Being organised is a decision. It’s more than just keeping things tidy; it’s about making conscious choices that bring clarity and control to your life. I recently read a line in Liane Moriarty’s The Last Anniversary that stopped me in my tracks: “Love is a decision.” At first, it felt profound in the context of relationships, but then I realised this sentiment applies to so many areas of life—especially organisation.
It’s not just about tidying up or having everything in its perfect place. Organisation is about making deliberate choices. It’s about deciding:
- What stays and what goes.
- What’s worth your time and what isn’t.
- What you’ll commit to doing—and what you won’t.
But here’s the thing: the decisions that lead to true organisation aren’t always easy. In fact, they should be hard. Hard decisions force us to examine what truly matters, confront discomfort, and step forward with clarity.
Why You Should Go With Your Gut
We often overthink decisions, letting self-doubt muddy the waters. But when it comes to decluttering and organising, your gut instinct is usually spot on.
Pick up an item and notice the immediate feeling: “This belongs with me,” or “I think I can let this go.” Trust that instinct. You don’t need to justify your decision to anyone, and you certainly don’t need to second-guess yourself.
Back yourself
Revisiting every decision—whether about what to keep, what task to prioritise, or what commitments to take on—causes you to lose momentum. Organisation isn’t just about the decisions; it’s about moving forward with them.
Make the Decision and Stick to It
Imagine standing at a fork in the road. If you hesitate and try to go both ways, you’ll get nowhere. The same applies to organisation. Once you’ve made a decision, stick to it.
- If you’ve decided to let go of an item, don’t pull it back out of the donation box.
- If you’ve committed to a schedule, don’t keep tweaking it endlessly.
- If you’ve chosen a new system, give it time to work before switching to something else.
Backing yourself means trusting that you made the right call, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Organisation, like any meaningful change, requires confidence in your choices.
No Plan B
Here’s the kicker: we make better decisions when there’s no Plan B. Why? Because it forces us to focus. When we have an easy fallback, we hedge our bets, leaving one foot in and one foot out. This kind of indecision creates clutter—not just in our homes but in our minds. Every time you make a choice about what stays and what goes, you’re proving that being organised is a decision. Each decision creates momentum toward a more organised and peaceful environment.
For example:
- If you’re deciding whether to let go of sentimental items, tell yourself, “There is no Plan B. If I let these go, they’re gone.”
- If you’re reorganising your routine, commit fully to the new plan. Don’t have a ‘just in case’ version waiting in the wings.
When you remove the safety net of Plan B, you create space for clarity and conviction. It might feel scary, but it’s also empowering. You’re giving yourself permission to move forward, learn from the process, and trust yourself.
The Ripple Effect of Decisions
One clear decision often creates a ripple effect. Decluttering one drawer can inspire you to tackle a cupboard. Letting go of one “just in case” item builds the muscle of trusting yourself. Saying “no” to a task that doesn’t align with your priorities frees you up to say “yes” to something that does.
Being organised is about so much more than just creating a tidy space. It’s about reclaiming your time, energy, and peace of mind. And all of it starts with one deliberate choice.
The Bottom Line
Being organised isn’t a magical trait that some people are born with. It’s a decision. A hard one, yes—but one that will pay off in countless ways.
So go with your gut. Make the hard decisions. Back yourself. And most importantly, remind yourself that there is no Plan B. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to move forward when you fully commit to the life you want to create.
What’s one decision you can make today to get closer to the organised life you want?
Let me know in the comments or connect with me on social media—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Struggling to make the tough decisions?
Let me help you create a plan that works. Schedule a free consultation with Space and Time today, and let’s tackle your organising challenges together! Remember, being organised is a decision, and once you make that choice, you’ll begin to see the ripple effect it has on other areas of your life.