Dr. DClutter's Wiseisms and Truthisms™ www.DrDClutter.com * 202-652-1905

2010-12-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I often read a small town paper online called the Daily Herald. In the opinion section, there is something called Sound Off! The purpose is for readers to share comments about what matters to them, ranging from topics about life in the city, politics and personal pet peeves, to compliments and complaints. I thoroughly enjoy reading Sound Off! and decided to offer something similar to you, my faithful followers. I love it!! In Sound Off! readers are encouraged to stay on topic, be respectful and the use of foul or obscene language, personal attacks or uses of another's identity to post are not allowed. The rules for what I am calling "Let Go!! with Dr. DClutter™" are the same. Every Friday is our official Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™ day. I'll post your advice, ideas, stories and thoughts. It'll be a place for you to share your life management and organization issues as well as discuss life events that inspire, empower or bother you. You can "leave it all here", as long as you follow the rules I discussed above. All comments will be reviewed before posting. So get ready, get set and Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™.

Dr. DClutter™

2010-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

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Second Time Around

2010-08-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

I was recently speaking with a friend and we were discussing our respective professions and I shared that my goals are to help people get tasks accomplished, habits changed, and improve their lives-the second time around. That comment garnered a set of raised eyebrows, coupled with a set of perplexing eyes and a tilt of the head. "Why the second time and not the first?" Well, that's an easy answer. Many of us are troopers and desire to combat life's trials, tribulations and plain old everyday occurrences without out help, until we've discovered that what we've been trying to do just isn't working, then we seek assistance. That's why I get to help people achieve their goals on the second time around.

Dr. DClutter™

Allow Change

2010-08-09T07:00:00.003-04:00

Always keep an open mind when it comes to changes in your life. Multiple viewpoints may be just what you need.

Dr. DClutter™

2010-08-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

2010-07-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Heat Wave

2010-07-24T13:45:00.002-04:00

Heat emergency in the Nation's Capital with a 110 degree heat index projected. Please use caution and common sense in the heat. Drink plenty of water, protect your skin and wear light colored clothing IF you HAVE to venture outdoors. If at all possible, please remain indoors. Finally, pay extra attention to the elderly, children, homeless and pets, please!!

Dr. DClutter™

2010-07-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

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Happy Birthday Moma!!

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We've Moved!!

2010-02-22T22:53:00.001-05:00

Thanks for visiting, but we've moved. For up-to-date posts, please visit us at http://drdclutter.blogspot.com/.

Dr. DClutter™

2010-02-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

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2010-02-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Stop. Start.

2010-02-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

This seems so simplistic as I write it, but honestly, it's deeply profound (to me anyway and I hope you will agree). Stop doing the things that hinder your success and start doing those things that promote your success.

Dr. DClutter™

How Did I Get Like This? Part 2

2010-02-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

In my book, Dr. DClutter’s Wiseisms and Truthisms™ Daily Inspirations, Observations and Humorous Musings, I write about the joy of having three brothers (I may have embellished on the joy part, just a bit), but they were great brothers (I have to say that as they or my mother may read this-just kidding). Here's an excerpt from the introduction:

As a child I kept my toys neat, orderly and in place. It was a battle because God blessed me with three brothers, who I will identify as the terminator, the destroyer and the explorer. THE TERMINATOR would decapitate my dolls with a noose and invite me to watch as he snapped their heads off and made a “popping” noise with his mouth (no I did not require therapy from this experience); THE DESTROYER wanted to see how things worked, but at that time did not have the skills to put things back together. Thus, my Show and Tell didn’t have chance of survival. Finally, THE EXPLORER was interested in the cause and effect of everything. So naturally, he wanted to see what would happen if he poured milk into the mouth of my favorite Happy Birthday Tender Love doll. For a trip down memory lane, she came with a birthday cake with a candle that she would “blow” out if you squeezed her stomach. Well, imagine the smell of that birthday wish with two-week-old milk in her belly. Why do I tell you this happy family memory? I tell it so that you will know why I’ve probably always been an organized person. It was out a need to survive!! Seriously, I’ve always had “the gift” of organization. Note that I did not say that I've ALWAYS used it to the best of my abilities or enjoyed it, but it’s been a part of my life.

