For me, December is always a time to look back over the past year and see just how far I've come before jumping into my new year planning. It's too easy for me to focus on what still needs to be done and, in fact, looking at my "intentions and possibilities" for 2009, I have quite a few that will move over to my 2010 list.  But I'm taking the time this month to celebrate my attempts and my successes.

Tips & Tricks started out 2009 with the six stages of organizing and a suggestion to pick an organizing project to work on.  Then in August,the newsletter got a major make-over.  I hope you've enjoyed the new format and service provider because it certainly has made my life easier.

I added Clutter Coaching (organizing help over the phone) to my list of services and held teleclasses on clearing closets and dealing with those paper piles.  I received additional training on chronic disorganization, Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, hoarding and coaching techniques.  I gained more skills and got some great ideas to help my clients.

I didn't accomplish all the things I had "wanted to do" but I have to live my own advice -- get realistic about the time it takes to do things, take small steps each & every day, make it fun (and it has been fun), focus mainly on the 'next step' (not the whole overwhelming picture), keep track of what has been accomplished and celebrate those successes.

I invite you to take some time to celebrate your starts, attempts, successes, accomplishments and completions.