I have a feeling the author really doesn't understand the mindset of a disorganized person.
Week One wasn't too bad. Basically, there was some journalling about how things got where they are now, what you want for the future and how you can get there. She also asked you to start one small habit that would reduce the stress level in your life.
My new habit was to give my iPhone a "home." It now goes in the charger station I bought for just that reason...but never actually used. It has been great, even my four year old knows that if he plays with mommy's phone, it must be put back or he won't be able to use it. He picked up on the habit right away and if he ever sees it anywhere else, he returns it to its home.
Week Two started to get more difficult. It is just very...vague. She recommends "use a calendar" and "start using routines" but doesn't give you any direction in how to do it. Yes, I am smart enough to use a calendar and I understand what a routine is. I have tried many, many times to establish both. But then I forget where my calendar is or to bring it with me or I get a new pocketbook that is too small to hold it. Same with routines...if something isn't right in front of me, I am not going to remember to do it.
Finally, you are supposed to start to say "no." That is advice I have been hearing quite a bit lately. One of my goals for work this year, written into my review, is to be more assertive. I was told I need to say no when people ask for assistance with things outside of my priorities and also to push back when my ideas are dismissed too quickly....but that is a whole different story.
Thinking and writing about it is week two was somewhat helpful, but I really don't feel that I moved forward.
Week Three is the chapter I worked on today. It is the reason why I am feeling overwhelmed and doubting if this will work for me. Sneeking a peek into Week Four made it even more concerning. Next week I need to plan a full day cleaning the kitchen. Ugh, that sounds horrible.
The focus this week is on getting your kitchen into shape. It seems all organizing programs start in the kitchen. First off, she expects you to be able to buy alot of items. Normally, I am all for a shopping spree. But I just got back from my honeymoon and I also have had to take some unpaid leave at work recently, so finances are tight. Not being able to follow along is frustrating.
There is also a "speed elimination" of items that are unnecesary or duplicates. She also recommends getting rid of items that take up too much space. Luckily, after many attempts at following FlyLady's organizing progam, I am a pro at decluttering -- well, not to my husband's minimalistic preferences, but better that I used to be.
We also took the time to get rid of an extra freezer and convection oven that was taking up way too much space. Now we are able to actually use our kitchen table. My son was so amazed and excited about the concept of sitting at a table in the kitchen! We sat together and had hot cocoa and talked. That was truly a great reward for a couple of hours of work. Gaining quality time with my family was my main reason for doing this.
So, maybe this was a good idea after all...