Thanks to Joyce, www.timewarptoys.com, for the Show and Tell pic!!

Dr. DClutter™

Happy Birthday Malinda!!

2010-02-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Join me in wishing my dear friend, Malinda Simon a Happy _ _th Birthday!! She can fill-in-the-blanks. Enjoy the cake-it's calorie free!!

Dr. DClutter™

Flittering

2010-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

What do you, birds and banners have in common? It's called flittering. It works for birds and banners, but for you, not so much. Do you find that you jump from task to task or from one project to another, without finishing? Yes, some would call that multitasking, but if you're not seeing results, it's just plain flittering. Try focusing on the completion of a task before moving on to the next one. Don't fret, you don't have to do this forever, just give it a few days. Note if you find that you're more or less successful in competing tasks and whittling down your to do list. Please share your results.

Dr. DClutter™

2010-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dual Purposes

2010-01-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

I love items that can serve dual or even multiple purposes. Do you remember the stair stepper that came with the Jane Fonda workout? Well, if you don't pretend that you do and follow along with me (here's a visual aid to help you). I'm currently using mine as a footrest in my office. Wait, does that count since I'm not using it to exercise? Don't judge me (SMILE); I said I love items that CAN serve dual or multiple purposes, not that I had to USE said items for EACH purpose. I digress, but if you can have multiple uses for your favs, imagine the space and money you could save, not to mention the clutter you could eliminate. Also, in my case, I could even lose a few pounds by using mine, but that's for another day!!

Dr. DClutter™

How Did I Get Like This?

2010-01-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm guessing that based on the title, you thought this would be a post about some mistake in my life or possibly a regretful moment. It's neither. I just wanted to share experiences that helped shape me into the person I am. I plan to make it an ongoing series of posts, but I'd love to hear your stories as well. Okay, I've written about this before and I'd like to share more of those fond memories. Both of my grandmothers were strong, hard working, family oriented women. They seemed to make due with the things they had, without ever giving the impression that it was never enough. In hindsight, I know that they struggled, but I honestly never heard either of them complain about it. They both had a great appreciation for the items they'd acquired and took great care of them, but there was always a sense that they were just "things". Their homes were neat and orderly, but when it was time to let go of "things", both did, seemingly without pain or regret. Neither seemed to have an unnatural attachment to "stuff". Once an item had served its purpose and could not be repaired, it was discarded. I believe that taught me a valuable lesson and gave me great insight and perspective on clutter. Don't get me wrong, I like nice things and plenty of them, but I understand that life is about more than the things we collect. It's about family and fun and giving and helping to make another's life a little better. I know, this is starting to sound a little sappy and I'm glad it is. Take the time to remember the "sappy" moments in you life.

Dr. DClutter™

Slow Starter?

2010-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Some days it's all I can do to pull myself from bed to face my to-do list. Do you ever feel like an old battery on a cold winter's morning? You know the feeling, slow to turn over and get going? What do you do to get past the feeling that you need a "jump"? For me, it's thinking about how far behind I'll get if I don't "attack" the day's tasks and get moving. That thought, coupled with the fact that my body's internal clock is stuck on 4:30 am, both work to help me remain motivated. Although, on some days, I admit, I allow myself to hit the "snooze" button and say it's okay to relax and enjoy a little "loafing". The one caveat to the story-it can't become a habit!!

Dr. DClutter™

A Room with a View

2010-01-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

Morning Mountains

These photos represent the many reasons why I'm grateful for every morning that I wake up!! What a view of God's creation in all of His splendor!!

Glorious Sunrise

Dr. DClutter™

Happy Birthday Sharon!!

2010-01-22T07:05:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to the "bestest" sister in the whole wide wooorrrlllddd. Happy birthday to you!! Join me in wishing my favorite (and only) big sister, Sharon, a Happy Birthday.

Love you, most much!!

