This topic has come up frequently. I’ll hear things like, “I’m just not an organized person.” Or, “Do you think people are born unorganized?” I was even asked straight out if it being organized is a personality trait. My first response has and continues to be…we are ALL organized. You and I have an organizing personality.
We all understand the concept of creating order. We are all taught from a young age about putting things back where they belong, whether it’s a coat on a hook or a toothbrush in a holder.
In fact, we all have systems. The struggle lies within how well we “use” our systems and if the systems work for our organizing personality type.
In my book, Take Back Your Time, I touch on the four main personality types to which I’ve titled: Amazing Arrows, Boisterous Bolts, Calming Circles, and Detailed Diamonds. In general, Arrows and Details tend to be more focused and structured by nature. They are left brain dominant, mostly analytical and methodical. Whereas, Bolts and Circles tend to be more care-free and spontaneous. They are right brain dominant and typically more creative and artistic. So, what does this mean? What’s your organizing personality?
Your Style
It means that if you are an Arrow or a Diamond, then you probably prefer less visual things around you. You prefer more concise systems and having things put away in a tidy fashion. Your desk is usually mostly clear unless you are actively working on things. Decluttering or getting rid of things, doesn’t likely cause you much grief due to your practical nature. Efficiency and productivity tend to be your heartbeat. As more of a “do-er” than a “be-er” you prefer things to be set up in a functional manner. Putting things away and keeping things picked up is somewhat second nature to you. Not that you won’t let things slide, but all in all you work and relax better in a space that is visually clear of clutter.
If you are a Bolt or a Circle, it means you mostly prefer things to be out in your visual space. Layering your space is your preference. Less to you does not usually feel like “more.” In fact, piles are systems to you and you are usually able to find most things, most of the time. In fact, looking for things doesn’t tend to cause you much stress as you are fairly relaxed. You prefer to live more in the moment and less likely to want to prioritize overthinking a system or spending too much time on it. You are all about organizing efficiently or in a way that allows you to use your time for other things, instead of organizing. Creating a detailed system doesn’t necessarily resonate with you, nor does it feel important. Tossing things into a basket or adding things to a pile or waiting until tomorrow, are all ways that work for you. Getting rid of things is sometimes more challenging for you because of the meaning or the memory.
Now, I’m not suggesting that either of these two sides of thinking are right or wrong. Nor should someone get stuck in their way of processing information and not be willing to improve in those areas that aren’t within a healthy balance.
Your Sweet Spot
For example, if an Arrow is so hyper organized that their family members feel stressed and unable to relax while at home, then he/she might want to dial down their expectations. (Most likely an Arrow won’t live with a house full of other Arrows.) A Circle may be so laid back that others whom they live with feel frustrated with their lack of follow through. A Diamond may be too structured to the point that they don’t provide enough margin for the “what-ifs” in life. This then can lead to increased stress and pressure on them and others in the household. A Bolt might be so busy moving from one activity to the next that they leave a trail behind them wherever they go. Which is then negatively affecting other people’s spaces.
Each of these examples represent how things can be overdone (either way) and lead to an unhealthy balance. So, how do you find the middle? First, recognize your tendency: right or left brain. Then, do a balance check. Where are you overly rigid (Arrows and Diamonds) or overly fluid (Bolts and Diamonds)? Ultimately it’s healthier for all of us to find more of a sweet spot. A spot more in the middle. We will likely have a tendency to dial more one way or the other, but knowing when we need to be more flexible, in an effort to work and live well with others, is important.
Embrace your personality and your way of thinking. Work within your tendencies, but also keep a mindset of intentionally. It’s beneficial to look for ways to minimize your own stress. If you are overwhelmed or feeling like your systems are not working, consider what adjustments you might want to make. Circles and Bolts you organize more visually, so create systems you can see easily and that are simple in nature. Arrows and Diamonds you prefer to organize in a more streamlined and structured way, so prioritize this with how you set things up.
Your Systems
Setting up systems that complement your personality will help you to keep up with the systems and ultimately minimize the stress that can comes when you feels disorganized. In reality, disorganization is simply not keeping up with your systems, it is a constant process. Setting up systems is a campaign against chaos. So, commit to honing in on the systems that work best for you and also honor those whom you live or work with too.
Organizing is a process and everyone has the perfect organizing personality to create the best systems for themselves.
Also, if you love learning about personalities you may want to dive into the Enneagram. I have found it fascinating!
Happy Organizing!
