"What Are This?"

Does anyone remember Jenna Marbles’ hilarious video where she holds up her dog in front of random objects and asks, “What are this?”
Well, it turns out that’s not so ridiculous when you think about attention — especially for the ADHD client.
In my 13+ years as a professional organizer, mostly with clients who have ADHD (diagnosed or not), I’ve found that overwhelm is one of the biggest hurdles:
clothes scattered across beds and floors, tools covering a workbench so no work can happen, health and beauty products spilling out of bathrooms, countertops piled with all manner of things, and always — papers, papers, papers.
When my clients’ eyes glaze over and they freeze, I know it’s time to simplify.
If I pick up one thing at a time and ask, “What is this?” the work suddenly flows. The item gets identified, processed, and either discarded or given a home — according to SPACE (Sort, Purge, Assign a home, Containerize, and Equalize).
Why does this work? I’m not entirely sure — probably something to do with how the brain processes visual and verbal input — but it does work.
Organize mindfully and with intent. Engage a friend or a body double. And next time you get stuck, try “What are this?” Focus on one thing at a time.
Pay attention. It works. I promise.