Dr. DClutter™

2010-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Delete, Delete, Delete

2010-01-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is a simple, but effective attack to conquer the clutter that lurks in your inbox. Just as you would for paper mail, you need to be decisive with each email that dares to land in that coveted space-the inbox. Simply put, you will follow these easy steps for each email you open: Read It and Delete It; or Read It, Act on It and Delete It or and Read It, Act on It and Save It. Notice the difference between the options? Only the last one requires you to save it. Sadly, this is where many of us fall short. Instead of deleting, we simply save everything that comes in. Then, when we need to find an "important" email, we have to search through hundreds, if not thousands of emails that promise the funniest story of the day, the latest sure fire way to become rich (don't believe that one), or ways to lose weight without exercise or diet (don't believe that one either). Well, never more if you simply decide what to do with each email as you read it, your inbox will never become that place where emails live forever. Happy deleting!!

Dr. DClutter™

GO-G2

2010-01-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

This is a truly simple tip that will help you stay ahead of clutter-GO-G2 and stands for Get One-Give Two. It's a hugely popular concept with my clients and class participants, mainly because it's so profoundly simple, but highly effective. This works best if you've already reached a functional level of organization, but can used if you're still trying to get there. So, the next time you allow anything into your space, remember to GO-G2.

Dr. DClutter™

Use Your Inside Voice

2010-01-19T07:00:00.003-05:00

I was given what I thought was a strange compliment while standing in the line at the grocery store the other day. I was on my cell phone and when I was done, a gentleman in line behind me said, "I hope this doesn't sound strange, but I couldn't hear a word of your conversation". My face must have shown my confusion because he continued, "That's a rarity. I'm used to hearing everything everyone says on their cell phones, but standing just a few inches away from you, I couldn't hear a thing".

Cell phones are great tools for life management and keeping in touch with friends, family and business colleagues, but…do people have to hear every word of your conversation? This is especially true when I find myself "trapped" in a small space with no way to exit-mainly an airplane. I was recently on a flight and there were two people seated behind me, both "business people" as evidenced by the multiple references to deals, deadlines and projects. From the airport waiting area, where, they paced and talked and talked and paced, through the tunnel and until they reached their seats, they talked-loudly. While we waited for the plane to taxi down the runway-they talked-loudly. As soon as the plane landed and the announcement was made that we could once again use our cell phones, they started again-loudly. Now, I'm not saying that it's not their right to conduct business wherever and however they please, but it would have been nice if I and the entire plane did not have to hear about the deals that fell through. Please, let's all remember to use our "inside voice".

Dr. DClutter™

Dr. King's Dream

2010-01-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

Today we celebrate the birthday of a historic figure, Dr. Martin Luther King. We are a country that has celebrated great change in the last year, so let's not stop now!! Take the time to remember Dr. King's dream and also make the world a much better place than it was last year at this time. Dream on-still!!

Here's the address for a You Tube video of Dr. King's, "I Have a Dream" speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk, or simply type "I Have a Dream" in your search engine.

Dr. DClutter™

2010-01-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

No Paper Zone

2010-01-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

Do you remember some years ago when there was much discussion about a paperless society? Well, that day has yet to materialize, so until it does, we still have to deal with paper. Just as I've written about the need to make a decision about each piece of physical or electronic mail that dares enter your space, so do you have to be diligent about each piece of paper that "finds" its way into your home or office. If it's not critical to your life (home, health, auto or life insurance polices) or business (receipts and contracts), does not somehow make your life easier (manuals and warranties) or does not absolutely melt your heart (love letters and the like), let it go!! Of course, this is not an all-inclusive list, but a general road map. You'll have to decide what is most important to you, but keep this in mind as you do-EVERYTHING can't be important-you have to let go of most papers that you receive.

Dr. DClutter™

Help the People of Haiti

2010-01-13T14:19:00.003-05:00

We've all heard that every little bit helps. That's especially true for our fellow brothers and sisters in Haiti today. Please donate to help the victims of the devastating earthquake. Whatever the amount will be more than appreciated. Don't think that a "small" donation won't help. Your "small" donation, combined with another person's "small" donation becomes a "big" donation. Please, give what you can.

