It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys

December 1, 2002
Paul, an organizational development consultant, offers scattered readers a way out of the"swamp of disorder" in this smart look at the underlying causes of chronic disorganization. Though she offers concrete advice (create a to-do list system, keep transition time between appointments, get rid of things you haven't used in a year), her book goes beyond a step-by-step program to getting organized; her approach targets many of the sources of disorganization (among them: insecurity, emotional attachment, inexperience and fear) while offering meaningful paths to tackling everything from dirty dishes and filing problems to time management and inner spirituality. Hokey phrases like"the whole purpose of getting organized is to reconnect us with our soul's journey" and suggestions such as"bring your loving awareness to washing the lettuce leaves" are a little too common, but Paul artfully weaves the existential with the practical, as she shows how presence of mind can lead to a sense"of a greater Presence." Her advice is simple but important, and her reassuring tone will soothe even the most harried reader.