Everybody has a few quirks, right? Those little things that make you you. I’ve always known that I did things a little differently than some and that some of those things may seem a bit extreme…like when I’m washing dishes, I need to wash the glasses first.

I’ve got a few more (minor) oddities (read about them here), and I’ve learned that they can be very helpful or slow me down. Here’s what I mean…

Attention to Detail

The Good News: This a GREAT quality to have. You see things that most other people don’t see. You’ll notice – and care – when a stamp is placed crookedly on a letter, or when a word is not spelled correctly. You’ll be keenly aware when something is out of place. You’ll know when an e-mail just doesn’t sound right, that it needs a bit more polish. You see these things, fix them, and look like that supah stah that you are. =)

The Bad News: The flipside to this nose for the minutia is that sometimes it’s not the time to pick out every single, little detail that needs fixing. You may need to have a good grasp of the big picture first and THEN work on the finer points in your second draft. Who cares if your mum spelled “that word” wrong? You knew what she meant, right? Is it worth hurt feelings that may come up by pointing out her error? It’s your third read of that e-mail you’re about to send. Can’t you send it already?

And, if the stamp is on crooked, won’t it still get delivered? Is the time it takes to remove the stamp worth it?

An Eye for Aesthetics

The Good News: Another awesome trait is noticing when things just flow well and complement each other nicely. You notice when the pillows are not sitting properly on the sofa or that decorative blanket just doesn’t seem to go with everything else. If that painting is off center or the colors clash with the rest of the decor, you silently make a decision to fix it. You know the benefits of putting all your clothing together by type and color…and you’ll see when something is out of place.

The Bad News: If you jump through the worm hole and enter the alternate universe, you may figure out that it’s ok if everything isn’t matchy matchy, especially when these things belong to someone else or, say, a hotel. ;) The person writing this post knows a thing or two about trying to fix a hotel’s decor. The time it takes to sort the clothing by color may be worth it, if they belong to you and that system works well with how your brain functions. Is it more important to categorize them instead of hanging them up so you can make it to your appointment on time?

Using Systems That Work

The Good News: When you create and use a system that works for you, (almost) nothing can compare. It’s just fabulous, isn’t it? You can find what you want when you want it. And, you love how everything looks. The spices are grouped by type and then height, and you’ve come to expect to see them that way. It works with how you think. Aesthetics and function mashed together is a good thing. You know how to produce that with regularity.

The Bad News: There really isn’t a downside to using a system that works…except when you force it on people who don’t think like you…or who are visiting you, like your friends…or your mum…who has no idea that if all the labels on the spices aren’t facing out, the world will come to an end. Or that you keep the large utensils in the utensil holder on the counter and not in the drawer. Does it matter how the spices are put back as long they’re put back? This means that your mum is cooking and this is a good thing.

Is your desire to keep to your system running full steam ahead worth the possibility of making your guests feel uncomfortable?

Moral of the Story

Use your quirkiness to your advantage AND take note of whether they’re slowing you down at times. Consider deadlines and figure out the best times to turn on your super powers. Always, always be mindful of how your idiosyncracies make your loved ones feel. Weigh the balance of being you and making those around you feel welcomed and loved.