Dr. DClutter™

To Shred or Not to Shred

2010-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

At a recent seminar I taught, the question about what should be shredded was widely debated. Some said they shredded everything that had any identifiable information on it, while others voiced that they only shredded "critical" information, mainly anything with a social security or account number on it (because so much of our private information is already available on the Internet-sad, but true). I have to admit that I'm from the camp of if it has ANY identifiable information about me on it, it meets the steel teeth of death or at least have a date with a dark permanent marker. It's a personal decision, but know that the criminals only need a few pieces of information to "assume" your identity and paper theft is still widely practiced. Sadly, not everyone will be as diligent about keeping your information private, so with something as innocent as your name and address, someone could possibly steal your identity. My belief is that it's best to be overly cautious, but you will have to decide your level of "shred worthiness". Thoughts?

Dr. DClutter™

Travel

2010-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love to travel, but am not a huge fan of hotels rooms; hate to pack, but love to unpack. Yes, it's a strange set of contradictions, but I embrace my eccentricities. I will never be a carry-on bag kinda person-it's an impossibility. Even if I could manage to get all of my clothes and personal airline approved items into a carry-on (will never happen), I would still need a separate bag for my travel linens-yes, I am that person who takes her own sheets, mattress covers, blanket, towels and wash cloths (this is probably where you're thinking TMI, but I'm a sharer). I've had one too many hotel horror stories of unidentified stains, or mattresses that have morphed from the original white to a hideous shade of brown or red, or found substances that should only be found in a lab, in my hotel room. Don't even get me started about hotel bathrooms. I've seen one too many 20/20 undercover investigations where the infamous black light was used, or spoken with one too many hospitality managers (present and former) who tell of "reusable" bedspreads and towels-yuck!! This may be true at the highest of high-end hotels or best budget friendly motels-it's all equal in my eyes-it doesn't discriminate. My family often jokes and I agree, that I leave a hotel room cleaner when I checkout than it was when I arrived. Now, please don't berate me and tell me how hard hotel workers work-I'm keenly aware of that and appreciate the effort. That's why I make their jobs easier wherever I stay. At least for the duration of my trip, they have one less room to clean-I don't use maid service during my entire stay; the "Do Not Disturb Sign" stays on my door for the duration of the trip. When I'm ready to leave, I leave a nice note that none of the linen or towels were used and that the room has been sanitized from top to bottom. Whether they chose to "reclean" after I leave, well, that's up to them. Happy travels!!

Dr. DClutter™

First Class

2010-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you to those of you who attended the seminar on Saturday. It was a great time and I hope you enjoyed the experience as much as I did. For those who would like more information about this great company, please visit takeaclass.org and tell Deb Leopold I sent you!!

Dr. DClutter™

2010-01-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

I often read a small town paper online called the Daily Herald. In the opinion section, there is something called Sound Off! The purpose is for readers to share comments about what matters to them, ranging from topics about life in the city, politics and personal pet peeves, to compliments and complaints. I thoroughly enjoy reading Sound Off! and decided to offer something similar to you, my faithful followers. I love it!! In Sound Off! readers are encouraged to stay on topic, be respectful and the use of foul or obscene language, personal attacks or uses of another's identity to post are not allowed. The rules for what I am calling "Let Go!! with Dr. D. Clutter™" are the same. Every Friday is our official Let Go!! w/Dr. D. Clutter™ day. I'll post your advice, ideas, stories and thoughts. It'll be a place for you to share your life management and organization issues as well as discuss life events that inspire, empower or bother you. You can "leave it all here", as long as you follow the rules I discussed above. All comments will be reviewed before posting. So get ready, get set and Let Go!! w/Dr. D. Clutter™.

Dr. DClutter™

Commit

2010-01-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you say you're going to do something-do it. If you don't really want to do something-don't say that you will and then change your mind at the last minute. It's not fair to those who depend on you. Commit.

Dr. DClutter™

Missed It!!

2010-01-06T07:00:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wanted to participate in an activity or try something new, but waited for the "right" moment? Well, what happens if that moment never comes? Don't procrastinate in exploring because you might find that the moment has passed you by.

