Your Organizing DNA

Do you like storing your papers on top of your desk in trays, baskets or just plain piles? Do you have a preference for Post-it notes and maybe some colorful file folders? Or are clearly labeled files and file cabinets more your style? Do you 'file' or 'pile'? I make it a practice of testing my workshop participants for this very thing because of its importance in creating and supporting an effective, organized workspace.

The brain's dominance factor

Research conducted in the late 1980's proved that human beings exhibit brain hemisphere dominance in early childhood. Brain hemispheres have distinct functions that work together so that we actually use both sides of our brain in everything we do.

Your brain's dominance directly impacts how you respond to new experiences. The more aware you are of your own learning style, the better positioned you are to use what you learn.

Your natural style is the key

Left-brain dominance indicates someone who tends to be analytical, methodical and a linear thinker. This scenario may imply that left-brainers are more organized, but this is perception more than reality. Language resides in the left side of the brain so these individuals look for a word on a label affixed to a file folder frequently found stored vertically on top of their desk or in their file cabinet.

Right-brainers, on the other hand, are characterized as individuals who are conceptual thinkers, visionaries who scan more than focus. They tend to be more people/project oriented. This style responds to color or placement and frequently files papers horizontally on top of their desk. Putting something inside a file cabinet could mean it is lost to them forever.

Benefit

Identifying your natural paper management style helps you work towards eliminating those on-going feelings of stress and frustration when you look at your desktop. Actively developing a user-friendly system that supports your style is a key element in not only creating an organized workspace, but more importantly in maintaining one.

Outcome? Increased productivity and peace of mind.

So?are you left or right?

Copyright 2001 Cynthia Kyriazis. All rights reserved.

Cynthia Kyriazis is a Professional Organizer, trainer, consultant, speaker, coach and author with over 20 years management experience in multi-unit corporations. She is President of Organize it, Inc., an organizational consulting firm serving Fortune 500 clients since 1995. Cynthia has worked with over 150 companies and hundreds of professionals to help improve performance in the areas of time, information, space and electronic file management.

Cynthia has appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kansas City Star and the Legal Intelligencer. She currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), member of International Society for Performance Improvement ? Kansas City chapter (ISPI-KC) and consultant to the American Coaching Association.

---

5 Tips to Banish Clutter From Your Life For Good

Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes... Read More

Have an Ugly Day

"Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this... Read More

Success at Work : Techniques : A Cluttered Desk

I followed my boss to a co-worker's cubicle where my... Read More

A Simple Effective Tool To Get And Stay Organized

Often we are in overwhelm because we are holding too... Read More

5 Steps From Clutter To Control

Are you overwhelmed by clutter wherever you turn? Here are... Read More

Saying Goodbye to Stacks of Paper and Distractions

A daily journal will save you time, reduce stress and... Read More

What Momma Never Told Me About Housekeeping

A lot of us grew up with Mom taking care... Read More

Keep, Get Rid Of, Or Not Sure?

Cleaning out can seem overwhelming -- especially if it's been... Read More

Clutters Side Effects: How the State of Your Home Affects Your Life

Each area of your home has a symbolic meaning with... Read More

5 Easy Tips on Light that You Can Use to Improve Your Day

Light, Work, and YouWinter is here-and with it, short days,... Read More

Organizing Your Day

One of the hardest things for most individuals working from... Read More

10 Simple Steps to a More Organized Household

1. Divide big jobs into smaller jobs. Make a list... Read More

Home Organizing Tips & Gizmos

Staying organized can be a constant battle. The following organizing... Read More

Daily Systems Keep You Organized

Ever wonder how they do it? How a short-order cook... Read More

The Problem With To-Do Lists

Do you use to-do lists? Do you find it satisfying... Read More

Files vs Piles

I recently read an article that had some interesting but... Read More

Change the Way You Think and Change Your Life

Dennis is working as a factory worker during the day... Read More

How Long Do I Need to Keep This? - A Guide to Receipts, Statements and Financial Clutter at Home

In most homes, paper causes clutter. And it seems to... Read More

Clutter is Postponed Decisions?

Do you ever sit down at your desk buried in... Read More

Don?t Be A Clutter Victim

There are 3 kinds of clutter: Inner (between our ears);... Read More

Spring Cleaning: Mission Garage Organization

Spring is here and the garage door is open. This... Read More

The Five Ways To Ease The Process Of Eliminating Clutter

I recently had a conversation with a friend about clutter.... Read More

Too Many Unfinished Projects? 7 Time Management Strategies to Move Stalled Projects to Finish Line

Q. I have several projects going at once -- but... Read More

Clutter Crisis?

Clutter costs you time, money, space, and peace of mind.... Read More

Organize Your Children & Save Your Sanity

It may be difficult to relate saving money with organization... Read More

Give Up Control to Get Control

For some reason, Americans think they have something to prove... Read More

Sticking to Your New Years Resolutions: Ten Tips for a More Organized Life

1. A calendar is an essential organizing tool ? start... Read More

Can Someone Step Into Your Job Or Role And Function Effectively?

Working for one of the top Marketers online (David Ledoux)... Read More

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Organizing Your Kids Rooms

1. In terms of organization, what is the first thing... Read More

Spruce Your Environment, Spruce Your Spirit

After a long winter, this is the time of year... Read More

Balance- What Does It Really Mean?

Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life... Read More

Secrets to Eliminating Emotional Clutter

Are you plagued by clutter in your personal or professional... Read More

Making Life Easier, with NLP Chunking!

You know, in psychology there is a rule, especially within... Read More