An interview with “Susan”,

a Chronically Disorganized Mom

An interview
with “Susan”,

a Chronically Disorganized Mom

GMG: Susan, when you first called, you told me you were chronically disorganized (CD). What does that mean?
Susan: It means I’ve been disorganized my whole life, and being disorganized messes up my life on a daily basis. I’ve tried every kind of self-help out there, and I found that without outside help, I would always be disorganized. 

GMG: What has been helpful?
Susan: Because you’re trained in working with clients who are CD, you helped me set up systems that serve the way my brain thinks, modify them as my needs change, and help me maintain them. I work with a therapist on the underlying reasons for my disorganization. I’ve even seen a doctor to find out if I have any brain-based challenges, like ADHD or a personality disorder.

GMG: Did you learn what causes your disorganization?  

Susan: Yes! I have inattentive type ADHD. My executive functions are impacted by an under-stimulated prefrontal cortex (PFC). The area of my brain that is the “conductor of the orchestra” isn’t coordinating all of the instruments to make music together. I have trouble with some activities needed for organizing, such as planning, categorizing, sequencing, and follow-through.

GMG: You’re a mom. Is it difficult for a mom to hire help?  

Susan: Oh yes. Moms have great pride. We think we can do it all, and we feel like a failure when we can’t. There are still societal expectations that a woman, just because she’s female, automatically knows how to, and is expected to, do domestic tasks. I’m an artist. I can create all sorts of beautiful pieces, but I just can’t get the laundry folded and put away!

GMG: I’ve found that some women were never taught how to do household tasks when growing up or they perceive outside help as expensive. However, a working mom’s time is very valuable; free time is shrinking. Life feels like it speeds up every year, and expectations seem to increase at the same rate.  

Susan: And the media doesn’t help. Women are still depicted in ads as homemakers, even if they have extremely successful careers. We feel so guilty for not living up to this image! I sometimes think to myself, “My mom didn’t have help, and look at all she accomplished.  Why can’t I do it too?” 

GMG: Your family has taken my advice of “do what you do best and delegate the rest.” We’ve created systems that play to everyone’s strengths. You’ve told me you’re all happier now that you aren’t trying to do things that don’t fit your skill sets.

Susan: True! You taught me to be a DEAR:

  • Delegate,
  • Eliminate,
  • Automate,
  • Re-evaluate.

We also use a color-coded shared family calendar.

GMG: What have you found to be the biggest benefits of our working together?

Susan: We have more freedom, more harmonious time together, a sense of peace and control, and we’re even saving money. You’re a freaking godsend!

author

Gayle M. Gruenberg

Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD® is the Chief Executive Organizer of Let’s Get Organized, LLC, an award-winning professional organizing firm based in Bergen County, New Jersey. Gayle is the creator of the Make Space for Blessings™ system. LGO works with busy families to help them find more time, space, money, and energy and connect their lives to their core values through being organized.