How organising your home and business can revolutionise your life: a conversation with Lisa Woodruff
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If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in clutter, overwhelmed by to-do lists, or unsure how to manage everything on your plate, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle to balance daily tasks, especially when managing ADHD, multiple roles and family demands.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365, about her journey organising not just her home, but her mind.
Here’s what we discussed about how creating systems can lead to better self-care, greater clarity, and more energy to do the things that matter most.
Discovering the Sunday Basket: a game changer for ADHD and organisation
Lisa and I connected after I came across her Sunday Basket concept on the ADHD for Smart-Ass Women podcast with Tracy Otsuka. As a late diagnosed (48) woman with ADHD, I was intrigued by Lisa’s idea of chunking tasks into manageable pockets and folders. I’d been using index cards and calendars to organise my thoughts, but this method of batching tasks made so much sense.
After hearing Lisa talk about how this system helps to externalise our brains and reduce the clutter in our heads, I realised I was onto something bigger. Lisa’s approach—breaking down tasks into chunks using folders and pockets—has been life-changing for me. I created my own DIY version of the Sunday Basket (I call it my Brain in a Box) since I’m based on the west coast of Ireland, where shipping from North America can be tricky. But even without the physical product, the concept alone has revolutionised how I manage my time, energy, and responsibilities.
Lisa’s story: supporting ADHD and externalising thoughts
As it turns out, Lisa has ADHD too. She recently received an ADHD diagnosis and shared her experience of being overwhelmed by ideas and racing thoughts—something many of us can relate to.
She explained how the Sunday Basket helps her externalise her thoughts so she doesn’t feel as though she’s constantly spinning in circles.
She spoke about the importance of creating systems that allow for clarity—whether through tangible baskets or mental organisation systems. According to Lisa, by having a structure to manage these thoughts, she has been able to avoid the anxiety and sleepless nights that once plagued her. This concept of externalising your brain, whether by writing things down or sorting through organised folders, was a breakthrough for me, and I’m sure it will be for many others.
The role of organisation in Self care and self-actualisation
For Lisa, organisation is much more than just managing your space—it’s a form of self-care. She believes that when we have systems in place to help us manage the overwhelm, we free up energy for other areas of our lives. It’s not just about keeping things tidy; it’s about creating a life that reflects who we truly are and what we want to accomplish.
In our conversation, she emphasised that organisation is also tied to self-actualisation—the idea that we are capable of achieving our highest potential. Lisa spoke about how the systems she’s created allow her to focus on one idea at a time, something she believes is key to achieving success. This idea resonated deeply with me, especially as someone who naturally juggles (and often drops) multiple ideas at once.
Connecting with Self
As we delved deeper into the conversation, Lisa shared a more spiritual perspective on organisation. She spoke about how our energy is intertwined with everything we do—whether it’s our work, relationships, or personal goals. Drawing from her own Christian beliefs and her ongoing pursuit of a PhD, she emphasised the importance of following your energy. For her, that means listening to her intuition and knowing when to push forward and when to take a step back.
She also explained how we as women often give our energy to others—whether it’s our families, communities, or work—and how essential it is to balance that with self-care. When we focus on what truly excites and energises us, we not only take care of ourselves but also contribute more meaningfully to the world around us. It’s about finding a balance that allows us to show up fully for ourselves and for others.
The importance of taking action
During our conversation, Lisa shared an insight that stuck with me: ideas alone are not enough. Action is what brings those ideas to life. She shared how many people get stuck waiting for permission or perfect conditions before taking action. But Lisa urges us to break free from that mindset. She explained how she often reminds her team, “We can do whatever we want,” emphasising that we don’t need permission from anyone to take action on our dreams. This idea of stepping into action, no matter how small the step, is a powerful reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start creating now.
Whether it’s organising your home, pursuing a new career, or even starting a personal project, taking action is the key to bringing your ideas to fruition.
Advice for Younger You
When I asked Lisa what advice she would give to her younger self, she shared a poignant reflection. Lisa recalled how, as a child, she was constantly questioning authority and thinking outside the box. However, if she could go back in time, she would tell herself that she didn’t need as much permission as she thought. We often hold ourselves back, waiting for others to approve or validate our ideas, when in reality, we have the power to create and act on our own terms.
Where to find Lisa Woodruff
If you’re looking for more guidance on organising your home, business, life and mind, Lisa’s resources are wonderful. You can find her on the Organize 365 podcast, or visit her website at organize365.com.
She also shares insights on Instagram under the handle @organize365.
In conclusion, I feel more empowered taking control of my organising systems, not just for a cleaner home, but for a clearer mind and a more focused life. Lisa’s approach to organisation, self-care, and energy has reinforced my commitment of the last couple of years in terms of creating and refining systems and structures that support me in achieving greater peace and success. Whether you’re managing ADHD, juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply seeking more clarity in your life, I hope you find this as helpful as I have.
le grá (with love),
Evei