I found this SF Chronicle article http://bit.ly/5rfOs2 and even though it's from 2005 the information is timeless. The Chronicle did an experiment with folks who resolved to get organized for the new year and found out what is common when it comes to organizing...people don't follow through.
People often balk at the idea of paying someone to help them clear the clutter and get organized but the truth is if it doesn't come naturally and it causes you stress or costs you money to NOT be organized than why not hire someone to help. The catch is that you have to have some skin in the game. You have to be willing to make some changes and create some new habits in order for things to be different. This is no different than a diet or budget or anything else that is put into place to help keep you on track.
In this article the writer talks about the excuses that people bring when they can't continue on. Through personal and professional experience I know that often times excuses only serve to cover up the fear that comes up for people. Why fear? Fear that the "stuff" they have been using to hide behind is about to be removed and they will be exposed. What I mean is, they may be using "stuff" to stuff emotions, keep the world at a distance or otherwise keep themselves safely behind a wall to avoid dealing with their life.
Bold statement? Yep! But the truth is "It's not about the stuff." Ok, sometimes life happens and we temporarily lose our way but the truth is when we give "stuff" the power to control our decisions and actions we need to take a look inside at what's really going on. Why are we using shopping to feel better? Why do we need to hang on to so much?
Ask yourself these questions!? If you find you want to explore a little more and free yourself from clutter and disorganization let's talk! No excuses. I coach people through 5 steps to freedom from clutter and my book on this method is due out June 2010!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
NY Times says clutter & disorganization are a sign!
In a 2008 New York Times article about clutter, Tara Parker-Pope brings to light the underlying truth about clutter and disorganization...It's not about the stuff.
She quoted several well known leaders in our industry about the psychological aspect of some of the more extreme cases of disorganization. She discussed the clinical studies underway to gather more information about this baffling need to collect and keep at extreme levels.
The article links clutter to health problems, weight issues, even depression and goes on to say that excessive clutter and disorganization are often symptoms of a bigger health problem.
As an speaker and coach on effectively getting and staying organized, I agree that there is a deeper issue in some of the extreme cases. When the stuff takes over and becomes the originating point for decision making about life there's a bigger challenge brewing.
You don't have to have stuff piled to the ceiling, however, for clutter and disorganization to be the key factor in the unmanageability of your life. Clutter and disorganization serves to keep us out of the moment; either back in the memories of the item or looking ahead to acquiring something else we "need". The need to be everywhere else but in the moment creates chaos and disconnection from who we are meant to be.
This way of life has become the norm for many in this country today. We live in a bigger, faster, more is better mentality; the more you have the better you are point of view. He who dies with the most toys wins. For some this may be enough but when you really, honestly take a look at your life of acculumation, are you happy? Honestly?
I believe there is a spiritual void that we, as Americans, are trying to fill today with stuff. It's a space inside of us that originates for as many different reasons as there are individuals suffering. If we take the time to really look inside and investigate the space, make an effort to change the core beliefs we have about our own value, and make heathly spiritual choices to fill it up the void we can move away from attempting to fill it with stuff.
It's not about the stuff! What is it about for you?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/01/health/01well.html
She quoted several well known leaders in our industry about the psychological aspect of some of the more extreme cases of disorganization. She discussed the clinical studies underway to gather more information about this baffling need to collect and keep at extreme levels.
The article links clutter to health problems, weight issues, even depression and goes on to say that excessive clutter and disorganization are often symptoms of a bigger health problem.
As an speaker and coach on effectively getting and staying organized, I agree that there is a deeper issue in some of the extreme cases. When the stuff takes over and becomes the originating point for decision making about life there's a bigger challenge brewing.
You don't have to have stuff piled to the ceiling, however, for clutter and disorganization to be the key factor in the unmanageability of your life. Clutter and disorganization serves to keep us out of the moment; either back in the memories of the item or looking ahead to acquiring something else we "need". The need to be everywhere else but in the moment creates chaos and disconnection from who we are meant to be.
This way of life has become the norm for many in this country today. We live in a bigger, faster, more is better mentality; the more you have the better you are point of view. He who dies with the most toys wins. For some this may be enough but when you really, honestly take a look at your life of acculumation, are you happy? Honestly?
