It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys: The Seven-Step Path to Becoming Truly Organized

by Marilyn Paul

Book Overview

Has it gone beyond being a little messy, running late now and then? At a specific point, a certain amount of untidiness turns into a swamp of disorder that leaves its victims feeling trapped,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0142196177
• ISBN13: 9780142196175
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

I thought I was organized until I read this book

The author knew all of my weaknesses in organizing my life and she had all the answers on how to correct them.This book will save me two hours a day for the rest of my life.You really feel like you accomplished something after you start practicing these techniques.

At last!

I have been frustrated for decades by my messy desk. I tried numerous recommended tactics to manage it, but none worked---until this book! I have finally conquered the monster by following the wise and supportive guidance given by the author. I have purchased copies of this book for many friends and they love it too. I cannot recommend it highly enough for those who feel disorganized around time, space or "stuff". It's great to finally be able to use my desk as I have always wanted to. My desk is at last a source of pleasure instead of a pain--which is handy since I work at it so many hours every day! This approach really works!!! I am extremely grateful to this author and recommend the book most highly.

Beyond just getting organized

This book goes way beyond just 'getting organized' and helps you get insight into how your mind works. I hit my first revelation before the author had even introduced her first exercise, and they just kept coming. There are several elements to this book I never expected in a book on organization, including effective time management and spirituality. I bought my copy in a used bookstore, but this book is so good I'm ordering copies for my friends, family, coworkers, minister...

Life changing...truly

Firstly, let me state that I am an avid reader, and this is the first book I've ever read that has prompted me to write a review.I can't express how differently I feel about my "chronic" clutter and disorganization after reading this book. I have used organizing methods and "tip" books before...many of them quite good, but the new regimes would only last for a little while. This is the first book that has truly gotten to the "why" of my cluttering tendencies, in a genuine, non-judgmental, humorous, and compassionate way that WORKS. Simply reading it was helpful. However, I found that "working" the book was MUCH more effective. I actually did the exercises included in the chapters and was astounded at the kind of information about myself that was revealed, so I would REALLY recommend going the extra mile there. Take the time to do the exercises...it does pay off!The result has been a completely organic shift in my behavior that has been completely effortless. It IS a process...my life hasn't become neat, clean, and fully organized overnight! But the small beginning steps have made a truly dramatic difference. My whole attitude has changed. I see progress every day and am so optimistic now that I know it is only a short matter of time before other areas of my home--and life!--will follow suit. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and in fact have recommended it to SEVERAL friends and relatives. If you are looking for a basic organizing "tip" book, there are a million out there. But if you've tried them, and they haven't worked, and you're ready to get to the root of the problem and truly see progress...READ THIS BOOK!!

At Last!

At last! This is the "getting organized" book for all those of us who have tried many other books and methods only to eventually fall back into our old disorderly habits. This book goes beyond treating the symptoms and gets to the real heart of the matter. Dr. Paul speaks from personal experience as she helps her readers see clearly how chronic disorganization is ultimately a betrayal of our integrity, dignity and responsibility; how it drains our self-confidence and damages our most important relationships. With humor and compassion, she makes getting organized an exciting journey of self-discovery. This is the first book I've read on the topic that deeply energized and inspired me. I couldn't put it down! For the first time, I really felt understood by an author on this topic. I have already given this book as a gift to friends and colleagues. It's a brilliant one-of-a-kind effort that I keep close by wherever I go.This book is unique in exposing the deeper "why's" of disorganization. With her seven-step model, Marilyn Paul offers an intensely practical and easy-to-follow roadmap to transforming chaos into order. She offers a means to live powerfully with ease and calm. The first step on the path is to define one's "compelling purpose for organizing" ; the secret to staying motivated while patiently reversing years of disorderly habits. Next, she helps the reader vividly imagine how life would be if you were living that purpose right now. Then "taking stock" not only diagnoses the physical symptoms of disorder but helps the reader uncover the emotional, mental, and spiritual levels that are key to lasting and comprehensive change. The next step on setting up a support system of colleagues, friends and family is a practical method to ensure on-going success. The heart of the book on organizing wisdom includes how to establish a disciplined "rhythm of organizing" as a new normal in one's life. The notion of "getting to ready" is worth the price of the book on its own. The step on "taking effective action" is chock full of specific ideas for mastering space, time and activities. Then, in the last step, Dr. Paul illustrates how combining spiritual practices such as meditation with organizational methods opens a door to deeper awareness and increased personal presence that leave us fully available for whatever life may offer. With all her ideas, Dr. Paul offers specific applications to such venues as home, office, and company or organization.For those readers who are tempted to just skim the mother lode of tips and techniques in the book, I say "don't"! I recommend taking the time to follow the seven step path she lays out and complete the exercises throughout each step. I found her model to be deeply grounded in wisdom about the essential nature of human beings and her exercises had me in action with new habits that led me to new ways of thinking. This is a book that has had a major impact on my everyday life. Thank you, Marilyn Paul!