My business was up and running, the phone was ringing with people in need of my services and I was booking future appointments. All good stuff—I was on my way to growing my organizing business. Within my first month, I realized that the job was much more physical than I had expected, and I was using muscles that had never been pushed to the limit. I was carrying heavy cartons up and down stairs loaded with clothing, books, household items or recycling. I remember my exact location when I realized that I needed a personal trainer.
In a client’s dining room, I had bent over to pick up a carton and the pain in my lower back was so bad, I almost passed out. Wouldn’t that be a great way to end a client session, with the organizer being carried out by 911? Fortunately, I remembered a tip I had heard when the body wants to shut down from pain: I clenched all my muscles as hard as I could to raise my blood pressure, and I was able to divert a fall to the floor (with a sigh of relief).
Later that day I called both a chiropractor and a personal trainer that I met at a networking meeting. The chiropractor was able to make the proper adjustment to get me back in business. I scheduled 10 one-on-one personal training sessions over a period of three weeks with the trainer. With my chiropractor on speed dial and my trainer scheduled, I was on my way to healing and improving. I faced the fact that I did not have the upper body and core strength to do this work safely. Quit? No way! I just worked harder to build muscle, balance and confidence in my ability. Fast forward a couple of years and I am still working out with my trainer, lifting weight that I never thought possible and developing stamina to do a physically demanding job. I am in the best shape of my life.
One of my personal goals was to be able to support myself on the rings for 10 seconds. When I first tried to hold my body weight, I lasted less than one second. About two months later I was able to hold my body for 15 seconds. It may not sound like a lot, but it’s hard work and I am proud of this accomplishment. Next goal? Thirty seconds hold time. I will keep you posted.
I did it, and you can do it too. Your “it” may be getting your paperwork organized to get your taxes done on time. I work with several clients who use my services for paper organizing and preparing their files to be sent to their accountant. Most had given up in their attempt to submit taxes by the April deadline. Extensions? Not on my watch. Let’s get it done because you can do this!
Many clients hire me to help them sort through their closets. Most times they have given up hope of ever getting the closet organized, let alone the door closed. Let’s talk specifically about your linen closet. When you open the door, is everything mashed up against the door ready to fall in your face? Are you at the point where you cannot even think about dealing with it? Let me explain the many benefits of this task, I assure you the rewards will be many.
- 1. You will find items that you thought you lost.
- 2. You will find dangerously expired medication that should be properly disposed of.
- 3. You will see duplicates, triplicates or more of Tylenol, Band Aids and sunscreen.
- 4. You will find important documents that were hidden behind the towels.
- 5. You will find that special matching pillow case for your favorite sheet set.
No excuses, the time is now. Start flexing your organizing muscle. I promise you, the rewards will be great and you will feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment. You can do this!
Happy Organizing!
Eileen Bergman is a professional organizer, a proud member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). Eileen is listed in the resource directory for the Hoarding Disorder Resource and Training Group. She may be reached at 973-303-3236 or [email protected].