Dr. DClutter™

Grudge Match

2010-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've found that I was my most forgiving self as a zygote. Since then, it has become increasingly more difficult to recapture that forgiving spirit. When I was a child, I held on to a grudge as if it was the last piece of candy in the jar or my favorite toy-tightly and for as long as possible!! As I've aged (I sound as if I'm talking about a piece of cheese), I try not to hold on to offenses AS long. I would love to say that I'm in a place of total enlightenment and that I forgive freely and quickly; yes, I'd like to say that, but I can't. I can say that I'm getting better everyday and the time it takes for me to forgive is getting shorter and shorter. What about you? Are you moving forward toward forgiveness or holding on to grudges as tightly as ever? In a grudge match, there are no real winners, only losers. Now, for those of you who did not pay attention in class, there's a link to a definition of a zygote at the bottom of the page. I won't scold, laugh or mock you for not having paid attention in class!!

ZYGOTE

Dr. DClutter™

Don't Stop!!

2010-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Don't stop at failure; identify it and push past it.

Dr. DClutter™

Happy New Year!! You survived 2009!!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm taking this day to spend with family and friends. I hope you enjoy this repost-with a few edits. I'm looking forward to spending this year with you as we take this journey through 2010!!

Let Go!! w/Dr. DClutter™ will return on January 8, 2009.

Dr. DClutter™

You survived 2009!!

You survived New Year's Eve and are surviving this New Year's Day; so give yourself a well-deserved rest, but don't rest too long. Okay, that's long enough!! What's on your mind today? Well, I'm really thinking about goals especially after the big "no resolutions" pep talk (see the January 1, 2009 post).

So why do we put so much pressure on the first day of the New Year? Well, it's because it's a "blank-slate" type of a day. The year is new, we feel revitalized and we don't have any failures (or what I call successful failures, but more on that later or read my books) to weigh us down. I love the New Year, but why not decide to change because it's Friday, it's May or because you truly want to change? That's the best time to "resolve" to change. By taking change gradually, in stages, you'll give yourself multiple opportunities for success. So follow these steps and see where they take you. Set your goals. Write them down and post them. Tell others about them. Don't be shy-share. Be specific (no generalities allowed here). Be realistic (you cannot lose 50 pounds by February, or at least you shouldn't). Give yourself time-specific frames for achievement (and revisit weekly or monthly to evaluate your success or successful failures). If you break your commitment to change into smaller components (goals), they won't seem as daunting and overwhelming.

Now get to goal setting!!

Dr. DClutter™

2009 to 2010

2009-12-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's the last day of the year for 2009. I hope you've experienced all you desired to experience and have had more successes than successful failures. Don't spend too much time in reflection about those things you weren't able to accomplish, but spend time planning what you can do to make sure you don't have to repeat the same experiences in 2010. Have a great New Year's Eve and an even greater New Year!!

Dr. DClutter™

Give

2009-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

In this season of giving, don't forget to give the gift of your time.

Dr. DClutter™

Succeed

2009-12-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

In life we make many attempts. In life we suffer many failures. After time, we succeed. What a feeling!!

Dr. DClutter™

Mantra

2009-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, you've been conditioned by the phrase, "A place for everything and everything in its place", but when trying to become more organized, let this become your mantra-"Purge, not keep" and repeat. Don't strive to find a place for everything. Discard broken or non-functioning items and only keep those things you'll actually use and need. It's such a freeing feeling-honestly, I wouldn't lie to you. Try it.

Dr. DClutter™

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here's hoping you're sharing this special time of the year with those you hold dear. Have the most joyous Christmas ever.

Merry Christmas!!

Dr. DClutter™

Family

2009-12-24T11:50:00.007-05:00

Often times, due to distance and circumstances, we're not able to be with our family. Today is one of those instances for me. A part of my family lives in North Carolina and Virginia, so I don't get to see them that often, but today I was able to wish a Merry Christmas to the family as they gathered for an annual Christmas breakfast, turned lunch (don't eat or much or those Christmas clothes won't fit!!).

So as promised, here's my "shout out!!"

My sister, Sharon (the one in the gift buying/giving mood-keep it up)
My niece, Jessica (who got her driver's license in November and is still excited about Christmas)
My Aunt Lois (who is looking forward to a return trip to DC)
My Aunt Lillie and Uncle Mott (the snow in a box is on the way)
My cousins, Rhonda (my computer buddy), Devonta (thanks for the cell phone passing), Marion (who is excited) and Denise (with her radio voice).

If I missed anyone at the table, here's a Merry Christmas wish to you too!! Merry Christmas!! I love you all!!

