"Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
The Autobiography of Ben Franklin
As I set out at the beginning of the year, I came across the literature of Benjamin as a result of a reference from James Clear. Since then, I was infatuated with the connection to a man who overcame such trials and tribulations. If the rappers I listen to are made men of today, aspects to Franklin's journey certainly acknowledged him as a made man, made on merit.
In January, I dedicated thought and action to temperance. I adhered well, save for a few occasions. In February, I struggled on the aspect of silence. Without clear guidelines, I wasn't sure whether I be vocal about grave matters all month or keep quiet about small trifles. Consequently, I behaved substandard to my own expectations on each count.
Given the third of the third month in the year, I tackle order, or the lack thereof within my life. I feel the learning from Clear's Atomic Habits, but some details I don't quite like in the picture. A mentor in photography once told me that grain and blur don't always hurt the picture. Still, I will have order.
To capture just how deeply I care for such things, the control over my space, work and life, I share another quote:
The one thing I want in order right now is my fashion. Peep.
Check It Out
If you associate checked sports coats with used-car salesmen, it is time to pay attention. Checked looks have gone sophisticated for this spring. Whether you opt for subtle or bold, look for soft fabrics and unexpected color combos.
Given the pointed advice, what's my next move? Taking a page from @rubencress' book the first step for the concept of order is definition.
What's the problem?
I still have too much...
It's true. And to top it all off, if I don't shape up the ship, the steps back, instead of forward follow soon after. I can't get nice things if there's no room. If I can't get nice things, work doesn't feel rewarding, accomplishments won't feel satisfying. It's the Way of negative feedback I wanna avoid. In short, I'm forgetting these simple steps to create a good habit:
- Make it obvious.
- Make it attractive.
- Make it easy.
- Make it satisfying.
pondering MY process
Throw away old clothes. It felt obvious enough. Though, it's not very specific or measurable... I could toss old things when I launder my clothes. Not like I wanna wash things I won't wear.
The attraction... comes from a lil' mystery. If I get new things for every bunch of old things I toss, I'd be happy enough. An item for every ten bucks I spend on new stuff?
Spending $60 on a new top would mean, tossing six t-shirts? I have more tops than I know what to do with. Only got one torso.
Putting the old clothes to upcycle, donate or otherwise dispose of into the shopping bags I get has made things wicked easy. It's empty after I get new stuff, anyway.
The satisfaction... comes from my total fascination with harmony. The new additions to my wardrobe are evidence of coordination and a self-expression of my deep, true tastes. How could I capture portraits of others when I don't look the very picture of myself?
Basically...
Writing regularly has given order to my thoughts. Save for the expression I make in thought, I'm stronger in the upper story.
You okay, Dad?
Yeah. Just trying to put some order into this cabinet.
Not the only one, I see.
Maybe the real satisfaction of less clothes, less clutter in the space truly is more space, more order in my mind...
Post Summary
- I am almost cartoonishly comic about organization. I am inspired by Ben Franklin, James Clear and nearly all authors of their own lives.
- Organizing clothes, is but a small step, on the Way to organizing bigger pictures. I can't get stuck in a place like this!
- Save the wardrobe. Save the world. Tell me I'm lyin', about which, order or the wardrobe?