Organization in the New Year: Underlying Issues - “Low Self-Worth"

Part Three of Our Series on How to Get Organized

In parts one and two of this three-part blog series, we established that people move through a series of stages when modifying behavior. We also assessed the importance of recognizing the need for change, while looking into family of origin patterns as potential causes of problematic behaviors. Now, that you're ready to do something about getting organized, it's time to evaluate the underlying issue of low self-worth to help you successfully move through the stages of behavioral change.

The truth about chronic disorganization

While you might consider yourself a garden-variety clutter bug, there could be underlying issues that keep you from getting organized. As we discussed in part two of our blog series, many people struggle with organization if they grew up in cluttered, chaotic or unpredictable environments. At the same time, there appears to be a psychology of clutter related to a person's self-worth. Whether it’s an inability to make decisions, emotional attachment to objects or overall low self-esteem, psychology shapes an individual’s relationship to his or her space and stuff. People may hold onto items due to guilt, grief and attachment. Depression can sap a person's energy and immobilize him or her from taking action. For many people with low self-worth, it can become difficult to recover and restore order after disappointments and difficult life transitions. At a certain point, daily life becomes stressful and overwhelming. Combined with low energy and chronic procrastination, these feelings create a fertile environment for disorder and chaotic thinking.

Solutions for moving forward

Not all disorganization issues stem from family of origin issues and/or low self-worth. That said, many times, they do. Studies suggest that people can better cope with these issues by practicing helpful everyday exercises, such as mindfulness and meditation. In some cases, however, people aren't able to make lasting breakthroughs without the help of a therapist.

Breaking the cycle

Clear, decisive intent is essential to effectively moving from preparation to action to maintenance and, finally, termination in the TTM behavioral change model. For some, this intent can center on seeking help for underlying causes. For others is may center on or implementing effective, everyday rituals designed to promote greater organization. Whatever the case, it is possible to improve your life through better organization if you have the will and desire to change. Our therapists are trained to help, contact us today!