"Don't touch anything on my desk, I know right where everything is!"
I don't know how many times I heard my dad make statements such as this when trying to explain to my mother that she shouldn't try to organize his desk.
As I sit at my desk, laptop nestled into a spot I cleared for it, writing this article, I'm convinced that this organizational method is hereditary.
My wife, through the years, has learned that cleaning up my desk (much like she cleans up my sons' room when she can no longer stand the disarray) is no favor to me, nor to her.
But today I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm admitting that my "organized chaos" is inefficient, and unproductive (which is harmful), and stems primarily from procrastination (which is also harmful). So today I'm going to sort, reduce, prioritize, label, assemble, file, and systematize everything on my desk and in my office. Then I will begin the process of changing my habits to prevent the chaos from returning.
I'm certain that once this project is completed, I will be much more efficient and productive (which is helpful).
Except for one thing. Right now I know where everything is. In fact, as I look over my desk, I see my dad. And as I consider my habits, I see him, too. What if in the process of organizing myself I lose him? Right now I know right where he is.
I think this project can wait a while longer. I miss you, Dad.
