Nothing To It But To Do It!

Be Proactive, Happy, Organized By Maria Gracia

So many times I’ve heard people say they want to learn how to play a musical instrument, learn a foreign language, draw, take a vacation or any number of things that would be enjoyable. But very often it’s all talk and no action.

There are so many things in life to enjoy, but our time on this earth is limited. Be proactive in setting the stage for the rest of your life. Each week, set at least one goal and begin working towards reaching that goal, even if it’s only for a few minutes each day. Don’t let your life pass you by without doing the things you’ve always meant to do.

Whether you’ve just completed a 10K run, or you’ve just organized your medicine cabinet, be proud of yourself for the things you accomplish each day. What’s the sense of doing something, if you can’t truly enjoy the satisfaction of having done it?

Every accomplishment is a steppingstone for your next accomplishment. The more satisfied you are with yourself, the more you’ll want to do.

Each day, think of at least ten things that make you really happy to be alive – your spouse, your children, your pet, your garden, your health, your home, the moon, the ocean, flowers, trees, puffy clouds – whatever you can think of that makes you smile.

List these ten things each morning, before you start off your day. Carry this list with you, and refer to it throughout the day, especially at those times when you might be feeling a bit stressed. Your list can be a constant source of positive energy.

What’s holding you back from enjoying each day? The ever-growing pile of laundry? The kitchen table stacked with mail? A cluttered living room? A calendar jam-packed with stuff, much of which you don’t even want to do? A demanding job? No matter what the obstacle is, it can be overcome. But you can’t expect to overcome all of your obstacles immediately. It takes time, but little by little, you can get rid of each one.

Focus on one of those obstacles each week. For instance, if the laundry pile is bothering you, why not work on that problem this week? Do a load of laundry each day until it’s done. Or, if the living room is cluttered, have a 15-minute clean-up session with your family, until it’s less chaotic.

You get the picture. The obstacles will only go away once you decide to focus on getting rid of them.

Choose one day each week, and on that day jot down the words, "Seize the day!" on your calendar. When that day arrives, do something spontaneous that you wouldn’t normally do but something you could do in one day. You might go bowling, or go on a picnic, or take a dance lesson or flip through a book about astronomy.

Since the things you choose can be experienced in one day, with very little preparation, you’ll be more inclined to do them.

Plus, doing something you don’t normally do can pull you outside of your comfort zone, add excitement to your day, give you the opportunity to experience something new and build your self-esteem.

P.S. If you enjoyed these tips, get over 1,300 more in my book, Finally Organized, Finally Free.

Many books on organizing are filled with difficult concepts and theory. None of that here! Every idea, tip and technique is simple, proven effective and ready for you to use immediately. Over 1,300 simple organizing ideas in 60 chapters, plus fill-in-forms and checklists! Organize your kitchen, basement, desk, office, closets and every other room in your home or life! Better manage your time, eliminate procrastination, stop being late, prioritize like a pro. Get your paper under control, create a more effective filing system, motivate yourself to get and stay organized. You’ll find it all, and more in my book, Finally Organized, Finally Free! For more information, check out Maria’s website, www.getorganizednow.com.