Dr. DClutter™

Picture Perfect-Again

2009-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

This post was so well received last year that I had to share it again. Hopefully, you've completed all or the shopping you're going to do (don't overspend)!! Take the time to enjoy Christmas Eve.

Picture Perfect
You've decorated your house just the way you want it. B. Smith and Martha Stewart would be proud. Why not make it easier for next year? Take pictures of your rooms and use them as a road map for decorating next year. You don't have to follow the same plan each year, but wouldn't it be less stressful to have a guideline for next season? You can also make great Christmas cards by adding the pictures and a personalized note.

Dr. DClutter™

What Do You Hear?

2009-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Words hurt, I just wrote about that the other day. So having said that, do you think we are quick to label people? Often times, it's not in the most positive way either. In previous posts, I've admitted that at times, I am the most Pollyanna person you could ever meet. I have my moments. So when someone assigns a label to me and intends for it to be a negative one, I do my best to make it a positive label. If someone calls me ardent, I hear that I am passionate; call me lazy and I hear that I'm good at conserving energy; say that I'm stubborn and I hear that I'm just loyal to my cause. What do you hear when someone assigns a label to you?

Dr. DClutter™

The Blizzard of 2009-The Morning After

2009-12-22T07:00:00.006-05:00

Well, to be truthful, by the time you read this post, it will actually be a couple of mornings after, but you get my drift. Ah, the break of day and mounds of snow to be shoveled-18 inches as measured by my trusty rulers (I needed two). If you recall (or you can simply revisit the post)http://preciousonesllc.blogspot.com/2009/03/snow-pics.html, I always prepare before a snowstorm by covering our metal steps and walkway in plastic and rugs to make snow removal easier. Well, this time was no different. A quick roll of the plastic and the removal of the rugs, and voilà, "easier" snow removal. I still had to work, 2.5 hours actually, but that included shoveling the sidewalk, two cars, returning all tools and accessories to their proper places and the time it took to regain the feeling in my toes!! Not really true on the toe thing, but imagine how much longer and harder it could have been. Enjoy!!

Dr. DClutter™

The Blizzard of 2009

2009-12-21T07:00:00.003-05:00

If you've even remotely followed me, you are aware of my love of snow. Well, I can say that I experienced snow euphoria during the weekend!! The Blizzard of 2009 is not my title, but what all of the major news stations here in DC were calling this record snowfall (12-24 inches, depending on location). Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Well, it was!! I have some nighttime snow pictures taken December 19, 2009, to show you and hopefully will have some more to share. The white spots in the pictures-snow!! I loved it. Enjoy!!

Dr. DClutter™

These are the captions for the pictures, in order:

The Holly Tree (first picture)

Where's the Fence?-It's a four foot fence, so you can do the math.

Branching Out

Almost to My Knees-I had on boots, but you can barely see them. That should give you some idea of the depth of this glorious snow!!

Just Snow-A view of the yard.

2009-12-18T07:02:00.006-05:00

Non-Productive Guilt

2009-12-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I consider myself a highly productive person, but I have to admit that there are just times when I don't want to do ANYTHING!! If you've read previous posts, you know that I am not a big fan of Mondays-the 2nd day of the week just isn't on my list of favs. I used to feel guilty for being just plain lazy on Mondays, feeling that I should be more productive. Well, I'm learning to get over it and I've decided that it works for me. What was I accomplishing by making myself feel badly for not doing more? Nothing positive, I can tell you. I'm generally highly productive (see I said so in the beginning of the post) the other days of the week, so I more than make up for a well-deserved-beginning-of-the-work-week-slow-down. Non-productive guilt, whatever it may be, doesn't do much to improve my life, so I'm choosing not to allow it. After all, there are too many other things in my life on which I could expend that energy. What about you?

Dr. DClutter™

Still Clutter

2009-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know a man who has as many broken pieces of furniture and items as functional pieces. There's a knob missing from a drawer, a leg from a chair, or perhaps a handle from a mug or two. But if you ask him why he 's keeping all of that "stuff", he has what he considers a very rational answer, "I'm going to get it fixed." Here's my even more rational question, "When?" Maybe you have plans to get "stuff" fixed, throw it out or donate slightly used items and furniture, but until you do, it's still just clutter.
Dr. DClutter™

Past, Present, Future

2009-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

The past is gone. The future isn't here and when it is, it's the present. So, all you really have is the present. In which time frame will you choose to live?

