One Of The Best Things About Being Organized
One of the best things about being organized is being ready to do things spontaneously. You may not think of organized people as spontaneous, but to me, that’s kind of the whole point.
Professional organizers often get a bad rap for sounding school-marmish and preaching “a place for everything and everything in its place.” We may talk about keeping, what appear to be, rigid zones in your homes and in your schedules. You may think we’d prefer to spend a beautiful day indoors, alphabetizing our sock drawers, than enjoying a bike ride in the park, but you’d be wrong. In fact, we’re going to be MORE ready to get outside while the sun’s still shining, BECAUSE we are so organized.
Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely such a thing as being over-organized, and many people cross the line. (I really hope NO one is alphabetizing their sock drawers.) The guideline is simple really: take the less important stuff out of the way, so that you can get to the most important stuff.
A friend is going to the beach and invites you to come along. Can you find your swimsuit within seconds or are you digging through bins in the basement?
The lights go out. Can you grab your flashlight in seconds or are you fumbling around in the dark?
Your spouse just got a great rate to travel abroad in a couple weeks. Is it a breeze to find your passport, make arrangements, and pack your bag or do they all seem like such daunting tasks that you’re not sure you can go?
Organizing is often a casualty in the home and office, because there are more important things. Done right, however, organizing is the vehicle to your most important things.
What arrangements have YOU made to keep your life ready for spontaneity?
Perhaps the only thing in my life where I am organized for spontaneity is my rowing bag. I have clothes for sun, rain, cold as well as an extra clothes in case I fall in! If a boat is going out, I’m ready! So you are right, Matt, organization allows spontaneity. I will stop mocking you!
Excellent example Gay. Good for you!
In the summer I do keep a beach bag packed with towels and suntan lotions, bug spray, etc. Now that you mention it, when the weather is nice it has given us the spontaneity to visit friends at their pool, head down the beach, and even once, take a last minute ride in a private plane to Montauk! Yes – pays off to be organized! (now I’ll have to try it when it isn’t summer!)
Another great example. A private plane to Montauk sounds fabulous. Good for you!