Use Clutter To Your Advantage
I like to think of myself as an organized doer. Most of the time, I am; and my friends and family will tell you I am someone who “gets things done.” Yet, I have a dirty, little secret. In one of my cabinets is a “shove shelf “ — full of important paperwork, including unopened bank and investment statements. I really don’t know why I let that mess pile up, and I get angry with myself for not taking the time to sort it. I procrastinate going paperless and applying for digital statements. I am literally paying to have that paper sent to me, clutter my space and stress me out. After a little self-flagellation, and some chiding from my patient husband, I decide I don’t need a 12 step program; but I do need a better system for dealing with things I’d rather avoid. Lets face it, those papers need to be looked at; so never is not an option, even though my inner procrastinator says otherwise.
Avoidance behavior is dangerous stuff. It holds us back from achieving our goals and dreams. How can we possibly have the lives we want, if we don’t pay attention to the details? This is especially true when the devil is in those details. When we put things off, and leave them undone, it creates a vortex of negative energy — taking us away from more productive and enjoyable pursuits.
Organize one space every single day.
Just because you organize a space once doesn’t mean it will stay organized. Life gets busy, and a tidy space today, becomes jumbled mess tomorrow. By making organization a habit, and not a chore, is becomes more pleasurable and less stressful — a tool that moves our lives forward.
Commit to cleaning one space every single day. It can be your glove compartment, the kitchen catch-all drawer, a file cabinet, your spam filter, or any area you would probably rather avoid. This will help you eliminate things that do not serve you, freeing you from the distractions that come with disorganization.There is a certain joy in opening a drawer or cabinet and finding exactly what you are looking for.
Tips
- Start with small, easy to organize areas.
A bathroom cabinet or drawer is a great starting place.
2. Work your way through one space at a time.
If you started in the bathroom, work your way through; organizing under the sink, drawers, toiletries, etc. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment when you have one room completed .
3. Reward your success.
Treat yourself to some new organizers when your space is done. Donate items you no longer use or need.
4. Be accountable.
Keep track of your organizational accomplishments. Seeing your successes in writing is positive reinforcement and helps make your organizational habits stick.
Even if you don’t think you need a more organized life, this practice can help you prioritize truly important activities like health, fitness, creativity, travel, learning and relationships. Organizing helps you stay focused, on course, and brings you closer to your larger goals and dreams. So start small and finish big! You got this!
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