What have you accomplished lately?  Do goals drive you, or do they give you anxiety?  I have often heard a new customer say, "I will never get organized!  It all overwhelms me...I hope you can help me."  This newsletter issue is meant to provide helpful information and tips you can really use in your journey to discovering order and freedom from clutter.  I also hope to inspire you to reach whatever goals lay in front of you.

 

Lao Tzu said that time "is a created thing.  To say "I don't have time is to say "I don't want to".

 

Make time for your own organizing revolution!

 

-Jill

 

When I ask my clients what is motivating them to get organized, they will say "so that I can enjoy my home", and "so I can be more productive at work". 

 

But what lies beneath these great goals is great self-doubt.  We hear ourselves say, "I could never (fill in the blank...)!"  I felt the same way about running.

 

When I began running over a year ago, I had one plan in mind - to lose weight.  I thought that if I did enough cardiovascular exercise, I would shed those inches and pounds in no time.  The first few times I went out on the road, I panicked. I couldn't get my breathing right, and I felt tired right away.  I told myself that I was crazy to think I could run a whole mile, especially in the hilly neighborhoods of Mt. Lebanon.  I began to quickly consider walking and the occasional exercise class as excellent alternatives...

 

My goal gradually became to just make it to 2 miles, and I found that very achievable in a short time, surprising myself in the process.  Getting out there every day was tough!  There were times when I wanted to sit down, have a cup of coffee, and read - but my goal was not going to be met if I sat down and made excuses!  I sought encouragement from my step-daughter Alicia, and from my best friend Sharon - who runs faithfully, has her own business, leads a Girl Scout troop, has 2 kids, and who has now completed three marathons. 

 

I began to see progress when I started to become disappointed that, due to my demanding schedule, I wasn't able to get out on the road for more than 1 hour.  Sharon reminded me of when I would complain about taking 20 minutes out of my precious day to pound out those painful 2 miles.

 

I completed my first 10K (6.2 miles) on Saturday, April 7th!  It was early and very cold (two things I do NOT like) and while I certainly wasn't the fastest runner, I DID IT!  I cannot tell you the joy and self-pride I experienced when I (finally) crossed the finish line.

 

The point of me sharing this journey with you is that I believe that every single one of us can set a goal to be whoever we need and want to be - you CAN be organized, despite your own excuses, and stay that way.  Discipline, consistency, and encouragement are the three organizing tools I can share with you.  I want you to finally say, "I am the most organized person I know!", and mean it.

 

I am now planning on running in a Half-Marathon. 

 

What will you do?