Chronic Disorganization

I have often met with clients who have been disorganized their whole lives and feel terrible about it. These people tell me that they feel embarrassed and alone. Interestingly enough, they are not alone. In fact, there is a national group called the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, NSGCD, devoted to learning more about what is referred to as “chronic disorganization”. 

Defining Chronic Disorganization

I am a member of NSGCD and have learned so much about chronic disorganization as a result of taking part in their classes.  For all of you who wonder if you may fall into this description I would like to include the NSGCD description below:

The three defining features of chronic disorganization are:

1. Persistence of severe disorganization over a long period of time
2. Daily undermining of one’s quality of life by disorganization
3. History of failed self-help attempts

Common Characteristics of CD individuals

-Accumulates large quantities of possessions
-Has difficulty letting go
-Has lots of paper
-Needs visual clues
-Easily distractible
-Has multiple unfinished projects
-Has many interests
-Is chronically late
-Often loses or misplaces items
-Has difficulty managing time
-Talkative, intelligent, emotional

A Note From Me

If after reading these lists you think you may be chronically disorganized don’t despair. There is help available. There are professional organizers like me, who specialize in working with chronically disorganized people with great success.  To find one of these trained specialists go to the NSGCD website: www.nsgcd.org. If you would prefer to learn more about chronic disorganization on your own, I recommend that you start by reading “Conquering Chronic Disorganization”by Judith Kolberg.

But the most important thing to remember is you are not alone.

Take Care,
Susan

You can find my website at http://www.strategizeorganize.com
Follow me on Twitter
Like me on Facebook