What would you suggest as self-control methods for over-organization?

Question

I over-organize everything...from food in the pantries to books on the shelf to clothes in the closet, everything gets sorted by category, then sub-category...then I go organize something else, and return to re-organize what I organized nearly every day. I spend hours on end on this, and it's become so stupid.

Does anyone have advice on how to break this habit of constantly categorizing and sub-categorizing things? My husband is one who likes a "controlled mess" and when he's home (he's currently on deployment), I get very anxious if something isn't in its 'spot,' but he really doesn't notice, because he doesn't understand my 'perfect organization'.

I need to find some middle ground...some organization is definitely good, and my organizational skills have helped him to find things, but I know that I overdue it sometimes.

Any advice or suggestions?

Answer 1

Rent the movie:  Along Came Polly.  You will have a new self-awareness of what is important.  Life is not determined by how organized you are.  It is determined by how you LIVE it.  If you are busy organizing, and reorganizing, what part of LIFE are you missing?  Do it once, and be done with it.  Anything else is a waste of time.  Stop wasting time and enjoy life.

Answer 2

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a very complicated condition.  It is usually caused by anxiety.  Not very many people can beat it on their own.  Therapy alone works well for some people.  Medication and therapy is the most successful treatment option for it.  As far as what you can do on your own, I suggest you get some books and cds on relaxation and meditation and start using them.  Another thing you can do is to keep telling yourself that you don't NEED to do the reorganizing thing.  Another thing that works for some people is when you start reorganizing something, just yell,"STOP! I don't need to do this!!" and then just stop what you are doing.  You'll eventually go back to doing it, but keep telling yourself to stop whenever you have the urge.  Take control and try to keep it.  Good luck.