Nikki’s Organizing Adventures: Overwhelm and Hope

In case you haven’t read the “Intro to Nikki’s Organizing Journey” blog post, I’ll recap the cast of characters:

The characters in this odyssey are Nikki and her family, husband Mark, and two children Amy and Ben.  Nikki’s best friend is Neatnik Amanda, who you’ve probably been reading about. Elizabeth, that’s me, is Nikki’s Professional Organizer.

Nikki has tried to get organized on her own, but it has been overwhelming.  She feels like a failure, so guilty and ashamed about the clutter in her house.  Organizing seems so simple for other people, like Amanda, who keeps telling her how she should be organized. Why can’t she do it?

 As a PO, what I hear most often from new clients is “I’m overwhelmed.”  I know from experience that clients have waited years to call me because they are ashamed of the condition of their home or office   My first task with many clients is to get them beyond the “shoulda, coulda, woulda” blame and shame they have carried for many years, and help them to see that they are wonderful people who just happen to have a problem with stuff.  Nikki is sure Amanda thinks she’s lazy, crazy, or stupid because of her clutter.  I don’t judge or ridicule my clients–I accept them as they are and work with them to make their lives better.

 What Nikki doesn’t realize is that organizing is a skill that can be learned. Getting organized and staying that way is achieved by learning new methods and practicing good habits.  When I work with clients my primary job is to teach them the organizing principles that will allow them to stay organized.  As Nikki’s story continues, I will teach Nikki and you, my readers, the principles and skills needed to get and stay organized.  

My favorite comment from clients is “I keep hearing you in my head.”  That means they are internalizing and able to practice the things I have taught them.  Amanda seems to have acquired the skills she requires to keep her life organized.  Nikki is still learning them.

Copyright© 2020 Elizabeth Tawney Gross, Organizing For Everyday, LLC