Did You Make New Years Resolutions? How to be Successful...

We are now in our 2nd month of 2024. Have you already thrown out your New Years Resolutions?

At the beginning of every year a lot of people "resolve" to start or stop some new or old habits. By February - everything is forgotten.

Why is that?

Maybe it's because the goals we set were unrealistic. We have great intentions but we tend to bite off more than we can chew. Instead of saying (for example) that we are going to lose 50 pounds six months (which could be unrealistic) - we should plan on changing our lifestyle and eating healthier. 

Another reason that people can't meet their goals is that most people need an accountability partner and without one - they will not be successful.

Having goals means making a plan. Making a plan means Time Management. Without time management people tend to get off track. And once people are off track - it's hard to get back on track. Time Management is an important component in being successful in life.

When all of these things don't fall into place - people tend to give up.  And there goes your New Years Resolution.

Being organized in your life means having a goal, then having a plan to meet your goal. Then breaking it down into manageable pieces. Putting those pieces into your calendar and managing your schedule and your time.

And most important of all - having an accountability partner to keep you on track.

Be successful in life by being realistic about what you can accomplish. If you need help - ask for it. Successful people surround themselves with knowledge and are willing to ask for help from people that have more experience then they do. 

If you need help in figuring out to make your goals a reality, or you have problems managing your time or paperwork  - reach out to a Professional Organizer who can help get and keep you on track!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

January is GO Month! It's time to Get Organized in 2023!

 

January is Get Organized & Be Productive (GO) Month and there’s no better time to consult an organizing or productivity professional.

Clutter and disorganization can drain your energy and contribute to unwarranted stress, frustration, and anxiety. Ready to start the new year off right by getting organized and increasing productivity? Here are our top 7 tips:

●        Start with the area that bothers you the most!

○        If a stranger took a tour of your home, what would you be the most embarrassed about? What would you find yourself apologizing for? What irritates you the most? This is the area you should start with first. If all of it bothers you, start with the space you see when you open your eyes in the morning.

 

●        Go for a quick win!

○        Choose a small area or topic that can be easily completed. By tackling a small, easy project first, you set yourself up for success and are further motivated to tackle the areas you struggle with emotionally.

 

●        Gather supplies before diving in!

○        Be sure to have trash bags or boxes on hand to sort items into. Suggested categories: Keep, Sell, Donate, Trash. Use black trash bags for trash and white trash bags for donate. Use trash bags to donate soft items and cardboard boxes for heavy, hard, or fragile items. Check the structural integrity of the boxes prior to filling them and always be sure to tape the bottom of the box first!

 

●        Set retention guidelines for specific categories of items!

○        Similar to keeping tax paperwork for 7 years, set guidelines for other items you own. For example, any magazines over 1 year old can be donated or recycled. Clothing in need of repair has a 1-month expiration date. If they are not repaired in a month, the item can go. If a dish is chipped, it can be donated or tossed. By deciding ahead of time, you relieve yourself of decision fatigue and/or emotional attachments.

 

●        Create a home for temporary items!

○        Create a space to store library books, store returns and items that belong to someone outside of your household. These items tend to live on countertops and tables and hinder you from using your space the way you want to. If you create space for items that will only be in your home for a little while, you cut down on the piles that interfere with your living spaces.

 

●        Create positive habits & routines to maintain organization!

○        Think through the areas you organized and how often you should touch them up. Think about ways you can be proactive in life, like packing lunches and setting out clothes the night before. Every day before you leave the office, clear off your desk and stack notes/papers in an empty drawer. Each time you get paid, go through your papers, pay bills, and file items that need to be retained.

 

●        Get family members involved!

○        Set a timer for 15 minutes before bedtime and play fun music while everyone tidies the house. Make a game of it - the person who finds the most items that are out of place and puts them back into their “homes” wins. You have heard the phrase: “Many hands make light work!” Even children as young as 2-3 years old can begin to learn how to match socks or put dirty clothing into the hamper. When the adults’ model good behavior and positive attitudes around organizing, the kids will pick up on it too.

As a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), we improve our clients’ lives by helping them create environments that support productivity, general health, and well-being. When working with a NAPO member, you can be assured you are working with a dedicated professional who operates at the highest standards and has a passion for organizing and productivity.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

Starting 2022 with some Organizing Ideas

Starting 2022 Organized & Clutter Free

 

January – New Habits & Things to Do

 

# # 1·            Make 4 Goals that are Measurable & Achievable.

·                    Add them to your January calendar.

·                    Each week give yourself an estimated percentage complete

                 for each goal.

·         Seeing concrete results often helps you achieve goals sooner.

# 2

·         Transfer all appointments and ongoing tasks to your 2018 calendar or planner. Don’t forget Birthday reminders, bill payments and anniversaries.

