It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys: The Seven-Step Path to Becoming Truly Organized

Rating:
Summary: Life changing...truly
Review: Firstly, let me state that I am an avid reader, and this is the first book I've ever read that has prompted me to write a review.

I can't express how differently I feel about my "chronic" clutter and disorganization after reading this book. I have used organizing methods and "tip" books before...many of them quite good, but the new regimes would only last for a little while. This is the first book that has truly gotten to the "why" of my cluttering tendencies, in a genuine, non-judgmental, humorous, and compassionate way that WORKS.

Simply reading it was helpful. However, I found that "working" the book was MUCH more effective. I actually did the exercises included in the chapters and was astounded at the kind of information about myself that was revealed, so I would REALLY recommend going the extra mile there. Take the time to do the exercises...it does pay off!

The result has been a completely organic shift in my behavior that has been completely effortless. It IS a process...my life hasn't become neat, clean, and fully organized overnight! But the small beginning steps have made a truly dramatic difference. My whole attitude has changed. I see progress every day and am so optimistic now that I know it is only a short matter of time before other areas of my home--and life!--will follow suit.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and in fact have recommended it to SEVERAL friends and relatives. If you are looking for a basic organizing "tip" book, there are a million out there. But if you've tried them, and they haven't worked, and you're ready to get to the root of the problem and truly see progress...READ THIS BOOK!!

Rating:
Summary: glitch in the system?
Review: I dont' want to mess up the review rating here, but it keeps saying there are 11 reviews and showing only 2. Could someone at Amazon please return the other nine, or change the 11 to 2?

I like my ratings organized.

:)

Rating:
Summary: It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys
Review: I would call this the thinking person's guide to getting organized. I was delighted by the intelligence and breadth of this approach. And, I am actually reading the book. I often buy self-help books, and then I don't read them. I am reading this every day and it is changing my life. I find good sense and inspiration on every page. I highly recommend it.

Five stars!

Rating:
Summary: It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys
Review: I would call this the thinking person's guide to getting organized. I was delighted by the intelligence and breadth of this approach. And, I am actually reading the book. I often buy self-help books, and then I don't read them. I am reading this every day and it is changing my life. I find good sense and inspiration on every page. I highly recommend it.

Five stars!

Rating:
Summary: The first thing that helped me change my disorganization.
Review: Marilyn Paul's approach to changing a disorganized life is the first book on organization that has made sense to me. She helped me look at the underlying issues with my disorganization and make small changes that were effective. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is messy, or late or unable to find peace amongst the chaos of their lives.

Rating:
Summary: glitch in the system?
Review: Paul sets out what looks like a good system for slowly organizing your life, one area at a time. However, in reading this book, I discovered that I currently lack enough motivation to get so organized. Paul's system requires that you make organization a major priority in your life, at least for the period of time when you are training yourself to be organized. If you are not ready to devote significant time and effort to becoming organized, I don't think this book will help.

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Summary: Beyond just getting organized
Review: This book goes way beyond just 'getting organized' and helps you get insight into how your mind works. I hit my first revelation before the author had even introduced her first exercise, and they just kept coming. There are several elements to this book I never expected in a book on organization, including effective time management and spirituality.
I bought my copy in a used bookstore, but this book is so good I'm ordering copies for my friends, family, coworkers, minister...


Rating:
Summary: Get out of the Woods!
Review: This book is a roadmap for getting out of the woods and finding your life again. Practical, funny, and written from the heart, Marilyn Paul writes right to the reader. She understands the problems the reader faces, because she's lived most of them herself. This book is not written as a guru teaching a student, but as a friend coaching a friend and helping them uncover their true potential under the piles of stuff!

Read it, follow the tips and actions, and you will see an improvement in your life. P.S. More fun and energy, too!

Rating:
Summary: Untangle Your Life
Review: Took me a while to getting around to writing this review. I was procrastining :) Anyway, this book has tons of useful insights for managing your life, whether or not you tend to be disorganized. It doesn't at all talk down to the reader. The examples really hit home, and the writing is of "literary novel" quality.

Rating:
Summary: It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Key
Review: What a fabulous book! I have read many books on how to get organized. Each time I would follow (or at least try to follow)the steps that were supposed to clear up the clutter in my life. Shortly thereafter, however, the clutter would return. This is the first book on organizing that really helped me understand what the root causes of disorganization are, rather than focusing solely on the symptom of clutter. Using the tools and messages of this book I have started to change my habits and am now getting more satisfying and lasting results. Marilyn Paul has a wonderful writing style that is easy to read, and almost soothing. Her tone is non-judgemental and empathetic. She has a true understanding of the organizational issues many of us face. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants less clutter of any kind in their life.