing style. Most of the book is based on the authors own personality types, which appear to be drawn from Jungian archetypes, among other things. The quizzes were not helpful to me; did not come away with any insights and didn't feel I fit into any of her four styles. At times, the author's tone was also quite condescending: "Magazines: I only allow you five subscriptions. No questions asked." I think she means, "No exceptions allowed", actually. Disappointing.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Organizing with a side of psychology.

"The best example I can give is the paper issue. Sorry to keep bringing this up, but let's get it out in the open. It is your worst issue. No one understands your relationship with paper but you."

Man, she really nailed me there in the Innovating Style chapter. I had to wrap my head around her paper purge strategy, but I'm giving it a go. Hey! Whatever keeps me from piling up paper on the dining room table and the kitchen table and every other table in our house - and whatever keeps my husband from fussing at me over said paper-laiden tables.

My sensory preference results were harder to believe. I would have sworn I was visual, but scored the highest in kinesthetic. Maybe I'm suppressing my style, as the author would suppose.

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information is technologically dated (e.g. using PalmPilots, physical planners and agendas, typewriters(?), and DVDs for organization) but the principles are sound. I learned some helpful tips. I’d love to see an updated version that addresses how we can use the technology of the 2020s to help us with organization.

[Rachael Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty much what M.C. and Dayna said. I also identified as an "Innovator" type, and I can now see why years of trying to follow the filing/labeling/everything out of sight methods haven't worked and won't work. I feel like I have been given permission to have things in piles or up on walls or bulletin boards, and it's okay that all my papers aren't in color-coded folders.

The book is designed so that you find your "type" and then read only the section corresponding to that type, so I can't say whether the book will be as helpful for people with other types.

[M.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may sound crazy, but I have never had someone explain to me so clearly how I can motivate myself. It made me not feel quite as bad that I'm always late and seem to have stacks of papers follow me wherever I go.

[Lauren Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brain function and organizing

Ms. Nakone is fascinated by the science of brain function and applies its research to the question “Why can’t I get organized?” The simple answer: no two brains are alike, although there are some things we all share. Each of us has an organizing “style,” different capabilities and preferences for how we organize which lets us use our strengths. Those styles are about our whole selves: our physical, emotional and mental abilities. When a person is unable to find or use a comfortable style, that person may not be successful at organizing.

Ms. Nakone talks about four common styles: “Maintaining,” “Harmonizing,” “Innovating,” and “Prioritizing.” These four styles complement, sometimes annoy, and, sadly, sometimes criticize each other. Ms. Nakone helps you identify which style might be yours, and provides some suggestions for organizing tools to fit your style. She also gives ideas to help us understand each others’ styles and cooperate. That’s a wonderful gift.

Lauren Williams, Owner, Casual Uncluttering LLC, Woodinville, WA USA

[Judith Peña Varela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. It wasn't a great book. The first quiz was very well written and accurate, but the second one was stereotypical and shorter than I expected. Regarding the "advices" for my brain type, I found myself reading something that I already knew, for other brain-type people, the book might help them, but it didn't at all for me. Also, the book was published in 2004-2005, so many things are undated (soooo many): she is mentioning technology, businesses, planners, etc. that no longer exist. In conclusion, it was nice to know me better, but it didn't help me much, i wanted to simply my organizing system but instead, she mentioned extra gadgets that I don't want, can't afford or don't really need at all.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Practical solutions for those who struggle with organization from someone who understands and appreciates the gifts of everyone. There are no judgements in this book, in fact, Nakone gives messy creatives specific advice for how to handle "haters" and critics. Being from 2005 the technology is a bit dated (a lot of talk of PDAs), but the reader can easily adapt the advice to the current world of cellphone apps.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips - right on with my personality. I was disappointed at the end when the book discouraged against hanging shoe bags on doors - I have the see-through ones in my coat closet, craft room and bathroom. I love them - I can see everything!

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ideas, suggestions a bit dated, but still usable. Helps explain some of the challenges people encounter when trying to become organized.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of information to take in. Might have helped to have pictures or figures to break up all of the text.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very practical. Most refreshing thing about this book is that it's only necessary to read certain sections.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Manuel Romana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, really helps tp learn about yourself and improve how you organize your life.

[lorraine barcant]

this was OK, basically I use it as a justification to keep the same piles around the room that I've always had. Only now I know that it's because I'm a 'visual' person. Also I know why those piles are irritating to other 'non-visual' organizers. Plus got confirmation that designing my own systems works better than adopting someone else's. Batching activity-types also helps for my brain type (intuitive), e.g. calls in the morning. Also got confirmation of what I already knew, which is that I'm too much of a freewheeler for schedules & routine, esp. down to the minute. Blocks by AM/PM or where I am at locationally (field, office) help better than specific sequence and I get to keep my sense of freedom. There are some good ideas here, if you can clearly recognize your 'type' (i'm a cartoon of intuitive disorganization so my type was easy) I would say, skim this book at the bookstore and jot down some notes instead of buying it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I think this book has a great premise: that there is no one system of organizing that will suit everyone. Nakone goes beyond the basic left brain/right brain division to come up with four general types of people, then gives organizing suggestions tailored to each type. I thought she could have given more concrete organizing suggestions for each type and less description of what the types are like. Plus, she seemed to have a fairly narrow view of what a typical member of each type was like. Her sample Harmonizing Style people tended to be stay-at-home moms while her Prioritizing Styles mostly sounded like male CEOs of large corporations. As a female Prioritizing Style who will probably never hold a job where I'll have an administrative assistant, I would've appreciated more useful organizing suggestions than "delegate these tasks to someone else." (I'd love to - but it ain't happening anytime soon!).

