Ever wondered how successful people got to where they are now? There’s a lot that goes into being successful, of course, and I don’t mean to oversimplify things but when it comes down to it, a huge piece of the puzzle is the individual’s level of discipline. What I think is interesting is that so many people think that being disciplined is something you’re born with and that you’re either disciplined, or you’re not. And if you’re not, well, good luck!
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Being disciplined, like being organized, is a skill that can be learned, practiced, honed. Anyone can become disciplined, and organized for that matter, if you really want to. But that right there is the catch. You have to want it. And when you want it…when you really want it, you’ll show up. Even on the days you don’t want to, just like every other successful person. (Yes! There are days they don’t want to do the thing either!)
Why is discipline so crucial to organization? Because organization is never finished. Organization isn’t a task to cross off a list. Unless you have it at the top of every single list you’ll be making for the rest of your life, then go ahead and “cross it off”…for today. Organization is an ongoing process. It’s dynamic. It evolves and requires constant maintenance, just like your car needs you to continue to put gasoline in its tank, or charge it, I suppose.
So how do you keep yourself showing up day in and day out to help yourself get, and stay, organized? If you haven’t already, it’s time to take a really close look at at your “why.” Why is it that you desire to be more organized? This may seem like a really simple question, but I want to challenge you to take it several layers deep. When you answer that question for the first time, follow up your answer with “Why is that important to me?” and keep asking yourself that question until you find yourself at the root of it all. For many, this takes going at least 6-7 layers deep in “why” questions.
If you struggle to answer the first level of why getting more organized is important to you, take a moment to consider the inverse: What does disorganization do to you? How does it cause you to think and feel? What do you want to change about that? Why is that important to you?
Once you have your why, it’s time to take action. And I have ZERO doubt in your ability to take that action to get and stay organized. You can learn the skills required. You can carry them out on repeat to support your why. You can show up in life the way you want to show up. The question is: do you believe it?
That right there is the kicker. Because you are currently living in a state of disorganization. You have created ongoing evidence for yourself that that is the way you live and that’s why you’re in the state you’re living in right now. Your brain believes that being disorganized is part of your identity. But that doesn’t mean it has to be that way forever. Your ability to flip the script is anchored in two things:
- Your ability to think as an organized person: Yes! You have to consciously think thoughts that support your desire to be better organized. You can do this by adopting a mantra of sorts “I am an organized person.” Do you believe that right now? It’s ok if you don’t right at this moment, but if that’s what you want to be, you have to start thinking differently so you have the opportunity to believe it. Tell this to yourself everyday, multiple times a day! “I am an organized person.” Stand in front of the mirror and say it. Write it in your journal or planner. Write it on an index card and tape it to your dashboard. Make it your phone’s home screen. Whatever you need to do to help you keep this thought front of mind. But it’s not enough just to think about it…you also have to take action.
- Create evidence for your brain that shows you are an organized person: You have to make your behavior match your thoughts. You have to show up, even when you don’t want to, doing the things required for you to be better organized. As you do this, you build evidence for yourself that you actually are an organized person. *gasp* Through this accumulation of evidence, your brain can make the connection more quickly to help you alter how you self-identify so you step into full belief that you are the organized person you want to be!
This is just the beginning my friend! The beginning of a fresh start for you to be able to move in the exact direction that you want to be moving. You just have to decide and set your internal GPS for the desired destination. Where will that destination be for you?