How is getting organized like losing weight?

We are always telling people that getting organized is a lot like losing weight– because it’s about personal change.  A person has to be ready and committed to do both things.  Nobody can do it for you.  Sometimes people call us and ask if we can organize their husbands, and we always say, "Not any more than we can make him go on a diet!"

Here are some other reasons:

1. Crash dieting doesn’t work, and neither does “crash organizing.”  It’s great if you tackle a few huge projects one weekend and get some areas really organized, but unless you change the habits that got you disorganized in the first place, you will soon find the space a mess again.  Both weight loss and organization require permanent changes in your habits and routines.
2. “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.”  The basic idea to lose weight is to eat less and move more.  Clutter must be managed by preventing bringing it into the home whenever possible and by regularly processing your items and getting rid of what is not needed. Both weight loss and organization require a program of prevention, reduction, and regular maintenance.
3. Being overweight feels embarrassing and brings with it feelings of guilt and shame. When you are disorganized, you feel out of control.  You feel you can’t have friends over, and you may get embarrassed by not showing up on time to appointments or keeping your promises to others. Both weight loss and organization relieve embarrassment, reduce stress, and increase confidence.