It seems ironic to think that getting organized would give someone less control; after all, the whole point of organizing is to be able to know where things are and to be more efficient and effective. However, there can be a ‘downside’ to having a workable system: You would no longer be in total control.
One reason many people stay immersed in clutter and chaos is that there is a great deal of power in being the only one who can find what is needed. They are the gatekeepers — actually, they are the keepers of everything. Need a cabinet key? 
They’ll find it by pawing through the drawer of keys. (It’s not labeled, mind you, but they know the shape and size.) How about those statistics from XYZ? “It’s here — somewhere…just give me a minute,” as he rifles through the various piles around the office.
Even at home, the disorganized person has charge. Only she knows where the warranties are stashed or the “good” scissors or the birth certificates. If anyone else needs these things and the “keeper” is not around, it’s hopeless. And that’s what gives her the power. Of course, she often whines and complains about it, “Do I have to do EVERYTHING around here?!” And, naturally, the answer is “Yes,” because she has set it up that way; she has fostered a dependence from the family that is now an unwieldy burden.
Or maybe he has an underlying need to be indispensable at the office, but, unfortunately, his disorganization has become annoying, irritating and a hindrance to the company’s operation. Not to mention the fact that he has to always be totally responsible: it’s almost impossible for him to call in sick; he doesn’t dare take a vacation — how would coworkers be able to find what they need? If they do make the attempt, they will undoubtedly mess up any system he thinks he had.
It’s a scary thought to have an organized setting where everyone can find every thing they need without your help! Would getting organized leave you out of control? Post your comments below.
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