Back before I fully understood how my brain was wired, I came across the book “Conquering Chronic Disorganization” by Judith Kolberg.
“Ha!” I thought. Maybe I’ll dip into extreme tips for the baddest of the bad sufferers of chronic disorganization – but not me, of course! It’s the title that got me, “chronic disorganization” – I overlooked the amateurish cover.
Even the thinness of the publication was deceptive, hiding the real gold that lay within. A quick read wiped the smirk right off my face. It WAS most definitely a book about me!
Ms. Kolberg’s publication was revolutionary, ahead of its time from the first printing in the late 1990s. Ms. Kolberg IS the original Marie Kondo, with a chapter on “Emotional Organizing.” Her chapter on “Learning and Organizing Styles” truly speaks to the unique individuals we are, why wouldn’t we each have our own unique style?
I enjoyed finding mine on the list – very useful, I must say, in figuring myself out. My favorite chapter (because it was a new, mind-blowing concept) was “Social Organizing.” It validated my personal habits that I thought for sure others would think silly.
Body Double strategy beats overwhelm
Social organizing is described as having a support team with you instead of going it alone. Not only does it boost morale, it aids in conquering the feeling of overwhelm that shuts us down. I love Ms. Kolberg’s real-life stories of clients socially organizing.
The poignant examples show the very real struggle to organize. The story that resonates with me the strongest is the “Body Double” story. In this example, Ms. Kolberg was hired merely to be quietly present as the client worked through a stack of papers.
The client was a very confident woman, not lonely in the least. The client knew what her weakness was and the fix for it. I function this way, too; it was indescribably comforting to understand it was a real thing.
Finally, Ms Kolberg ends the book with discussing ways to maintain your organizing success. This book is truly a treasure. When I do get the urge to purge my book collection, this one always remains. It “gives me joy” as Marie Kondo would say!
