Publisher’s Message
Welcome to the May, 2009 issue of Excellence! This is the fourth segment in my series on New Year Resolutions. Now that we’ve gotten fit, are working on getting a better job, and have conquered addictions, let’s explore getting organized!
For many people, the months after the holidays can be a challenging time. Often there’s a feeling of staleness that comes with the dark days of winter. That’s the perfect time to start on another big resolution: Getting Organized.
It’s amazing how much a bit of clutter can affect your attitude, focus, and sense of well-being. A clearing out can really boost your mood and make life run a lot smoother. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of taking control of your living and work space, as well as your calendar!
So what’s your “why”? What is it that’s going to keep you motivated to move out the old and make way for the new? If you can’t think of a good reason, I can thing of one: to feel better! Clearing out the clutter, both physical and emotional, can help decrease the stress in your life, create more space to relax in, and save money since you won’t to buy stuff you already have but can’t find. It can even make you lose weight! If you don’t believe me, pick up a copy of Peter Walsh’s book, “Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat”.
Of course it’s easy to decide why you want to be organized. It’s also probably pretty easy to visualize yourself organized. You probably have a pretty clear image in your head right now of a clutter-free office space, a sparkling kitchen, an orderly garage, or a serene bedroom with a place for everything. Actually getting there is another thing altogether.
Start by getting some ideas. There are great websites that provide advice and ideas on where to start with the decluttering www.organizedhome.com have free newsletters, a forum, and tips. There are some fantastic televisions shows like “Life Laundry”, as well as books you can check out for free at your local library. Look around, get some ideas.
Once you have an idea of where to start, get moving! Start small if you need to, but start now. Don’t put it off. Organize a small space like your desk or your “junk drawer” just to get you going.
Develop a habit of putting things back in place once you’re done with them. Start using a calendar or your PDA/ phone to keep your life organized. I love to-do lists and find that making a daily list and crossing things off as I go keep me on track and feeling like I’ve accomplished a great deal during the day, which is a total mood booster!
Make organization a daily practice until it becomes a natural part of your life. You will soon find your life flows better and you feel more in control.
Next month, another resolution: Volunteer More!
Kindest Regards,
Janet Wilson
Get your copy of Excellence Magazine at http://www.empowerism.com