“People who develop action plans experience less anxiety, more confidence, improved concentration and greater satisfaction about achieving their goals and are more likely to succeed.” – Philip Clarke, psychology lecturer
What’s the difference between vague hopes and New Year’s resolutions that stick? It’s organisation.
If you’re ready to discover tips and tricks to help you keep your resolutions this year, then read on.
I wish I could lose weight
According to a survey, last January 33% of people asked said that losing weight was their New Year’s resolution priority. If this is at the top of your list, here are some tips to get you started:
- Sort your wardrobe: Staring at the “when I was slim” section of your wardrobe won’t motivate you, it’ll just depress you.
- Giving clothes you no longer wear to charity will snap you out of unrealistic goals, so you can focus on making progress at your own pace.
- “Out with the old, in with the new” can be your reward when you do make progress- buying stylish new clothes that fit the new you!
- If you’re still eyeing up cabbage soup diets, read about the link between weight and clutter.
I wish I could save some money
Disorganised homes and lifestyles waste money. Want to boost your bank balance in 2018? Here’s how:
- Organise your bills, then go through your utility tariffs, mobile phone bill and insurance direct debits and look around for cheaper options. You can also sell things you no longer want or need.
- Meal plans, weekly online shopping delivery and some freezer- safe containers will help you save money on takeaways and ready meals and boost your health.
- The more you think ahead and plan, the more cash you’ll find you have for that trip, new washing machine or new car.
I wish I had more “me” time
If you need to crank down your stress levels, you’ve got to get organised:
- Find a space in your home that’s best for your de-stressing and make sure it’s decluttered, comfy and cosy; the one place in your house where you can relax and not worry about mess.
- Make this room a no-screen room – no TV, iGadgets, phones…
- Diarise to spend 15 minutes every day – at least – in your lovely chillout room.
I wish I could quit that habit
Social media or phone addiction, that morning doughnut you’d rather not have, gallons of coffee… what’s the habit you wish you could quit? Here are some ways to get you started:
- Make small, realistic goals: More fruit and fewer biscuits. Clearing out one room at a time. Having one meal without looking at your phone.
- Try thinking “I don’t” rather than “I can’t” – it’s more empowering. So, “I don’t have chocolate for breakfast”
- Reward yourself for a week of more positive behaviour – save up for a treat which is good for your soul
I wish I could be more sociable at home
This year, forget about the mess and make it time to open your home to new people, new experiences; friendship and joy.
- Don’t worry that you need to have the perfect home and be the perfect host.
- Declutter the entrance to your home and your main room so you can welcome guests into it and have fun times together.
- Flowers, candles and lamps can be a cheap and cheerful way to bring some joy into your home.
I wish I could be more organised
Decluttering helps you feel and be more organised and efficient; whatever you do and wherever you live. With just a few hours decluttering you’ll be able to:
- Immediately find things – save minutes every day; that’s hours every year
- Feel calmer and more in control of your life
- Save and make money
- Improve your mental health – no more staring at clothes that don’t fit, old and broken toys and piles of paperwork
I wish I could be more charitable
There’s a quick and easy way to be more charitable – declutter your home and donate things you don’t need or want to a charity close to your heart.
You can do it!
If a clutter-free, organised space sounds tempting, but you’re lost on where to even begin, why not consider a professional organiser?
I truly hope this year brings you joy, fulfilment and wonderful new experiences. If you want to enjoy your space more in 2018, get in touch today for a free, confidential consultation.
Blog originally published here.
To publish your blog, submit it to Laurel Leaf Networking here.