Home > Work > The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize the Way You Do
21 " Now that we both understand the reasons behind our actions, we no longer have the resentment that comes from unmet expectations. "
― Cassandra Aarssen , The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize the Way You Do
22 " A Bee’s biggest strength can also be their biggest weakness: perfectionism. Being a perfectionist can be an amazing quality, and it’s definitely something you need when it comes to maintaining a detailed organizing system. I mean, who doesn’t want a perfectly clean and organized home? The downside of perfectionism is that it can easily lead to procrastination. The one thing I hear over and over again from my Bee clients is, while they have big dreams and aspirations, they struggle to start new organizing systems or projects until they can do them right. "
23 " This need for fast and simple solutions isn’t linked to being lazy or unintelligent; rather, it comes from their tendency to focus on the big picture over small details. "
24 " The other secret for helping your Ladybug get on the path to success is ensuring that the containers and other “homes” for things are located close to where these items are used. "
25 " Being organized gives you access to more time, more money, and greatly reduces your stress. An organized home gives you a sense of calm and relaxation each night when you fall asleep and instills energy and motivation when you wake up. "
26 " Leaving a trail of half-finished projects will steal your mojo and get in the way of your progress. "
27 " When there is more than one personality type sharing a space, I recommend always defaulting to the visual and to the simple system. "
28 " As an example, this means it is much easier for an individual who craves visual simplicity (Crickets and Ladybugs) to go against their nature and learn to hang their coat on a hook than for someone who craves visual abundance (Bees and Butterflies) to put it away in a closet. It is also easier for a perfectionist (Crickets and Bees) who craves a detailed organizing system to relax their expectations and opt for a more macro approach than for someone who needs organizational simplicity (Butterflies and Ladybugs) to adapt to a complex approach. "
29 " you are like me and get anxious when your home feels cluttered, explain to your Bee that their piles cause you stress, and ask them to consider “project boxes” or large baskets as a way of containing their piles until they have a chance to deal with them properly. "
30 " forced myself to get dressed each morning, which had a huge impact on my day. When I stayed in my pajamas, I felt tired and lethargic, no matter the time of day. When I got dressed, I felt more awake and energized. Incidentally, it also was nice to have pants on when unexpected company stopped by! "
31 " Ladybugs are enigmas. Most of them tend to be carefree and outgoing, while at the same time being slightly neurotic and a total homebody. "
32 " Here is the problem I have with professional organizers: they organize the “stuff” in a home instead of organizing the family. "
33 " I cannot tell you how many stories I’ve heard of families paying good money for professional organizing services, just to have them all fail a week later. If you (or the professional organizer) doesn’t understand what systems will and will not work for you and your family’s style, it can only end in failure. "
34 " can’t stress it enough that becoming organized is about making your life easier and less stressful. It’s about freeing up valuable time and space, so that you can focus on the things that bring you happiness. "
35 " The trait which most defines a Cricket is perfectionism. They have a deep desire to do things the “right” way and can sometimes be what people call a “type A” personality. "
36 " In a world filled with people struggling with inner perfectionism, you look at the bigger picture. Your brain naturally groups things in large, simple categories, naturally simplifying life. "
37 " When I finally stopped looking at housework as something I did for my family or even because of them, I stopped being resentful. In truth, I clean and tidy for myself. I do it because it makes me happy to have a tidy home. "
38 " Truth time: I have also melted many, many things by hiding them in the oven and forgetting about them. Oh, Ladybugs. "
39 " To my Ladybug brain, piles look like huge messes that need to be cleaned up fast. To a Bee, it’s an organized collection of important things that need to be dealt with properly when there is time. Instead of hiding and shoving, it’s best to encourage a Bee by helping her or him create clearly labeled “proper” homes for these piles. Shoving and hiding is only going to lead to anxiety about losing things, which will intensify the piling in the future, rather than solve it. "
40 " Another issue I often see with Bees (and Crickets for that matter) is the fear of disposing of items incorrectly. Again, this comes from perfectionism. I have had more clients than I can count obsess over the best place to recycle old electronics or torn and soiled used clothing. Everything from empty boxes to fabric scraps can be a huge stumbling block when they focus on the “right” and “perfect” way to dispose of something. Sometimes, the garbage really is the best option. It’s sad and wasteful, but holding onto garbage because you are afraid to put it in a landfill isn’t a long-term option. "