So I been studying for about 9 months through The Institute of Challenge Disorganisation (challengingdisorganization.org) and just completed my exam to achieve my Chronic Disorganization Specialist Certificate and passed with flying colours – Yay for me!

I want to share a couple of things from this experience that you can apply to your life:

• If you want to do it, you will make the time. (We often make excuses for things, the truth is if we don’t do it its not important – so either change you priorities or outsource what you don’t like to do!)
• You are never to old to learn new things. I started back at university in my mid 30s and am studying again and will continue in my 40s, and too be honest I know I will continue to pursue education. Forming new habits, processes and procedures is totally doable – no matter how set in your ways you are!
• Having a time frame and goals is a good thing. We often dawdle through life, not really pressing forward on achieving much other than surviving the day. I found studying and having a time period on which to complete the reading and sit the exam pushed me outside my comfort zone and that was good. Its important to set daily, weekly, monthly goals to achieve with appropriate time limits and even consequences.
• Accountability keeps your honest. I told MANY people I was taking the exam, and I knew I didn’t want to disappoint them (or lose face!) If you really want to achieve something – tell your BFF, your mum or even your social media family, they will help to motivate you to stay on course.

I learnt so much more through the classes and reading that I know will help me be a better Professional Organiser but I hope these few insights will help you to achieve something -whether its as small as decluttering a sock drawer or a bigger challenge of losing some weight.