I once worked for an eccentric older man who constantly muttered, “Organization: Key to Success.” He was usually drowning in stacks of coffee-stained paper and surrounded by innumerable Post-its with illegible notes he’d scribbled, yet he was certain that this mantra of desperation would somehow save him.
When I got home from my trip to Illinois, I looked around my parents’ house and thought, “Now what?” For weeks, I’d been pouring my energy into divorce logistics, and now most of the loose ends were tied with tidy knots. Apparently, it was time to settle down and start my new life.
Except. Telecommuting from the dining room table was like trying to meditate during a terrible bout of “monkey brain,” and attempts to block out distractions just seemed to amplify them. And as if I wasn’t bad enough on my own, Tucker sat at my feet and barked all sorts of orders—variations on the theme of “Walk!Walk!Walk!” With grandiose visions of having a stay-at-home-mom, the dog was clearly trying to sabotage my career.
Then there were the boxes and boxes of, oh, everything I owned, which were piled high in the guestroom and throughout the garage. And finally, the worst distraction of them all. The internet? Oprah Winfrey? No, no. It was much worse. It was the kitchen and all of its delectable contents.
It went a little something like this: Must edit two pages in the next half hour. (Stare at screen blankly.) Juice! Maybe some juice will give me a little boost. (Sip juice and stare at screen. Type half-heartedly.) A sandwich. Yes, my brain needs some carbs. Definitely some carbs. Etcetera, etcetera.
So I did what any smart woman does when order feels beyond her grasp. I went to Target. And IKEA. I tackled the stacks of boxes. I went on a mission to turn my parents’ spare room into a stylish, cozy office to facilitate the genius work that would surely flow from my brain if it was coddled just so. After spending several hundred bucks and a few hours struggling with pegs, legs, and wheels, I was satisfied.
I had a sharp new desk, a filing system, and some fun magnetic strips to display photos on the wall. I’d even splurged on a colorful throw pillow and a faux-sheepskin rug to throw under the desk. Sitting in my new swivel chair with a cup of coffee, I relished the accomplishment.
Just a few months ago, I felt powerless and penniless. Now, I had the space and the tools to create a nourishing environment for myself, a place where I could excel at my job and hide from the cookie jar. Tucker was thrilled, too, as he was pretty sure he’d just hunted down the least wily wabbit ever. I was feeling generous, and a rug was a small price to pay for peace and quiet.
As I plopped a cheery magnet on a photo of my sweet baby nephew, I smiled. Lo and behold, the war cry of my former employer really worked. “Organization: Key to success!” Say it loud, say it proud. Shop if you must.
I’ve been getting organized and holy hell it’s a different world. If you REALLY want to get a lot of work done, get a stopwatch. Hit the button when you start, and hit it when you stop, even if it’s just to send a text or pee. Set a target goal of X number of hours on the stopwatch. If I make it to four hours a day in between a million interruptions, it’s a miracle, but you would not believe how much more I get done with that feedback in place!
That’s a fantastic idea! I HAVE a stopwatch, and I just might bust it out this weekend.
Emma- I love reading your blog! And, I completely agree and just did the same thing myself last week. Amazing how getting organized a little rug can make all the difference in the world. Hope to see you soon!
Imagine Homer, “………WAAAAAAIIIIITTTTT A MINUTE! Am I the eccentric older man?
I can totally picture that!
Here for Saturday Sharefest. I have a very disorganized office and it drives me nuts. We moved almost 2 years ago and re-doing it has been on my to-do list. If we had an ikea I would go nuts. Target is always a great fix for boredom and the duldrums. Great blog. I will be reading. My blog is an extension of my non profit. Check it out.
I know–I sometimes go to Target just to walk around aimlessly. How sad!! I checked out your blog. I have a *little* personal experience w/ your cause, and I’m very empathetic. Keep up the great work!
Getting organized makes all the difference. Years ago, I’d stay home once in a while to concentrate on some writing project that just wouldn’t come together at the office. I had no set place to work, no way to file anything, and an entire house full of distractions (as you point out, the most powerful were in the kitchen). Thank heavens for nifty desks and files and the stuff that tells our brains, “Work now.”
Yes! I have to admit that my current workspace leaves a little to be desired right now. Must take my own advice and tackle some projects!!
Fun entry, Emma.
I know those distractions oh so well.
I started working from home about five years ago and it was quite a transition. Like you, I had to get myself organized first. Now I have a pretty good routine and can usually avoid distractions. It helps that I would rather work than do household chores.
Oh my gosh, this reminds me of those commercials where women redecorate their living rooms all in one day. I’m so jealous. I really need to work on my organization or at least get some cute throw pillows.
Thanks for visiting! I checked out your blog. You are funny!
Fantastic! You know I love systems, and anything about organization!! And I love the picture of E in his little hat. He made such a funny face when I showed him the picture this morning…I don’t think he believes it’s him!!
My dad always says, “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.” I am a big believer in Target therapy, myself.
Make sure to let us know if the toilet swirl is opposite!
Wabbits MIGHT be wiley, but they awe always wascaly!
I love it. Empowering yourself to create a nourishing environment, just for you – this is so important! And you’re right, Hil will love the references to organization systems
I love it Emma! I think that you are such a good writer and I look forward to reading this all the time