Taming the WILD: Helen's Guide to Better Organisation
In today’s chaotic world, achieving and maintaining a sense of “organisation” can feel like an impossible task. Helen Parkinson, an expert in the field and founder of Organise Me, brought her wisdom and insights to our April 2024 WILD event, helping attendees redefine what organisation means and how to achieve it. Here are some key takeaways from a reflective chat with her in September.
Perfect Organisation is a Myth
Helen’s primary message was a refreshing one: organisation isn’t about perfection. “I think the main thing that I wanted them to walk away with was that organisation isn't always perfect,” said Helen. She emphasised that organisation can look different for everyone. “It's not about a clean house or a complete to-do list all the time. Actually, organisation is finding a way for you to just feel organised, and that can feel different for everybody.”
This notion moves away from the Instagram-perfect image many of us have been conditioned to chase. Helen highlighted, “I wanted them to know that it isn't this Instagram-perfect scenario. Organisation should be seen as your own version of what organisation is.”
Work-Life Balance Over the Long Haul
One of Helen’s standout philosophies is viewing work-life balance over a longer period, such as a month, rather than as a daily goal. This perspective allows for greater flexibility and reduces the stress of trying to balance everything every single day. Helen explained, “If you had a scorecard, for example, it would never sum to the perfect score in a day. Whereas if you did it over the month, you'd be able to say, ‘right, that weekend I spent with the kids, another weekend I spent doing something in the house.’ If you looked at it over the month, I think the balance would be a lot easier to accept than daily.”
This approach resonated personally with me, as I often find myself juggling multiple responsibilities. On some days, I hardly see my child, while on others, I get to spend more time with them. Helen reassured, “Look at those two days together, you're like, ‘Oh, I've ticked both boxes.’ Because we looked at it as a 48-hour span rather than 24.”
Choosing the Right Tools for You
When it comes to tools for improving organisation, Helen's advice was practical and adaptable. Initially, she recommended Asana but emphasised the importance of finding a tool that works best for the individual. “I’d recommend an online tool because it’s easier to move things around physically, whereas writing everything out every day is quite stressful and reminds you of the tasks you didn't complete. An online management tool like Asana is more forgiving and flexible,” Helen explained.
However, the key takeaway here is that the tool itself is less important than how well it fits into your workflow and reduces stress. For some, a traditional written to-do list may work best, while others might find digital tools more efficient.
Overcoming Organisational Barriers
A common barrier people face is not knowing where to start with organising their tasks and life. Helen recommends beginning with a clear vision of what your perfect organisational life looks like. “Once you define this, you can break down the steps of how to achieve it,” she advised. “Your vision might not be entirely achievable, and you'll realise that while planning. You might need to outsource some tasks or adjust your expectations. Knowing where to start involves creating a clear vision and being flexible with your plans.”
Helen shared a personal anecdote, explaining, “I use the example of house chores because that’s something I am currently going through. I realised the need to outsource, so I talked to my husband about hiring a cleaner. It’s about knowing that you might have to adjust your expectations and share responsibilities.”
The Joy of Running a WILD Event
Helen found the experience of running the WILD event deeply rewarding. “From a personal point of view, the confidence it gave me and how much I genuinely enjoyed being in front of people was invaluable. It reassured me that I actually know what I’m talking about,” she shared. Helen loved creating a sense of community and making attendees feel safe and supported. “I felt like I contributed to that safe place. I hope people walked away with even a little nugget of valuable information, like using Asana or utilising the worksheets we provided.”
We hope these insights from Helen can help you personalise your approach to organisation and work-life balance. Remember, perfection isn't the goal—finding a system that helps you feel organised and balanced is.
Feeling inspired by Helen's approach to organisation? Interested in running or attending a WILD event? Get in touch with us to learn how you can create an impactful and inspiring event, just like Helen did.
