Organization is a superpower like no other. Being prepared allows you to be equipped for whatever comes at you, planned or unscheduled. All responses are reactive in nature, but if you are coming from a deficit of preparation, your reaction will be panic-based and damaging in nature. Conversely, proactive planning allows you to respond with reason and purpose.
One of my favorite books is the ART OF WAR, by Military General Sun Tzu. Written over 2500 years ago, it even today expertly addresses many of life’s strategies: diplomacy, relationships, loyalty, avoiding battles, patience, preparation, and strategy. The following excerpt focuses the strategy of preparation:
“Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus, do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat. how much more no calculation at all. It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.”
Sun Tzu is espousing the state of proper readiness by means of managing, arranging, supervising, directing, and anticipating as many impediments as possible to the goal of victory.
How do we establish order in our own lives? You must start by determining what you want to achieve and then establish consistent behaviors/routines that will support the goal, whether it is long or short term in nature.
What does it look like? Start with small stuff. Keep your keys in the same place for a quick exit. Get your wardrobe in order so you know what to wear for whatever event. Create meal plans for the week so your grocery list is practical and efficient. Follow your budget judiciously so that you can successfully address emergencies or opportunities as they arise. The objective is to reduce the instances of unplanned decisions, as much as possible, in favor of intentional undertakings.
What does order produce? Coordination, expansion, enhancement, increase and perfection are its crop. Equally, disorder manufactures clutter, invites frustration and yields confusion, chaos, dilemmas, and handicaps. Because it is a “state of confusion,” disorder supports a scarcity mindset. The emergency, which could have been a mere inconvenience with the safety net of an emergency fund, is now a full-on disaster without one in place.
Introducing order into you daily affairs, especially your finances, enhances your mind and creates peace. No doubt, it will enrich your life immensely in more ways than one.
“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area of his life.” – Billy Graham
Order is good for the soul. It affords light and peace, allowing inward liberty and free command over one’s self.
Order is Power…a Superpower.
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