We are all well aware that clutter and disorganization causes stress.  Wasting time looking for our stuff and living in a state of chaos is unhealthy.

 

According to NAPO(National Association of Professional Organizers), we spend one year of our lives looking for stuff.  Think about what you would do with an extra year of life.

 

Would you like to lower your stress level and feel better about yourself and maybe even add some extra days onto your life?  Avoid these 4 behaviors that add stress.

 

Procrastination 

 

Why should I do it now, it's so overwhelming! 

 

We procrastinate because the task feels too difficult.   I procrastinate when I'm supposed to be doing my least favorite thing....writing.   

 

Next time you want to procrastinate, ask yourself, "what is one action I can take right now that will move me forward?" My first action step for writing my newsletter is to think of a subject.  This seems to get the ball rolling for me.

 

Are you procratinating about a mountain of paperwork?  Set a timer for 10 minutes and sort until the timer goes off.  Now you are moving forward!  The feeling of success will give you more momentum. 

 

 

 

If it's not perfect then you think, I might as well not do it. 

Go ahead, try to be perfect, but I have to warn you, perfectionism will stop you in your tracks. You will end up criticizing and beating yourself up for not being perfect.  

 

An organized home does not have to look like a magazine photo, with every clothing closet perfectly color coordinated (mine certainly doesn't).  Organization creates functional spaces not perfect spaces. 

 

I'll be very honest with you, before I have client open houses, I have to remind myself that my home does not have to be perfect.   I've learned that it is more important to be relaxed and enjoy the company. 

 

 

I'm not going to start organizing today because I want _________ to happen first. I want to wait until my kids are in school.  But first I have to move or wait until I'm not so busy.  Maybe I should just wait until I retire.

 

There is no time better than the present.  It's true.  If we wait until the best time to get started, the best time may never occur.  In the meantime you are stressed and frustrated about being disorganized and missing out on living an organized life.

 

If I would have waited until I knew everything about running a business or teaching classes I would still be waiting and not helping anyone get organized. 

 

Asking for help is a weakness so therefore I can do it myself.  Wrong! 

 

We all have our talents, strengths and things we love to do.  If organizing isn't one of them then ask for help from a nonjudgmental friend, co-worker, relative, or a professional.

 

I have to admit, when it comes to choosing paint colors for my walls, I'm clueless.  I thought "I should be able to do this."  

 

Instead of trying to figure it out on my own I hired  Showcase Home Stagers.  Debbie and Rosemary picked gorgeous colors for my living room and kitchen.  I'm so glad I asked for help otherwise I would still have beige walls.