Order, Routine, Structure? Who Needs It?

Order. Routine. Structure. Systems. Do these words resonate and make your heart sing, or, do they feel confining, restricting and tension-producing?

We're all different. There is no right way. We don't all get the same feelings from the same things. Some make piles, others make files.

What I know doesn't work is beating yourself up for not being a perfectionist! There is a generally accepted idea out there that, if you really had it together, you'd be aiming for perfection. And, that's not even allowed to be your own idea of perfection. It's some arbitrary idea that everything has to be lined up, clean, neat, tidy--in other words, perfect.

You can waste a lot of time, energy and angst, wringing your hands over the lack of that kind of perfection.

How can you tell what's right for you? Two ideas come to mind. (This is all top-of-mind for me today because I was working with a coaching client who was treading water in her business because of perfectionism.) So, two ideas:

1. If you are a visual person, seeing a mess bothers you. NOTE: Be sure to check the difference between really being a visual person with a visceral reaction to disarray, and, being auditory, kinesthetic or digital and just thinking you should be tidier! A clutter and muddle are, to a visual person, like getting into a bed full of cracker crumbs is to a kinesthetic person!


2. Are you being productive, creative and energetic? If not, you may be being held back by a lack of order, structure or procedure that you are not recognizing. Again, it is an important distinction for you. Watch out for the difference between shoulds and best practice for you!

For me, I like clarity in my visual space. Doing "sensate" tasks--things that involve the body and senses, not the mind--is my way of processing. When I'm stuck, especially when I'm writing website copy, I'll get up and clean a closet or open and sort the mail. It gives my mind a break. Does the idea of housework and clean windows sparkling in the sun float my boat? Not if I have to do it. But, when I need that sensate break, it is the best medicine possible.

We're all different. There is no right way. What works best for you? Let's talk about it here.

Rhoberta