I’m an organized person, yes, but I’m not at all immune to feeling overwhelmed or out of control. In fact, the past three weeks have been very disorganized and chaotic. You know how the state of your house reflects the state of your mind? Well, you’d never take an organizational tip from me again if you saw the state of our house right now! We have our kitchen, den, and master bedroom/bathroom functionally set up (though certainly not decorated), and everything else is in shambles. Random piles of unsorted items everywhere. Every surface cluttered. It’s making me crazy.
From where I sit right now, there are exactly four empty cups on the coffee table, an Xbox controller sitting atop a Bible on the chair, two beach towels on the kitchen island, a guitar on the fireplace, a gallon-sized jug of white vinegar on our kitchen table. Just what?
When life feels out of control or my environment feels out of control, I start to shut down. I have always been this way. I become completely unproductive, unmotivated, stuck. It’s not healthy behavior, but it gets triggered by major life changes (moving to a new house in a new city this time), and I’m used to it. I can expect it, so I can address it.
Today I’m sharing how I’m refocusing and getting back on the organization train this time! (I’ve done variations of this many times in the past. What can I say…I’m a list-maker!)
First, I created a “Daily Compass,” a.k.a. a daily schedule. When my mind’s overwhelmed, I get decision paralysis, and nothing gets done. After really thinking through my schedule intentionally, I came up with this:
This schedule helps to hold me accountable and keep me on track throughout the day. When I feel stuck, like I don’t know what to do next, I can consult my compass and know which way to go. 😉 (So corny, sorry.)
Next, I created a list with daily tasks. These are items that need to be done just once a week, but lately haven’t been done at all. (Keeping it really real: I got on the scale yesterday morning and realized that every fast food meal I’ve eaten in the past two weeks is indeed sticking with me. Oy. Back to meal planning, ASAP.)
Finally, I created a monthly task list. Some of the items listed only occasionally need to be done while others should be done at least monthly, but they’re all prone to be easily forgotten. Now that my monthly tasks are compiled, I can easily scan through them at the beginning of the month (and then again in the middle of the month), and check them off.
Surprisingly, creating these three simple sheets to organize my life took me hours of time. I found it hard to really identify what I need to get done each day and create a schedule/accompanying task lists that are realistic. If you’d like to create your own, you can use Canva (like I did), or another program, like Word or Powerpoint. Hope this helps you “get it together!”
// What triggers you, if anything, into a disorganized spiral? How do you overcome it and get organized again?
Love these! the same exact thing happens to me with big change. I think it is part of being a highly sensitive person. Although at the same time change seems really exciting. This is totally manageable and u love how you have a planed rest day.
You know, I hadn’t thought about my reaction being related to being an HSP, but it completely makes sense. Thanks for your comment!
xo,
b
This has been by far one of your most helpful posts. Thank you! I’m going to make my own right now.
Yay! I am SO glad to hear that! 🙂
xo,
b
Absolutely love this post and it is very timely for me as well. My house has completely spiraled out of control. Of course, it shouldn’t all fall on me, I do have a husband and two teenage sons that can help, but there is alot that needs to be organized, or gone through/gotten rid of and I just don’t know where to start. It also doesn’t help that I am doing online courses (don’t get me started on how unproductive I am here!) oh, and the weight gain and lack of meal planning and exercising, and the budgeting, oh wow, I could go on and on and on. lol But because everything in my life seems so chaotic right now, I cannot focus on getting anything fully accomplished. I could try making a list but I’m afraid that then I would just keep writing and writing and writing about all the things I need to do.
Anyways, not sure what the point was that I was trying to make, but I guess it’s nice to know I am not the only one who feels out of sorts with chaos.
Shari, I TOTALLY know how you feel! Life can be so overwhelming sometimes. I hope you’re able to make a plan, delegate some tasks, and start to live a balanced, productive life again. It’s so hard to get there but so worth fighting for! Best of luck to you, friend!
xo,
b
These are really helpful – I’m trying to start implementing more of a schedule in my own life. Have you ever posted about budgeting? My husband and I live on one income as well, which varies from month to month.
Hey Meagan! Thanks for reading girl!
I haven’t posted about budgeting (except for as it relates to owning a dog!), and I likely won’t in the future. Here’s why: I see budgeting/finances as highly personal, so I feel uncomfortable sharing that information publicly. Also, I find budgeting/finances pretty boring (I am decidedly not a numbers girl), and not something I enjoy writing about, so there’s that. Finally, our budgeting and finances are unique because my income is variable from month-to-month. Some months, we are truly a 2 income household, while others we’re more like a 1.5 or 1.75 income household!
If you’re looking for a good way to budget, I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. My best friend and her husband just finished the course and it completely changed the way they look at their money. Riley and I are interested in taking the course as well, though we’ve already adopted many of his “baby steps” when it comes to handling our finances.
Anyway, I’m sorry for the long response! Thanks for your comment!! 🙂 Hugs to you!
xo,
b
Oh Blair! I can totally relate to this post and your current happenings. Congratulations on the new house. (I am just catching up as my march just disappeared)
I always find that i spiral into disorganisation when I have far to many balls in the air. I totally lack the motivation to do anything that I should do or even want to do. But somehow find myself wasting time with things that whilst fun are not really important.
I have actually found my husband to be really helpful when i get like this. he helps me to see the bigger picture and to make a plan. He is really self motivated and doesn’t tend to let small hiccups affect him unlike myself.
Great work on identifying what to work on and making a plan. I think its so important to give yourself grace as well. Different seasons demand different things from us all 🙂
Lots of love and prayers 🙂
Meeka
Hey girl!! My husband is super helpful in grounding me, too. Marriage is such a gift. I love that you wrote, “different seasons demand different things from us all.” Amen, amen, amen. Love it! Hugs!
xo,
b
Thank you for sharing your organizational tips. I can totally relate! I’m also going through 2 major life changes in the next two months with moving to a new city and changing careers as a mid-20 year old. Hoping that we both find our balance again soon 🙂
Hi Brittani! So nice to know we’re in this together. Here’s to balance! 🙂
xo,
b