I've noticed that in the two years since the major de-cluttering of my apartment, clutter has been creeping back in.
So what DO you do after you've cleared the clutter? If your day-to-day routines are continuing to create clutter, then you'll always be one step behind it.
5 Steps to a New Daily Routine
1. Identify the problem. Think of things that tend to "sneak up" on you in your life - annual things like tax time, monthly things like invoicing clients, weekly things like running errands or daily things like meal times. For this article, we'll use the example ? "I'm always rushed in the morning".
2. Identify the costs. If the costs aren't that high, you probably won't be motivated to do anything to change it. The costs of being rushed in the morning may include: poor choices for breakfast or no breakfast at all, poor digestion from eating too fast or perhaps not eating at all and having coffee on an empty stomach. Then, getting to work in a rush results in stressful travel, impatience and unpleasant interactions with fellow travelers. This will affect your whole day.
3. Back it up. So you're rushed in the morning ? what choices did you make up to this point that resulted in being rushed?
4. Experiment with some changes in your routine. Don't be rigid; you're in the "lab" here. One day you can try going to bed a half hour earlier and waking up a half hour earlier. The next day try laying out your clothes the night before. The next day try putting your lunch (and any other lunches you have to prepare) together the night before. The next day try a 5-minute meditation break in the morning.
5. Commit to a new daily routine. Once you've experimented for a week or so, look back and reflect on which strategies made the most difference to your morning (and the rest of your day). Use structures as reminders (tack up a list of your routine), inspiration (post a photo that represents the kind of relaxing morning you'd like to have) or tracking (give yourself a gold star or another fun and visual marker on the calendar for every day that you implement your new routine).
Remember that it's not about keeping a perfect routine or beating yourself up for straying from it ? it's about making healthier choices every day. If you slip, your very next choice can set you straight again.
(c) Copyright 2005, Genuine Coaching Services.
Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, is the author of "The Everyday Self-Care Workbook". To receive one of her free monthly newsletters, subscribe at http://www.genuinecoaching.com/newsletter.html
Has your polished mahogany (or modular plastic) desk been buried... Read More
"My job is an endless series of deadlines, I am... Read More
Have you ever been totally overwhelmed by a massive task... Read More
We hear it every day."Buy this product, and simplify your... Read More
After a long winter, this is the time of year... Read More
I gathered some things you can do this spring while... Read More
What does "quality of life" mean to you? If you... Read More
Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes... Read More
I followed my boss to a co-worker's cubicle where my... Read More
You really can have a successful business and a great... Read More
Do you use to-do lists? Do you find it satisfying... Read More
1. Sink to their level. Get on your knees in... Read More
Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life... Read More
Are stacks of papers, mail, newspapers, and growing "to do"... Read More
Last year I attended a presentation from Parenting Expert and... Read More
I've noticed that in the two years since the major... Read More
Take time to declutter this summer...Writing can certainly consume the... Read More
What do you do with those special items that have... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing your home? Start... Read More
1. The Law of the 1st StepA good first step... Read More
You arrived on earth without clutter. Your parents and doting... Read More
Do you ever sit down at your desk buried in... Read More
When you embark on a life transition, the skills that... Read More
What's in a Name?Everything.What do you do with all the... Read More
To make room for new things to come into you... Read More
You can get a pretty good idea of the benefits... Read More
Do you feel like you are running around in circles,... Read More
A daily journal will save you time, reduce stress and... Read More
It is 5:00 pm and Cindy has no idea what... Read More
Spring is such a refreshing time- we are filled with... Read More
I have a huge white board in my home office,... Read More
Nature loves clutter. Just think of all the stuff that... Read More
Many people have a huge challenge coping with the incoming... Read More
Have you ever heard that having a cluttered home can... Read More
Clutter in any area of your home is a sign... Read More
Here's a little lesson I experienced while packing boxes for... Read More
It happens without warning. One day you notice your home... Read More
It may be difficult to relate saving money with organization... Read More
One of the most basic ways to find papers when... Read More
Paper1. You may already be in the habit of filing... Read More
Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes... Read More
? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in... Read More
Clothes. Check. School supplies. Check. No doubt you've got to... Read More
It may seem far-fetched, but by organizing your desk, your... Read More
De-Cluttering our lives can be an extremely liberating exercise. There... Read More
Life is really all about CHANGE. In order to make... Read More
If you look at any major organisation, there is this... Read More
Whatever your clutter problem the answer is the same: make... Read More
(This is the third in a series of three articles... Read More
Spring?. Fresh breezes through open windows, sleeping trees come awake... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |