When was the last time you had that moment? You know the one I’m talking about. That moment where you resolve that you are going to GET ORGANIZED! Even if it kills you! I’ve experienced that moment a few times. When it happens I am determined that every room, closet, shelf, cabinet and drawer will be cleared-out of anything and everything that does not need to be there. In that moment, I am determined to free myself from clutter, all kinds.
Clean-up and clear-out. At first, it works. But for many of us (perhaps even most of us), somewhere along the way it stops working. Why? It stops because we do. We consider it temporary work. It is a project with a definite beginning and a definite end. That results in temporary behavior. We aren’t creating a commitment to a new routine, only to a temporary project.
This isn’t about whether or not we make progress. Of course we do. The end result looks much better than our starting point. The issue is that while we changed our space, we didn’t change the routines that created the clutter from the onset. That is the issue. It is also why six months after we go through these exercises, we’re right back where we started or maybe even worse!
This is an example of why we need to look at our daily behaviors when we really want to effect permanent change. We need a different approach. We need an approach that focuses on our personal practices and daily schedule. We need an organization activity on our agenda every day. When we use that approach, we can activate several over the course of a week and a more significant number each month. It keeps us cycled (and recycled) every month so that the actual work is less. The piles are less daunting, the lists are shorter. We aren’t starting a project. We are creating better habits and routines.
Imagine spending just 15 minutes a day over the next 30 days focused on clearing something out. Then create a list of everywhere that you know requires continuous monitoring and start there. A few ideas to consider (from my list..) might be your e-mail in-box and other folders; your postal service mail baskets and personal papers/bills; your business filing and paperwork; your pantry; your refrigerator; cleaning supplies, and, yes, that infamous junk drawer that we all have. These are not “once and done” places. And there are other things to consider. These are the “dust collectors” that we have to stay on top of to keep a healthy and productive environment.
Change happens with ease when our mindset is open, our motivation is compelling and the method we’ve chosen is effective for us. Quite often we do have the right mindset and a compelling motivation. But we choose a method that might work for others but not for us. Find what works for you and put it into practice.
In 30 days everything will feel very different. Staying on top of things will not seem daunting at all. In fact, it will feel just right! Daily practices are the key. I am continually reminded that to have the “me” I want tomorrow I must live that “me” today. To have the business I want tomorrow, I must practice that business today. To have the order I want tomorrow, I must create that order today. Every day.
What one change in your living or working environment would make a difference in your future? How can you begin today to create it? Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Live today like you want tomorrow to be.