Disorganization at work costs us our peace of mind.

In moving to my new office, I sorted through boxes and boxes of piles and files, the majority of which I sent to the recycle bin. This article, excerted from the Christian Management Association, explains why:

When we are disorganized, we squander our professional potential. Disorganization saps our productivity, effectiveness, and creativity. Each morning, we come into work heavy-burdened and as we survey our mess we are overwhelmed and we don't know where to start.

What our disorganization say to others is that we are, to some degree, living out-of-control. Being disorganized at work can cost us our credibility and relationships because it tells our co-workers and customers that we don't have our own "act together." If we don't deliver on our promises, we lose trust.

In my view, organizing, whether in personal or professional environments, is all about making room in your life for the things that really matter. Look at organizing as a means to an end. For example, most people won't invest in getting organized just to have a color-coded filing system. However, if you want to use your gifts to serve, and you recognize that your disorganization is holding you back from that priority, then organization can be a means to release service in your professional life.

Organizing is like any other change process; it is a little painful because we have to face bad habits and stretch ourselves to change our thinking and make new choices. However, we become motivated to take action when we recognize that disorder is holding us back from the life we really want. It's time to break free from haphazard and reactive behavior … to a life that honors your true priorities. We forget that organizing, above all, is a process, not an activity. We think that the stuff and activity of organizing is the answer. We take the easy road instead of engaging in a discovery process that will lead to sustainable change.