Let’s Double Up

Hi friends! I’ve been thinking about the saying “many hands make light work” which emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation. This idiom represents how a tough, ‘heavy‘ task can become easier and ‘lighter‘ when people pitch in together. Everyone needs a helping hand at times, which not only brings comfort and relief but also enables us to tackle more than we could on our own.

The truth of this is highlighted in Ecclesiastes 3:4, which reminds us that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” God has not created us to go through life alone; we’ve been designed with a need for connection and partnership. When people work together in a supportive way, they can inspire one another to get tough tasks done. How important to remember this – especially when facing those intimidating, cluttered piles that you’ve been avoiding for days, weeks, and possibly even years. (Trust me, we ALL have ’em!)

This concept of working in tandem reminds me of one of the techniques I integrate into my virtual organizing sessions, which is called “Body Doubling.” This is a productivity strategy that lots of grievers, disorganized and ADHD folks find to be super helpful. A body double is someone who holds space and offers accountability as you do your decluttering and organizing tasks. With the added structure of another person in the same room (physically or virtually), the distracted person is empowered to get stuff done. And it works!

The body double’s job is to keep the disorganized person attentive to the one task at hand. They serve as an anchor for the individual who is better able to remain more focused by the presence of another person in their space. The body double also serves as a kind of mirror – a calm reflection for the overwhelmed person on how their overstimulated mind and body would like to be at the moment. The bottom line is: there’s a deeper commitment when someone else is around who will hold you accountable for what you say you want to do.

So if you find yourself in a place where you need a boost of motivation and can’t seem to get organized on your own, body doubling may be a great solution. The first step is to give yourself permission to get the help you need. Look for a helpful companion who is patient, objective, supportive and not critical. This can be a family member, friend or even a clutter buddy you find online. With a body double, you can eliminate potential distractions, keep up your morale up and work at a faster pace. And if you realize you need a higher level of professional support to get to the root of the clutter, explore the habits that are causing disorder, and problem solve some solutions, please reach out. I’d be happy to see how I can help!

Coaching Connection:

1. How might a Body Double help you reach your organizational goals?
2. Where will you find the help you need?

To Your Growth,

 

 

Image by PabloUA from Getty Images