I believe there is a spiritual void that we, as Americans, are trying to fill today with stuff. It's a space inside of us that originates for as many different reasons as there are individuals suffering. If we take the time to really look inside and investigate the space, make an effort to change the core beliefs we have about our own value, and make heathly spiritual choices to fill it up the void we can move away from attempting to fill it with stuff.
It's not about the stuff! What is it about for you?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/01/health/01well.html
Sunday, December 6, 2009
BEST idea for sending your holiday cards!!
Last year in about 15 minutes I sent out ALL of my business holiday cards with my logo, my own handwriting and my own signature using Send Out Cards! What a cool tool this is. This year I'm doing some handwritten but also sending out my holiday cards to my clients and some family too!
Through out the year I send cards to friends just to say hello and I send cards to family to send some love and gratitude. You can schedule cards to go out for birthdays. A friend of mine owns a large insurance firm and they use Send Out Cards to send birthday cards to their clients...they are great at the little things! I also use it to send cards to my 87 year old gramma in Florida, she loves the ones with animals on them. Send Out Cards has thousands of designs to choose from and you can customize each on with your own message.
This is one organizing/productivity tool that you should check out.
Call me for more information 916 765 6104
Happy Greetings!!
Through out the year I send cards to friends just to say hello and I send cards to family to send some love and gratitude. You can schedule cards to go out for birthdays. A friend of mine owns a large insurance firm and they use Send Out Cards to send birthday cards to their clients...they are great at the little things! I also use it to send cards to my 87 year old gramma in Florida, she loves the ones with animals on them. Send Out Cards has thousands of designs to choose from and you can customize each on with your own message.
This is one organizing/productivity tool that you should check out.
Call me for more information 916 765 6104
Happy Greetings!!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Top 5 Tips for Holiday Decorating
This weekend you're probably venturing out for the Christmas tree then into the attic, garage or basement for the decorations, right? You may be adding to your stash this year, like each year. many of us do. We find a great sale or the kids come home with some adorable new hand made treasures for the tree. Here's a few quick tips for keeping it simple and setting yourself up for an easy clean up after Santa has come and gone.
1. Needles, Needles Everywhere! Put your lush new tree up with a tree bag. It goes around the base of the tree and when it's time to take it down...voila...pull it up around the tree and avoid the carpet full of needles. Get it here http://bit.ly/5LNsmB
2. When you pull everything out dispose of the broken, mismatched and worn out ornaments. You are bringing in some new to freshen it all up. Let these go now because when you're putting it all away later you won't want to take the time to go through it all...you'll just want to be done. Come on...you know it's true!
3. Rubbermaid is our friend! Target or Walmart has a ton of these colorful tubs and they are fabulous because they don't breakdown or crush like cardboard...keeps your fabulous decorations safe and dry.
4. Ziploc, Ziploc, Ziploc. Ziploc bags are the best for grouping together and storing those small ornaments within the fabulous tubs. Plus it seals out the dust and mildew that can happen with the moisture.
5. Relax and Enjoy! Keep it simple. Don't stress yourself out over the decorations, do what you can and enjoy that!
I wish you happy decorating and fabulous holidays!
1. Needles, Needles Everywhere! Put your lush new tree up with a tree bag. It goes around the base of the tree and when it's time to take it down...voila...pull it up around the tree and avoid the carpet full of needles. Get it here http://bit.ly/5LNsmB
2. When you pull everything out dispose of the broken, mismatched and worn out ornaments. You are bringing in some new to freshen it all up. Let these go now because when you're putting it all away later you won't want to take the time to go through it all...you'll just want to be done. Come on...you know it's true!
3. Rubbermaid is our friend! Target or Walmart has a ton of these colorful tubs and they are fabulous because they don't breakdown or crush like cardboard...keeps your fabulous decorations safe and dry.
4. Ziploc, Ziploc, Ziploc. Ziploc bags are the best for grouping together and storing those small ornaments within the fabulous tubs. Plus it seals out the dust and mildew that can happen with the moisture.
5. Relax and Enjoy! Keep it simple. Don't stress yourself out over the decorations, do what you can and enjoy that!
I wish you happy decorating and fabulous holidays!
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