To Resolve or Not To Resolve – That is the Question
2022 is just around the corner. It is going to start much like 2021 did: with a lot of uncertainty about everything. From the pandemic to the future of work to a million other challenges we’re all facing, everything is unknown.
Clean Slate
The great thing about a new year is that we get to start it with a clean slate. The internet is already buzzing with this year’s New Year, New You mantra. The standard “eat less, work out more” resolution mantras are everywhere. Gyms are advertising special rates for new sign ups. Health food stores are stocking up for our arrival. And the latest diet fad is sure to be “the one.”
Are you going to make New Year’s resolutions?
To Resolve or Not To Resolve
Many people see the New Year as a chance to let go of whatever was holding them back and start with a clean slate. This will be the year we get our garages organized, our paperwork under control, our diets handled, and our time properly managed to achieve all our goals. Starting January 1, we will be the people we always envisioned we would be!
For many people, starting anew every January 1 works great. Resolutions can be a great way to offer yourself forgiveness and motivate yourself to achieve what you are capable of. For others, however, New Years resolutions are not part of the yearly plan. Adding so many changes and lofty goals at one time can be overwhelming .
It’s Not About the Resolutions
Whether or not you make New Year’s resolutions, one thing you can do is recognize that whether you make them, keep them, or refuse to participate in them at all, it’s ok to be satisfied with the progress you’ve made – even if you don’t feel like you’ve made much.
Allowing ourselves the opportunity to forgive any perceived shortcomings and start the year with a fresh outlook on life can be very inspiring. There is no need to linger on what went wrong or what we want to change, because we’re capable of continuing to work toward our desired outcomes – with resolutions or not. For those who make resolutions, it’s similar to having a dream board or making SMART goals. It’s simply another way to motivate.
For the non-resolution crowd, resolutions can often be overwhelming and feel like a lot of pressure to start the year. For those of us who prefer not to make resolutions but still want to accomplish goals during the new year, consider picking small changes to implement on daily, weekly, and monthly bases then adding on to those goals as your intermediate goals are met. This method allows us to constantly be improving and changing our goals.
For example, instead of an overarching resolution to be more organized, start with something simple, like “This week I will keep my home more organized by processing all of the incoming mail rather than piling it on the counter.” Or, ” I will declutter my two living room bookshelves.”
This incremental method resonates better with some people than a blanket declaration to “be more organized”.
To Resolve or Not, You CAN Bring More Organization Into Your Life
Whether or not you make New Year’s resolutions, you can bring more organization into your life with small and big projects throughout your year. We’ve rounded up our best advice to help you get started! Start by thinking about what in your life is causing you the most stress. Is it that you haven’t been able to eat at your dining room table for the last six months because it’s become the mail sorting station? Is it the stress you feel in the mornings getting ready for work because you can’t find anything to wear in your overwhelmed closet? Whatever the concern, we have ideas, guidance, and, of course, professional organizers, here to help you create habits for a more organized life.
Do you need to declutter? Start here:
Working from Home (Still or Again)?
Getting in the right mental mindset to organize
Overcoming Chronic Disorganization Challenges
Don’t Just Get Organized – Stay Organized
Organization Is All in the Mind
Quick Organizing Projects to Reduce Clutter and Stress
START SMALL
Starting with small projects, like organizing a drawer or a closet, can motivate you to keep going. Set your eyes on a small project that you’re confident you can accomplish, like a bedroom closet or junk drawer, or your bed side table. Maybe there’s a chair (the one with laundry piled to the ceiling) that needs to be cleaned off so that you can reclaim your reading corner. Decide on a single small project, and start!
We have a number of small projects you can start with:
Organize Your Grocery Shopping
What Can You Organize In a Day?
On the Move?
More of us are back to traveling for work and for pleasure, and there has also been a big increase in the number of people relocating. Whether you’re moving or traveling, staying organized can make a big difference. Start with these tips:
How to Travel with Less Stress
Resolve to Be More Organized
Whether you decide to make New Year’s resolutions or avoid them like the plague, being more organized can reduce stress and help you enjoy life more. We will continue to bring you tips on how to accomplish that throughout the year, so if you resolve to do nothing else, be sure to follow us on Facebook so that you get updates from us on our latest tips to help you get organized and live your life. And if you’re in the Maryland – Virginia- D.C. area, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need a little professional organizing to help you get there.
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