Finding the Root: Coaching Yourself Through Everyday Organizing Challenges
We all make mistakes—even in highly regulated environments with tight systems and procedures. I’ve been there, working as a department leader in a scientific laboratory where precision was everything. Yet even then, things didn’t always go according to plan. That experience taught me that when something goes wrong, it’s not about blame—it’s about getting curious. And that lesson holds just as true when the “laboratory” is your living room.
In everyday life, especially when you’re juggling a thousand roles, it’s easy to get stuck in small but frustrating patterns.
“I can never find my keys.”
“I keep forgetting the paperwork I need.”
“I’m always running late.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But rather than judge yourself for these missteps, try using a little 5-step method from the quality assurance world:
Root Cause Analysis.
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Step One: Name the Problem Clearly
The first step is simply noticing the pain point—and naming it plainly, with clarity—not blame.
Think:
• My keys always elude me.
• I lose track of what bills are due.
• I forget to take my medicine.
Keep it short and specific. That’s your starting point.
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Step Two: Ask Why (More Than Once)
Now it’s time to investigate, not with guilt, but with curiosity.
Let’s take the key example and ask:
Why can’t I find my keys?
Because I don’t put them in the same place.
Why not?
Because I come in the door juggling bags, kids and mail.
Why is that?
Because I don't have a routine or even a place for my things when I come home.
Suddenly, this isn’t about “being forgetful.” It’s about not having a system that supports real life. Now we’re getting somewhere.
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Step Three: Go Beneath the Surface
Often, the real reason a problem keeps happening is deeper than we think. It’s not just a messy counter—it might be a sign of burnout, decision fatigue, or a routine that no longer fits your season of life.
This is where compassion, both for yourself and others, matters most.
Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” ask,
• What part of my routine isn’t working?
• What expectation needs adjusting?
• What would make this feel easier?
Sometimes the solution is a simple hook for keys. Other times, it’s creating a calmer transition into the house—or acknowledging that you need a little more support right now.
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Step Four: Create a Fix That Sticks
The remedy might be as simple as adjusting your family’s end of day routine, setting boundaries around your time, or using a new system—like a checklist, a calendar reminder, or a weekly planning session. Maybe it’s about reassigning roles at home, creating a “landing zone” for clutter, or choosing one consistent method to track to-dos instead of five.
These may sound small, but don’t underestimate their power. A solution that truly fits your life can ripple out, bringing relief and ease to other areas as well. The key is designing your fix to support your real life—not an “ideal” one.
Once you’ve uncovered the root of the issue, the right solution often reveals itself—and it’s usually more practical and lasting than just trying harder. Instead of pouring more willpower into the same cycle, you are now able to design a fix that addresses the real need.
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Step Five: Revisit When Needed
Life changes. Kids grow up. Parents need care. Workloads shift. What worked before might not work now—and that’s not a failure. That’s just a cue to pause and ask the root cause question again.
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Closing Thoughts
Organizing is not about perfection—it’s about creating systems that work for you.
If something isn’t working, start by noticing it. Then get curious. Dig beneath the surface. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.
At Tall Girl Organizing, I believe in compassionate, practical support for every stage of life. Whether you’re ready for a deep declutter or just need someone to walk through a sticking point with you, I’m here to help.
Sometimes the biggest shift begins with just asking:
Why does this keep happening?
