This month we’re focusing on answering questions about organizing! Last week I wrote about what virtual organizing is, as it’s not a well-known topic. This week, I’ll be addressing another less-talked-about issue.
Here’s one of the questions I received.
“I have a chronic illness that fluctuates a lot. I wake up never knowing what kind of day I’m going to have. Is it going to be painful? Am I going to be fatigued? Am I gonna be totally fine?
I want to have an organized life, but it doesn’t seem possible for me given my illness. How am I supposed to get organized and stay organized when I can’t plan more than a few hours ahead?”
What a question! And what a great opportunity to talk about what organizing is all about.
I get the feeling that when I say “an organized life,” what some hear is “a perfect life.” That’s not quite right. Everyone goes through rough patches. Everyone encounters interruptions! No matter how organized you are, there will always be something that doesn’t go to plan. And that’s okay.
Being an organized person isn’t about being a perfect person who has it all under control. It’s about being adaptable, and learning strategies for managing the tough times when they come. So what do you do when it all falls apart?
Your Biggest Rocks
I’ve mentioned big rocks before as a way to prioritize what you spend your time on. The gist is that when you schedule your time, the most important things (your big rocks) get scheduled first. Less important things are scheduled around them, and you know you’ve got your fundamentals covered.
During periods of upheaval and stress, find your biggest rocks. These are the things that you need to be functional. No frills, no bells or whistles, just the core tasks that keep you going.
If you wake up and it’s a high-pain day, what are the most important things to do that day? Maybe you’d planned to organize the spice cabinet. But is that crucial?
Write it Down
I encourage you to sit down and make a list of the things that you absolutely MUST do on a day-to-day basis. When it’s an off day and you’re not well, or an emergency comes up, pare it down to those things. Some biggest rocks could be:
- Getting enough sleep
- Taking medication on time
- Getting enough to eat
- Letting the dog outside
I know these sound basic, but during times of stress it’s quite easy to forget to take good care of yourself!
No matter what’s happening in your life, your biggest rocks take priority. If your mobility is limited, or you’re fatigued, taking care of the biggest rocks may be all you can do. If all you can manage to do is sleep, take medication, eat, and let the dog go potty, that day is a success.
Set Up for Success
Brass tacks: your health is more important than your sock drawer. But if you have your biggest rocks covered, of course I encourage you to organize it! Decluttering and organizing your home is one of the best ways to avoid frustration in the first place. Letting go of what you don’t need means that when the tough times come, you have less on your plate and can take care of those biggest rocks.
If you want help organizing your home, give us a call! We’d love to set you up for success.
310-806-2580 ext. 0
I’m so glad you addressed this concern. Chronic illnesses and other health situations can be a huge obstacle to organizing projects, but the key is exactly as you describe it, to recognize that self-care is far more vital. Organizing one’s life to take care of one’s health first is essential, and those big rocks are what matter most. Great post!
Thanks, Julie!