What does disorganization cost?

Have you ever thought about what disorganization costs you?

When working with clients, I often ask them this question. It’s hard to see the actual dollars relating to disorganization because usually, when faced with the choice, we are in the midst of trying to catch up or avoiding a stressful (and uncomfortable) situation. Sometimes, it’s easier to just dismiss the problem.

Disorganization can be one of those sneaky unknown situations that you don’t really notice as a problem, until someone points it out to you. It costs you, not only your hard earned dollars but, wastes your time and causes you un-do stress.

Do you ever think about money that is lost or misplaced? Here is an extra $100.00 of mismanaged money:

Can’t find the electric bill = 18% late fee (avg. bill $60) COST: $10.00
Can’t find credit card bill = 14% interest rate (avg. balance $500) COST: $70.00
Misplaced renewals, bank statement overdrafts or errors COST: $20.00

Because it’s mismanaged, it can be easily corrected. When you implement an efficient system for bill payments and mail intake, extra fees and late charges can be easily dissolved.

Wasted time can be the hardest and most costly of disorganization problems to recognize. We end up sacrificing our time to make up for the time we have wasted. For every unplanned action (or cause), the effect takes its toll on our personal time; hence the time waster.

CAUSE: Being late 15 minutes every day to work. EFFECT: Takes away from personal time because we have to work later than planned.

CAUSE: Not using a schedule or planner (time management tool). EFFECT: No set time to get projects or tasks completed; therefore, no method of tracking in place to know what needs to be done when. Projects are late and deadlines not met.

Time wasters can be easily remedied with proper time management tools and techniques such as using a planner. When you don’t establish some rules or boundaries for yourself and your colleagues (or family members), time will quickly slip away with nothing accomplished. 

I guess the most important thing I want to convey to you is that, you are important and so is your time. As working moms, we know what it feels like to be on that never ending treadmill… your time is that much more valuable and it needs to be used wisely.

Ask yourself, what does disorganization cost you?