February, 2011

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7 Surprising Benefits of Getting Organized

Monday, February 7th, 2011

“Get Organized” consistently shows up in the Top 10 New Years Resolution lists. Read my blog post “Setting Yourself Up to Fail with 2011 Resolutions” for recent lists.

Why is getting organized top of mind for so many? Aren’t there more important goals than formulating time schedules, cutting down on possessions, putting ideas in a logical order, cleaning out drawers and closets, or storing stuff in a nifty container?

I can think of a few like: restoring relationships, growing business profits, discovering spiritual significance, learning exciting new skills, and giving to the less fortunate.

We all want to make a difference in the world around us. Then we look at our immediate environment and think, “If I can’t find ________ (you fill in the blank: my keys, his phone number, my password, that financial info) how can I have any lasting effect in the lives of others?”

Organizing objects, time, paper, or finances is simply one step toward higher goals like those in the list above. The less tangible benefits of organizing can begin that process and are truly life changing! Organizing can…

  • Cut through your mental confusion
  • Clear up indecision on what to do next
  • Eliminate your paralysis of overwhelm
  • Give you a feeling of achievement and confidence
  • Grant victory over one problem that then overflows into other areas of life
  • Shed light on decision points you are struggling with
  • Propel you forward with a new sense of purpose

What do you want to do to change your world? What is one preliminary step that could propel you forward with that new sense of purpose? Get organized and get going!

Knowing What You Really Want is Key to Success

Friday, February 4th, 2011

Book Review: Write It Down, Make It Happen

In December, my sister and I met to exchange Christmas presents and to just BE together. That doesn’t happen nearly often enough.

I told her, ”I’m not sure what I really want!” She said, “I’ll send you a copy of the book I’m reading,” and gave me a notebook to write my thoughts in. The funny part: the book’s tag line is Knowing What You Want – and Getting It!

Author, Henriette Ann Klauser, has a PhD in English Literature and teaches writing techniques in U.S. and Canadian universities.  As she taught her students how to practice “rapidwriting, writing fast, lickety-split, past the Critic”, her students began to share with her the positive, life-changing results they experienced. Those stories became the catalyst for her book, Write It Down, Make It Happen.

Write It Down, Make It Happen

Klauser uses illustrations from real people who found once they wrote dreams down, the resources and contacts came to them, rather than their having to seek out either. Well known examples are Lou Holtz, Notre Dame coach and Jim Carrey, comedian.

As a Christian believer, I don’t ascribe to “name it, claim it” type thinking.  I see something else at work here. Once you and I identify what we really want, we will see opportunities that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Marian’s story of building a state-of-the-art retirement home in a small Nevada town inspires me. Not only did writing clarify her thoughts, but she states,

That’s another benefit of writing  – it helps me to recognize what is happening and to appreciate it. When I don’t write it down, sometimes I overlook… small victories and forget to be grateful.

What is it you really want? Start to keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings in 2011. From organizing, to losing weight, to getting finances in order… it is key to know what you want as an end result. You may be surprised at the strange “coincidences” that help you along the way.

Better yet, find someone with whom to share your goals and desires, and who will cheer you on/hold you up during tough times. That is exactly the role my wonderful sister fills for me. I am grateful.