Embarking on any self-improvement can be a slog. Take getting organized: First it’s overwhelming to think about, then you have the various piles staring you in the face, reminding you that you’ve failed before you started. This often creates the “What the hell…” effect, whereby we just give up entirely once we’ve determined we’ve blown it.
One way to get around this is to give yourself a “mulligan.” In golf, a “mulligan” is a do-over, a second chance to perform an action, usually after the first attempt went awry. When applying this concept to the getting organized, it’s about allowing yourself the grace to start over or correct a mistake without any penalty. Here are some ways you can give yourself a “mulligan” in the realm of organization:
1. Reset Your Space
If you’ve attempted to organize a space and it hasn’t turned out as you hoped, give yourself permission to reset. This might mean clearing the space again, taking everything out, and starting the organizing process from scratch. Viewing this as a fresh start rather than a failure can make the task feel more manageable and less daunting.
2. Adjust Your Goals
Sometimes, our eyes are bigger than our capabilities at the moment. If you’ve set an organizational goal that’s proving too ambitious, scale it back. Break down the goal into smaller, more achievable tasks. Each completed task will provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue.
3. Change Your Approach
There is no right way to organize! But the best place to start is to only keep what you need and love, and divulge yourself of the rest. Perhaps the KonMari method isn’t for you, and you find more success with a different system. Experiment with various approaches until you find one that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences.
4. Forgive and Forget Past Attempts
Let go of any guilt or frustration from past attempts to get organized that didn’t go as planned. Holding onto these feelings only serves as a barrier to progress. Acknowledge what happened, learn from it, and move forward with a clean slate.
5. Give Yourself Time
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be a sign that you’re trying to do too much too quickly. Extend your timeline and allow yourself the flexibility to work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Organizing doesn’t have to be a race against the clock..
6. Celebrate Small Wins
When you achieve even a minor organizational task, take a moment to celebrate. These small victories are important steps towards your larger goal and deserve recognition. Celebrating progress, no matter how small, can boost your morale and motivation.
7. Seek Support
Sometimes, a mulligan comes in the form of asking for help. Whether it’s professional assistance from an organizer or just an extra set of hands from a friend or family member, don’t hesitate to reach out. A fresh perspective can make all the difference in overcoming organizational challenges.
8. Practice Mindful Organization
Instead of approaching organization with a mindset of getting it done as quickly as possible, try to be more mindful about the process. Pay attention to how you feel as you sort, declutter, and organize. This can transform the experience from a chore into a more meaningful and satisfying activity.
9. Reassess Your ‘Why’
Remind yourself why you wanted to get organized in the first place. Whether it’s to reduce stress, improve productivity, or create a more peaceful living environment, reconnecting with your motivation can help you push the reset button with renewed purpose and energy.
10. Allow for Imperfection
Finally, understand that being perfectly organized is an unrealistic goal. Life is unpredictable, and messes will happen. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for a level of organization that improves your quality of life. Accept that some days will be better than others, and that’s perfectly okay.
By giving yourself a “mulligan” in these ways, you’re not only making the process of getting organized more forgiving but also more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.
