Know Thyself: The Imperfectionist's Guide to Sorting Your Stuff

by Lisa Hess

Organizing and tidying up has become a national obsession. We are on an endless quest for the perfect containers, boxes, totes, bags, bins, shelves, files, folders, and labels to tame our closets, corral our clutter, and eliminate chaos. Books and television shows promise the magical secrets to getting and staying organized. "So," you think, "if I just buy these things and follow these instructions, I will finally be organized and joyful!" Author Lisa Lawmaster Hess is going to let you in on a that doesn't work. Why? Because you have been chasing one-size-fits-all solutions. But you are not a one-size-fits-all person. You're unique. (Just ask God, who created you!) Know Thyself is an effective and fun way to discover your personal and organizational styles, and will help you own your style. You'll take what you might have thought was a flaw and learn how to make it a strength. And that, plus Lisa's help and a sense of humor, will guide you toward an organization method you can really stick with.

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2019

About the author

Lisa is a transplanted Jersey girl who has lived in Pennsylvania most of her adult life. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in education, Lisa worked for 27 years as an elementary school counselor. Now retired from elementary education, Lisa works as an adjunct professor of psychology at York College of Pennsylvania. When she's not teaching, she works on blogs, articles and books.

Lisa is the author of three nonfiction books and three novels, and a contributor to The Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion. She blogs at the Porch Swing Chronicles (www.L2hess.blogspot.com), Organizing by STYLE (www.orgbystyle.blogspot.com) and CatholicMom.com.

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, an organizing book for the rest of us: the ones who look organized on the outside ... until you open doors or drawers, and the ones whose stuff is all over the place. Lisa Lawmaster Hess has created a do-able guide to embracing your unique combination of personal and organizing styles and working with them instead of against them. Parents: don't miss the chapter on helping kids get organized for school. (ARC received from publisher)

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's what I love about Know Thyself:

Author Lisa Hess eschews a one-size-fits-all approach to organizing. Instead, she recommends working with your natural tendencies - your personal and organizational styles - to find solutions that work for you and those in your household.

She also recognizes that organization is a lifelong process, not one we solve once and for all with a few bins, binders, and shelves. The suggestions she share are for REAL people whose houses are too small, calendars too full, and family members too human.

That said, my favorite part of the book is the short prayers that end chapters. For all of the challenge and frustration home organization has brought to my life over the past decade, it's not something I've taken to prayer - at least not much. These prayers reflected so well the longing in my heart!

In sum, Know Thyself offers practical, manageable, and realistic suggestions for chipping away at the mess in your life and restoring order. Recommended!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved books about organizing and productivity and keeping myself and my house looking like it’s all together. Notice I didn’t say keeping my family looking like it’s all together. Because this woman knows what is possible and what isn’t. And it’s not possible to convince your husband to be organized your way. I speak from experience. Lisa Lawmaster Hess, I bet, would agree with me. You see, she tells us that there isn’t “A WAY” things must be organized, rather that we must figure out a way that works for ourselves, depending on our style.
I’ve got style. Do you? I’m not talking about your fashion sense here, but your personal and organizational style. There is a great quiz in chapter 1 of Know Thyself, that will tell you your style. Do you love stuff or being busy? Do you want to see it all or do you forget where you put it when you need it? I am of the I love to be busy and I need to see it/I know I put it somewhere style. I also dislike clutter and piles and stuff without a place. Which goes against my need to see it so I remember to take care of it.
Lisa can help you whatever your style or budget or family or house size. There are a few quizzes, real life examples, honesty, and an understanding that there is not a one size fits all when it comes to organizing.

[Tina Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Lawmaster Hess, finally finished reading Know Thy Self. I have always read self-help books, Know Thy Self is an extraordinary book on deciphering your organization style. She also give great ideas on how to organize based on your style. Lisa gives space to answer the questions/task within the book. This will keep everything in one place and easy to find. I have never read a book which gives you permission to stop reading and answer question that are posed in the book. Thanks Lisa for a great book!