You know the saying, “Can’t see the forest for the trees”. This is a challenge because we can get so hyper focused. We want to get organized or be more productive but we are stuck in our regular “mode” and can’t see a solution. So we trudge along, just putting out fires, only dealing with the urgent. We need to look at the bigger picture and then break our tasks (or projects) into the small, manageable chunks. We need to become more proactive rather than reactive.

But how can we do this? How do we get enough clarity to see the big picture? There are a few solutions to try:

1. Take yourself out of the environment and create a vision for how you would like to be organized or how you would like to handle the project at hand. If you cannot create this vision then start a list of what you know you do NOT want and then turn that information into the positive. Work on the vision until you feel that it contains everything that you desire.
2. Get a body double. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about cloning here. A body double is a term used by professional organizers to describe a person who can be your sounding board. That outside objectivity can help you to see your project in a whole new light. They can ask questions that spark a shift in your perspective or help you gain clarity.
3. Hire a professional. A professional organizer is trained to see the whole scope of the project. We have experience in project management. This relates to your space as well as your tasks. Just as a personal trainer helps you to exercise and tone your body, an organizer helps you discover the right plan for your organizing projects and tasks. We will also work with you to transfer skills so that you can manage future projects on your own.

If you need some help to “see the forest”, I’d love to hear from you. Post a comment here or email me at info@organizedhabits.com.