I get it—labels always seem like overkill until you’re knee-deep in the mess. I used to think colored tape was enough too, but then someone else would come in, move things around, and suddenly my “system” was out the window. Now I just write straight on the tape, even if it looks like a toddler did it. Not winning any beauty contests, but at least I know what’s what when the dust settles.
Honestly, you nailed it—function over form every time. I’ve wasted too much time hunting for stuff because someone “helped” organize. Messy handwriting beats chaos. At this point, if it’s legible and sticks, it works.
Function over form is the only way I’ve managed to keep my sanity through this whole process. I tried color-coding and fancy binders at first, but honestly, it just made me more stressed out. Now I’ve got a pile of notes on the kitchen counter—some are on receipts, some on the back of junk mail—and as long as I can read them, that’s good enough for me.
I get what you mean about “helpful” organizing. My partner tried to sort my stuff into folders and I couldn’t find anything for days. It’s like, if you’re the one doing the work, you need your own system, even if it looks like chaos to everyone else. Do you ever feel like you’re spending more time looking for your plans than actually working on them? That’s been my biggest headache.
I do wonder sometimes if I’m missing out by not being more organized, though. Like, is there a middle ground between total chaos and those Pinterest-perfect planners? Or is that just a myth? Either way, messy handwriting and sticky notes have gotten me this far. If it works, it works... right?
