Words of Wisdom: Weekly wit from the man who's done (almost) everything wrong!
By: Sean Weeks
Perhaps you have heard of the butterfly effect. I’m not talking about the weird but entertaining Ashton Kutcher movie from the early 2000’s, I’m talking about the concept from which this movie took it’s title. The butterfly effect refers to, generally, the idea that small actions in one place can have a ripple effect that can end up causing major actions in other places. Literally, the name of the concept is taken from the theory that a butterfly flapping it’s wings in, say, China, moves the air in such a way that moves more air. This ripple effect continues, affecting more things along the way until, on the other side of the world, the continuing and cumulative effect that started with the butterfly in China causes a hurricane to form on the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Such a small, seemingly inconsequential action ends up causing a major consequence half a world away.
This concept could be applied to SO many facets of our lives, careers, and-most relevant here-our relationships. Even in the subset of our relationships, this concept has almost limitless implications, but for this week, we will focus on the positive ripple effects of organization and the conversely negative effects of disorganization.
When we are disorganized in our lives, we create a toxic environment of clutter. Our lives feel scattered. Things like bills and appointments, as well as personal goals and time for our spouse go by the way-side. We miss important things. The disorganization can start with small areas like a messy house or not keeping a schedule. The butterfly effect of a little disorganization causes you to be more disorganized in other areas. You end up scrambling to make up for what was missed in some areas and, as a consequence, other things start to slip. Also, when our home is disorganized, it affects our state of mind. Our environment has a huge affect on our mental state. When we live in clutter, we feel scattered, all over the place. When you feel scattered, this causes you to miss more things and the clutter spreads. Mental clutter sets in as an effect of physical clutter. Once mental clutter sets in, it has a pathway to permeate literally anything in your life.
What started with the tiny problem of a disorganized room ripples out in an ever-increasing wave until you end up missing bills and, since you forgot to pay the electric bill, they shut off your power. This may seem an extreme example, but that is how little things creep in and become huge problems. Kind of like that cute little butterfly that caused the hurricane that destroyed half of Florida. All of these are theoretical examples, of course, but the effect is real.
On the flip-side, when you are organized in some aspects of your life, it will bleed into other areas. Organizing your bedroom may cause you to start scheduling your appointments better. This may lead to getting some order to your finances. Now, you have more time freed up to spend with your kids. This impresses your spouse and motivates them to be more attracted to you. See? Cleaning your room has now led to a better sex life! I say all this tongue-in-cheek, but just as with the negative examples above, the effect is real. I’m not saying that we should kill all butterflies to end the danger of hurricanes, or clean your room to save your marriage. I am saying that organization in your life is one of those healthy habits that has an effect beyond itself. I am saying that you will feel better and get more done. You will have more time and be more responsible. Your level of organization or disorganization will affect the quality of your life. Don’t let disorganization lower your quality of life. Organize yourself, and live your life with Confidence!
Want more? " Listen to the episode “Organize Your Life, Get Your Marriage in Order! With Special Guest Lisa Woodruff of Organize 365!”