Comments on: Were You Born Organized?

By: Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:56:20 +0000

It never would have occurred to me that some kids might NOT sort their Halloween candy by type!

By: Linda Samuels

Linda Samuels — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:44:53 +0000

No doubt that I was “born organized,” but I also think there were environmental influences from my parents and grandmothers. They modeled organizational skills in many different ways and styles. And without really thinking much about it while growing up, I know what I observed absolutely influenced some of my own penchant for organization. I always loved organizing things, spaces, schedules and projects, but never really thought much about my abilities. Others noticed my skills and often commented about them, sometimes in a teasing way. As in, who color codes their leotards, lines up their nail polish collection in color order or sorts their Halloween candy spoils by type into small bags? So when I was thinking about starting my own business and wanted to tap into skills that I had, I began seeing my organizational skills in a new light. And while I realized that I had those skills, I also knew that they were teachable skills. In 1993 I launched Oh, So Organized! and with the goal of helping and teaching skills to those that were organizationally challenged.

By: Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:31:12 +0000

When I was studying personality type, I read that 54% of the population are “Judging” types, who prefer structure and order, but preferring it and bringing it about may not always go hand in hand!
Read Janet Barclay’s post: Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for March 2011- Organizing Home Offices

By: Ellen Delap

Ellen Delap — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:16:32 +0000

Very interesting info! I have heard that only 10% of us are “born organized”. I am and I appreciate it so much! When I tell others that I am a professional organizer they say of course! Thanks for sharing this with us!

By: Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:03:28 +0000

Moreen, one of the best things about a blog is that it's never too late to join the discussion! Until I learned about personality type, I didn't understand why organization and time management was so challenging for some people, and having my eyes opened to that fact was one of the things that drew me to this profession. .-= Janet Barclay´s last blog ..2009 Harold Taylor Nominees =-.

By: Moreen Torpy

Moreen Torpy — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:58:12 +0000

I’m coming to this conversation a bit late, because I just found it. So, I’m one of those “born organizied” ones, and sometimes too organized to the point of not being able to be spontaneous.

As a Professional Organizer, I’ve learned a great deal from my clients, especially the right-brained ones. It’s a wonderful profession that allows me to help others while satisfying me need to organize.

And on the NSGCD topic, I’ve taken numerous courses from them, and they’re extremely good. I’d recommend them to anyone who is in the organizing field.
.-= Moreen Torpy´s last blog ..Musings about electronic clutter =-.

By: Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:27:22 +0000

Bonnie, I didn't think too much about my parents' influence on my organizing until my dad sold the house after mom passed away and I went to see his new place - he sure didn't need any help from me! There are some excellent free fact sheets on chronic disorganization (CD) available from NSGCD, as well as teleclasses and certification for professional organizers and others working with individuals affected by CD. There's even a yearly conference being held in LA this October! .-= Janet Barclay´s last blog ..Were You Born Organized? =-.

By: Bonnie Lord

Bonnie Lord — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:39:10 +0000

I was absolutely born organized. It’s alive and well on my father’s side of the family. We organize our kitchen cabinets, our closets, our garages, our coin collections. I would say it’s a real benefit to have that organization gene when becoming a professional organizer. Of course, skills can be learned, however, having that intuitive nature that just oozes when I see a space needing my rescue is a rush that is not learned. There is research that should be done on why people are chronically disorganized and how to deal with those clients. Along with empathy and knowing how to truly be customer oriented..Very important.

By: Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:09:46 +0000

Liz, I appreciate your comments, especially as a “born again” organizer. You’ve hit the nail on the head by emphasizing “what works for you” because of course everyone is different.

Jacki, I agree that one is not better than the other. We need organizers with different backgrounds and approaches in order to meet the unique needs of various clients!

Debbie, congratulations on overcoming your struggles with perfectionism! I think that’s a common challenge for those of us who are “born organized” because it comes so naturally to us that it takes time to recognize that people who are less organized aren’t sloppy or lazy, they just see the world through a different lens than we do.
.-= Janet Barclay´s last blog ..Were You Born Organized? =-.

By: Debbie Jordan Kravitz @ Virtually Organized

Debbie Jordan Kravitz @ Virtually Organized — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:17:40 +0000

I was definitely born organized (my Barbie doll’s closet was organized better than most people’s real-life closets!). However, I never could have helped other people get better organized and launched a successful career as a Professional Organizer until I overcame my own struggles with perfectionism.

I’ve learned that different people have different levels of what they consider “organized enough,” and at no point does it have anything to do with perfection. Organization is something that everyone can learn, regardless of what tendencies they were born with. I truly enjoy helping others reach their own state of personal organization.