According to a book I'm reading you either are a cleanie or not. (Her term) She compares it to having an innate talent like singing. You can improve most things if you practice but some things just come naturally to certain people and others have to work harder at it. I know that's true! Last night I conscientiously put away all the clothes, did the dishes left over, put things away that were out finished up and folded laundry only to find that this morning it looks like I have to go around and do the same thing again. Now if I was a true cleanie, I would be doing that instead of writing about the process. Some may say this is a waste of time but tracking the process is keeping me motivated. One problem is I have not taught my children properly but it is not their fault. I feel hypocritical to criticize them when I have not shown them the way. So I must now show them the way by my actions and hopefully they will also learn from my struggle that some things are difficult but we can work through that. I can't take back all the times I yelled and moaned over the mess and their lack of help. I feel guilty about that because I have not given them the tools to manage their belongings. But I'm trying and it's never too late for that.