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never has organizing been so fun! Surprisingly enjoyable read for someone who likes being organized, but lacks the skills or desire to do so. And it has quizzes! - which I love. The first one to determine your brain type, and another to determine your sensory preference. (I'm Harmonizing and Auditory). Then you only need to read the chapters that pertain to your type. There are advantages and challenges to each, and the author gives short, concise tips on managing and organizing time, paper, collectibles, closets, etc. at the end of each chapter, as well as how to mix with the other brain types. I'm so happy to finally have a reasonable explanation for why all the great organizing advice I got from well-meaning friends never worked. I'm not a failure - their organizing systems were merely incompatible with my brain type.

[Melodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admittedly, I skimmed most of it. There was evidence of actual factual research, but a lot of it felt contrived for the simpleton with no life experience or too much time on their hands. I liked taking the quizzes, but they didn't offer much insight & the answer choices were either too limited, or they all fit. It felt like I was being stuffed into one box when I wanted to be in all of them--or outside playing in the sunshine instead. The author said something about the average American wasting 4 days a year looking for things. I probably waste at least 14. Knowing that, take my low-starred book review for what it is: a reflection of my toddler-tantrum-sized defiance toward organization & having my fat brain stuffed into a tiny box.

Now, where did I put my keys?

[Lani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felted mixed reviews about this book. On one hand it helped me realize there were different ways to be organized however I think it was limiting. I didn’t feel I matched one type overly more than the other three. I would have liked if she had discussed more about the relationships between the different brain types, but she did offer some beneficial tips. The book is little outdated now and that tended to bother me. She focused a lot on paper organizing and I wonder how relevant that still is with all the advancements in technology. She gave advice on organizing to your strengths but in ways to offset others in the workplace. This was a different type of organizing book.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book with some useful tidbits. A little condescending in places, a little too congratulatory in others, but still good overall. I skipped the 3 chapters dealing with the other 3 brain types, but the other later chapters gave me a good idea about the missed content. Overall, a good place to start if you want to get organized but aren't sure how to go about it. Also, I highly recommend the sensory preference chapter for anyone, whether they're organizing or not. It gave me some very useful insights.

[Melissa Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read the whole book - just the section that corresponded to my "brain type." I already knew my pattern: I get inspired and all gung ho about an organization project, dive in with gusto, get sidetracked with something else, get bored and don't follow through, and the cycle starts over again. This book gave a few tips that I'm going to try. It recommends a vertical calendar/planner for my "out of sight, out of mind" style. It also suggests visual storage/see-through containers as opposed to traditional filing and storage systems.

[Amanda B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book that helps you figure out your organizing style and learning style preference. (I am innovative and prefer auditory learning, according to the quizzes in the book.) The author tries to give some ideas for organizing based on these results but I felt like she was holding back and being pretty broad. Still, she gave me permission to stop kidding myself about using a filing cabinet at home, which is quite a relief.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a good idea in theory, but don't expect it to follow the personality (or brain type) theory groupings of similar books. The four groups (Maintaining, Harmonizing, Innovating, and Prioritizing) are put together on an entirely different scale and don't follow the traditional MBTI type categories. That's not to say that the methods suggested won't work, but they might conflict with what you already know about your personality type.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really useful little book. Provides some excellent ideas for the best ways to organize your time, life, household, etc...If you are a Prioritizing type, delegate the reading to your assistant (they'll find it useful). If you're licing with someone, good to figure out how they best process information as well. Certainly worth picking up.

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for an insightful read that will, if you allow yourself to keep an open mind and stay honest, self help book that ACTUALLY HELPS YOU HELP YOURSELF...THEN THIS IS A MUST KEEP! I can't get enough of reading this book. As I grow as a person, this book has been a constant guide on how to adjust to myself and those around me. Please give this a try, you won't regret it!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

If nothing else, this gave me validation for my everything in stacks, nothing in the file cabinets, none of these organizing methods work for me "style." I will put some of her recommendations into place, such as going vertical with storage, using clear bins, and adopting a less fussy labeling system.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Talks about how people can be categorized easily into maintaing, harmonizing, innovating, and prioritizing and how if you take their quiz you should have a score of 20 in one category. Well my answers came to 16, 13,15,and 6 so I could rule out which one I wasn't but there was nothing about how to organize my brain type except, you must be lying to yourself if you don't fit into one group.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Has 4 different categories of organization type, based on left or right lobe, and front or back. I thought it was very accurate for me, including things like my sticky note obsession and the fact that I would do well with an electronic organizer.

[Dorathea Chaplin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very handy book on working *with* your natural organizing style and even understanding others who have different natural organizing styles. You don't necessarily need to read the whole book, which is a time-saving plus.