People often say, "I can help others organize their clutter, but my stuff is different" or "I have no problem staying organized at work, but I can't do the same at home." Why does this happen?
There are several reasons. You have no history with other people's things. You didn't pay for them, you didn't receive them as a gift, or you didn't inherit them. They don't bring back memories, good or bad. To you, they are just "things." Therefore, you have a higher level of objectivity; you can think more clearly. Your stuff is different! They carry history. You get emotionally attached to them. Live with them. Your belongings matter more. Ownership makes the difference.
As for being better organized at work rather than at home, this is because there is usually more planning in the workplace and of course, a clearer obligation of what needs to be achieved from day to day. You get paid to do your job, and if you don't do what's necessary, you could lose your job.
In your home, you are often not clear about what you should do first. You're tired and quitting your job out of the blue to dedicate yourself to the house is not an option (although sometimes we all fantasize about it). Even if you manage to hire a helper, you still retain a level of responsibility for your belongings and daily chores.
So what's the big deal in all of this? The point is, if you're good at organizing other people's things and you're going to be better at organizing your own, you need to use the same mindset you have with other people's things.
You have to go with the principle of objectivity – less emotion and more reasoning. You need to take time to get clear on what you are trying to achieve and be as patient and helpful with yourself as you are with others. And if you need help, you have to be willing to ask for it.
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