September 20th, 2012

Yesterday I wrote about how changing your frame of reference can change your perceptions.   It’s hard to make a mental mind shift when we once have linked a meaning to an idea about something or someone.  But not being open to new perceptions keeps us stuck.  We hold onto old beliefs and consequently are stuck in past ideas.  We don’t allow ourselves to mentally grow and see or do things in a new way.   We must be constantly tested and self test to provide verification that our beliefs are true.  It is our way of validating our beliefs and keeps us safe from change. 

Joseph Hallinan writes about the Role of Regret in his book “Why we Make Mistakes”.  He asserts that “people feel more regret for actions than inaction”.  If we don’t do anything (or change our perceptions), we have less responsibility to manage.  We are not haunted with the “what if’s”.   As you have probably heard before, it is easier to stay the same and keep on the path of least resistance. 

So what does all this have to do with organization?  A lot!  We hold onto things, memories, papers, presents, clothes and a hundred other “things” because we would much rather not do anything because that makes us responsible for our actions.  And “what if” I do something, throw something or consider something “wrong”? 

The good news is that there is no wrong in action.  We make the best decisions we can utilizing the tools available to us at that time.  We only feel we made the “wrong answer” when a future incident or fact comes to light.  As Joseph Hallinan states “hindsight does not equal foresight”.  That’s good to remember!

Is there a project, closet cleanout, idea, vacation or some fun thing you want to do?  What is holding you back?  What old belief are you hanging onto that is preventing you from moving forward?  What positive test can you find to validate your decision to do, toss, go and be?

Go for it!