# 3 

·         Schedule ‘Me time’ for yourself at least once every week. Stick to it

# 4

·         Make a repair and cleaning walkthrough list, from floor to ceiling.

·         Are you making the best use of space?

·         Do the carpets need deep cleaning or the chandeliers dusting?

# 5

·         Do an End-of-Year accounting to see how much you spent on the holidays.

·         Use it to save and prepare for next year's holiday season.

# 6

·         It’s time to pack away the last remnants of the holidays.

·         Store your platters and other serving dishes that you only use for special occasions. Be sure they are in good condition.

# 7  

·         Get in the habit of having a notebook or grocery list near your fridge or pantry to list items as you run out of them.

·         This will make grocery shopping far easier.

# 8

·         Take some time to consider that your value does not come from stuff.

·         Once we let go we can stop hoarding and start de-cluttering.

# 9

·         Take a look at your home management / bill paying station.

·         Is it functional for what you need to do to make your life run smoother?

·         Do you have enough stamps, envelopes and other office supplies?

·         If not, add these to the shopping list so that you can stock up and be prepared.

# 10

·         Set a declutter appointment on your calendar – to declutter a room or a closet.

·         Do you have the right containers & needed supplies?  If not, add it to your list.

# 11

·         Disinfect your cleaning utensils. When was the last time you replaced your toilet brushes, sponges and wiping clothes that you use?

·         If it’s been a while, add them to your shopping list.

# 12

·         Clean out and organize your purse. Containerize.

·         Keep a coupon bag in your purse – with coupons that are not expired.

 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

 

Did You Throw Your New Years Resolutions Out the Window Already?

We are now in our 2nd month of 2020. Have you already thrown out your New Years Resolutions?

At the beginning of every year a lot of people "resolve" to start or stop some new or old habits. By February - everything is forgotten.

Why is that?

Maybe it's because the goals we set were unrealistic. We have great intentions but we tend to bite off more than we can chew. Instead of saying (for example) that we are going to lose 50 pounds six months (which could be unrealistic) - we should plan on changing our lifestyle and eating healthier. O

Another reason that people can't meet their goals is that most people need an accountability partner and without one - they will not be successful.

Having goals means making a plan. Making a plan means Time Management. Without time management people tend to get off track. And once people are off track - it's hard to get back on track. Time Management is an important component in being successful in life.

When all of these things don't fall into place - people tend to give up. And there goes your New Years Resolution.

Being organized in your life means having a goal, then having a plan to meet your goal. Then breaking it down into manageable pieces. Putting those pieces into your calendar and managing your schedule and your time.

And most important of all - having an accountability partner to keep you on track.

Be successful in life by being organized!


Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

Starting 2020 Organized and Clutter Free

          January – New Habits & Things to Do

 

#   # 1 ·         Make 4 Goals that are Measurable & Achievable. 

·                            Add them to your January calendar. 

·                            Each week give yourself an estimated percentage to 

                 complete for each goal. 

·        Seeing concrete results often helps you achieve goals sooner.

# 2 ·        Transfer all appointments and ongoing tasks to your
            2020 calendar or planner. 

       Don’t forget Birthday reminders, bill payments and anniversaries.

# 3 ·         Schedule ‘Me time’ for yourself at least once every week.
             Stick to it


# 4 ·         Make a repair and cleaning walk through list, from floor
             to ceiling.
 

·         Are you making the best use of space? 

·         Do the carpets need deep cleaning or the chandeliers dusting?

# 5 ·         Do an End-of-Year accounting to see how much you spent 
             on the holidays. 
 

·         Use it to save and prepare for next year's holiday season.

# 6 ·         It’s time to pack away the last remnants of the holidays. 
 

·         Store your platters and other serving dishes that you only 

       use for special occasions. 

       Be sure they are in good condition.

# 7  ·        Get in the habit of having a notebook or grocery list near
             your fridge or pantry to list items as you run out of them.

·         This will make grocery shopping a lot asier.

# 8 ·         Take some time to consider that your value does not 
             come from stuff.
 

·         Once we let go we can stop hoarding and start de-cluttering.

# 9 ·        Take a look at your home management / bill paying station.

·         Is it functional for what you need to do to make your life

       run smoother?

·         Do you have enough stamps, envelopes and other office

       supplies? 

·         If not, add these to the shopping list so that you can stock

      up and be prepared.

# 10 ·     Set a declutter appointment on your calendar – to declutter
             one room or a closet.
 

·         Do you have the right containers & needed supplies?  

      If not, add it to your list.

# 11 ·     Disinfect your cleaning utensils. When was the last time 
            you replaced your toilet brushes, sponges and cleaning
            cloths that you use?

·         If it’s been a while, add them to your shopping list.

# 12 ·    Clean out and organize your purse. Containerize.
 

·         Keep a coupon bag in your purse – with coupons that are not expired.


Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com