Shifting Organizer identities

Last week I introduced a set of simple Organizer Identity cards, which can shed a teeny bit of light into who we may be as organizers... or not so much. If you didn't grab them last week, you can still get them in the link above.

This week I wanted to look at one identity in particular, because I think many of us can relate to it. The "Tidy-on-Top" Identity. Pretty self-explanatory!

This person, is just this. The desk, table or work space is tidy and neat on the surface. It's a great stepping to actually getting organized. But attempt also creates this illusion or surface level organization that can provide a short burst of satisfaction! On the flip side ... we avoid opening the drawers or cupboards, and warn others before they peek inside! Sound familiar?

I spent years being this kind of "organized" and finally just couldn't take the strategy I had to have in place just to open a cupboard door anymore! We all having tipping points, and they can be helpful. But why do we wait until we can't take the clutter in the drawers anymore?

I can't pinpoint the exact moment I didn't want to open messy cupboards anymore, but I do know it was a process that took some time to think through. It did take some time to think through and plan the attack, and I just knew that I had to change my identity as an organizer if I didn't want to spend my time rubbing my forehead and rubbing my eyes (those are my go-to frustration moves). It was also important for me to recognize that this cupboard clutter made me a bit anxious when I needed to get something out during class! It was impacting the things I was bringing out for students because it was too much of a hassle! Hello - where were my priorities!

Over the years my Organizer Identity has shifted and become more refined, and I've found or created systems that work for me.

I'd love to hear from you in the comments, in an email, or on the Facebook group, Organizing Teaching Spaces!

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App endorsements are unpaid. Photos are free from Unsplash.

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