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Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, our brains will just shut down. If we’re pushing ourselves to make something work that simply doesn’t make sense for us, we might as well be hitting a brick wall. And let me tell you – I’ve been there.

So today, we’re going to dive into embracing your individuality, understanding your unique quirks, and experimenting with techniques to find what actually works for you.

I used to put myself down constantly when I couldn’t get a system to work for me. I’d tell myself I was a failure, that I wasn’t trying hard enough. I’m sure you’ve been there too – beating yourself up because you couldn’t make a planner work or follow a specific routine everyone else seemed to swear by.

I’d think, “I’m not doing all the steps,” or “I’m not doing them perfectly, so of course this isn’t working.” I assumed it was all my fault. But here’s what I learned – and it took me a while to get here – sometimes, our brains just don’t work the way those systems are designed to. And that’s okay.

It’s not about us failing – it’s about the system not fitting. If something doesn’t resonate with you, your brain isn’t going to magically make it happen. And that’s not a flaw; it’s just who you are.

So, let’s start by embracing individuality. One size does not fit all when it comes to managing your day-to-day life. Think about it for a minute – what makes you, you? If I were to ask your closest friends or family, what are the top three things they’d say define your personality or strengths? Maybe you’re super creative, or maybe you’re the go-to person for solving problems. Perhaps you’re empathetic or detail-oriented.

Now, take those traits and think about how you can use them to help you get your shit together. For example, if you’re creative, maybe you’d thrive with a visual system like mind mapping or color-coded lists. If you’re empathetic, you might benefit from working alongside someone else for accountability or support. The key is to start with who you are – not who you think you’re supposed to be – and build from there.

Next, let’s talk about identifying what triggers things to go berserk for you. We’ve all had those moments where it feels like everything is blowing up at once – work, home, relationships, you name it. Those moments don’t just come out of nowhere. There are usually patterns, triggers, or situations that set them off.

Think back to the last two or three times you felt like everything just went to shit. What happened? Try mapping each situation out, like a timeline, and work backwards. What was the situation that kicked everything off the ledge? Maybe it was taking on too many commitments at once. Maybe it was trying to meet an impossible deadline.

Once you start spotting patterns, you can figure out how to address those triggers before they spiral out of control. It’s not about blaming yourself – it’s about understanding what’s happening so you can take back some control.

Now comes the fun part – experimenting with different techniques! When it comes to getting your shit together, there’s no “right” or “wrong” strategy. It’s all about finding what resonates with your brain. Maybe you’ve tried time blocking, digital planners, or a fancy notebook that you never touch after week one. That’s okay! The goal here is to experiment without judgment.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Develop a Hypothesis: What do you want to test? Maybe you think a simple checklist might help you feel less overwhelmed, or perhaps you’re curious about trying a Pomodoro timer.
2. Implement the Experiment: Test out your idea for a set amount of time – maybe a week or two.
3. Reflect: Take some time to note what worked and what didn’t. Did it help you feel more organized? Less stressed? Or did it just add to the chaos?

The key is to stay curious and flexible. This isn’t about finding a perfect, forever solution – it’s about gathering data to figure out what feels good and what doesn’t.

As you experiment, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. Don’t go in expecting to overhaul your entire life in a week. That’s just setting yourself up for overwhelm.

Instead, focus on bite-sized chunks. Pick one thing to try, with one clear goal. Maybe it’s testing out a new way to organize your to-do list or trying a 10-minute mindfulness practice. Keep it simple, and don’t pressure yourself to be perfect.

And while we’re at it, let’s talk about your environment. Sometimes, adjusting your surroundings can make a huge difference in how you feel and how well your experiments go.

Maybe you need to clear some clutter, set up a cozy corner for focus time, or even just step outside for a brain break. Let yourself feel your feelings about how things are going, and don’t be afraid to make changes as you go.

Remember, this process is about you. It’s about finding what works for your brain, your life, and your goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s a good thing – it means you get to create something uniquely yours. So, take some time this week to reflect, experiment, and see what sticks.

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Read all of my blog posts about organizing.