Appendix 1

Areas of Disorganization: Self-Assessment Survey

You may find it useful to use the following self-assessment survey to help you pinpoint your areas of disorganization. I have used my basic definition of being organized as a set of categories for you to examine your own behavior. Remember, do this self-assessment with a strong commitment to compassion and learning. It is simply useless to beat yourself up over this. You’ll see some patterns that can help direct your organizing work.

• You can find what you want when you need it.
  I usually can find
  I put things back when I am done with them. MostlyRarely
  I don’t put things back when I am done with them because
  I often can’t find
  I don’t know where to put the following things.
• You can complete your tasks in a timely way.
  I always finish
  I have a number of tasks without deadlines. How many?
  I have started many projects that I have not been able to complete. How many?
  I enjoy finishing up my work and putting things away. MostlyRarely
• You can focus on what is important to you.
  I can focus when
  I am often confused about what to do next. YesNo
  I find myself easily distracted when
  I waste time [check the items that are true for you]

  Looking for lost or misplaced items.

  Leafing through catalogs.

  Being confused about what to do next.

  Duplicating errands.

  Returning things I shouldn’t have bought in the first place.

  Talking to people who aren’t important to me.

  Late at night.

  Reading e-mails.
• You can arrive at your destination when you choose.
  I am always on time for
  I run late for [check the items that are true for you]
  Work-related activities.

  Family-related activities.

  Community-related activities.
  I run late because
• You can keep agreements and you make agreements that you can keep.
  I always keep agreements with
  I don’t write down appointments or list tasks that I have to do. YesNo
  I cancel appointments because [check what is true for you]
  I am not ready.

  I am overbooked.

  I am too tired.

  I forgot.
  I often have to apologize for [check what is true for you]
  Being late.

  Breaking an agreement.

  Not returning a phone call or an e-mail.

  Forgetting an important date (birthday, anniversary).
• You can take action when you want and seize new opportunities as they arise.
  I feel prepared for [name the activity]
  I postpone
  Meetings.

  Decisions.

  Social occasions.

  Other important activities.

  Household tasks.

  Office tasks.
  I often find myself doing something other than what I set out to do. What percentage of time?
  I am often not prepared to seize opportunities when they arise. YesNo
  I plan time for organizing, but I don’t really do it. YesNo
• I can keep track of important information and lay my hands on it when I need it.
  I always keep track of
  My disorganization causes me to lose money through
  Paying credit card bills late.

  Other late fees.

  Losing checks or financial records.

  Lost receipts so that I cannot return items.
  I lose track of
  Phone messages.

  Appointments.

  Birthdays.

  Anniversaries.
  I don’t know where my or my children’s important records are (check what is true for you).
  Medical.

  Financial.

  Educational.

  Housing (lease, mortgage papers).

  Personal (birth certificate, passport).
• You can do all of this with a degree of presence of mind.
  I am able to pay attention to what I decide is important. What percentage of time?
  My disorganization keeps me from being present. What percentage of time?