I’m a professional organizer and yet every day is a struggle for me, just like it is for you. We all want to lay in bed a little longer. I want to sip my coffee while looking out the window, not drink it cold while answering emails. And at the end of the day, I’d like to have a completed to do list, not one that rolls into tomorrow. So how do we get out of the daily struggle and start to succeed? Here are my tips…
1. Never stop learning. This may sound daunting but for most of us there is always something we’ve wanted to do or learn more about. Perhaps you want to know more about interior design in order to decorate your home. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn about auto restoration. With the internet and the endless supply of information at your fingertips, it’s easy to take a few minutes a day to read articles, watch instructional videos or find a blog on your topic of choice. Spend some time learning something new every day.
2. Build relationships. We are all so busy with house hold chores, errands, school activities and work that relationships actually seem difficult to cultivate. If you work from home, it’s even harder to meet people. When you meet someone new, make a plan to meet them again for coffee or dinner. Make sure you are in contact with your friends at least once a week. Check in with them. They are just as busy as you are but saying hello and chatting (even via text) for five minutes can make both of your days brighter.
3. If possible, work at your best time. If you’re a night owl, adjust your schedule so you have some time to get things done in the evening (after everyone goes to sleep). Likewise, if you’re a morning person, get up before everyone and get a head start on the day.
4. Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Before you think I’m corny, I want you to hear me out. The other day I was folding laundry…again…and I was SO tired of it. But then I realized we had clothes to fold. Warm soft clothing to get us through the New England winter. So how could I complain about folding them? Every burden is a blessing in disguise.
5. Do one small nice thing for someone else every day. Say thank you when you get coffee, hold the door for someone, send a text with a compliment in it…you get the idea. Good deeds can be small or large and don’t have to cost you a penny. You will feel better, no matter how stressed you are. It just might change the whole day for the better of the recipient.
What are your ways to make it through the day? Tell me in the comments below!