Dr. DClutter™

Self View

2009-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

What is your self-view? When asked to describe yourself, what words first come to mind? Are they mostly positive or negative? We all want to be liked and admired, if not that, at least respected. But if you harbor self-loathing thoughts, you project that to others and you can almost guarantee that you don't represent your most confident self. Take the time to create the best self-view-it's the one that matters most.

Dr. DClutter™

2009-12-11T07:02:00.003-05:00

Round and Round

2009-12-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

How would you describe someone who consistently exhibits the same behavior, but is surprised when they get the same response or outcome? Confused, misguided, uninformed or something else? Sadly, many of us live our lives based on this very premise (whether knowingly or not), and still expect a different outcome without a change in behavior. I liken it to riding on a merry-go-round and wondering why you're going in circles. For change to happen, behaviors must change.

Dr. DClutter™

Sticks and Stones

2009-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Do you remember the little ditty? How many of you sang this as someone hurled an insult at you while you were happily playing on the playground? It still amazes me that this phrase still lingers on today. It's an erroneous and delusional belief that words can't be used to ruin, destroy or harm someone. If not that injurious, words at least can affect how that person feels at any given moment. Oh, and this is just a little bonus for you adults out there-don't forget that children may listen and hear far more than you think they do. So be certain that the words you utter to, about and in front of those little (and not so little) impressionable ears are words you don't mind hearing repeated when you least expect it. Words are powerful, so make a conscious decision to use yours wisely.

Dr. DClutter™

Procrastination Buster-Time It!!

2009-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever timed yourself while performing a chore or task? It's a great motivator and a handy time management tool as well. For example, I folded a full load of clothes in less than two minutes, while microwaving lunch-two tasks for the price of one-SCORE!! I cleaned the bathroom in less than 30 minutes. And I mean a full cleaning, which included an on my hands and knees floor scrubbing, followed by mopping-hey, I like a clean floor, okay? Also included dusting (which I've shared with you that I despise with a passion), washing all bath linen, curtains and bath rugs (the actual washing/drying time was not included in the 30 minute frame, but the time to remove and take them to the laundry room was) and disinfecting all bath fixtures, tub/shower, walls, toilet and cleaning window and mirrors-I'm thorough, can't you tell? What's my point in telling you my laundry and bathroom stories? To let you see that there really is no need to procrastinate on completing tasks, especially if you are already aware of the time it'll take you to finish. If you only have an hour that day to accomplish chores or tasks, you'll know which ones you can reasonably expect to complete. That way you won't start, (but not finish) and become frustrated and totally avoid ever completing any task. Ready, set, time!!

Dr. DClutter™

Searching for Happiness

2009-12-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

“What we see depends mainly on what we look for.”-John Lubbock. How profound!! Our outlook can cloud our perception of our happiness. Our view of our past, current or future circumstances influences how we live our lives and whether we strive for happiness or accept unhappiness. While our circumstances may sometimes seem bleak, negative or even grim, remember that there is always hope and the opportunity for change. It’s okay to see and acknowledge your circumstances as they really are, but always seek to find the positives and that will ultimately decide the type of attitude you have.

Dr. D. Clutter™

2009-12-04T07:02:00.003-05:00

System Failure?

2009-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love routine. I value systems. But when something isn't working for me I want to improve it, alter it, redo it, rethink it, delete it, or simply put-change it. Those who stick with a system when even they know it is not effective, fascinates me. Here's an example: someone I've encountered (name omitted to protect the innocent) has a habit of putting trash/recycling into plastic bags and then hanging them on the doorknob of her front door. Her rationale is that if the bag is there, she'll remember to take it out and place it in the trash/recycle can. Great effort...few results. Many times, the bags simply multiply until she can no longer turn the knob of her door!! But she still thinks it's a working system. Look, I applaud effort, but when is the time that you decide that the system is just not working? This was a somewhat humorous example, but what if the faulty system you're using is impairing your function or endangering your life? Take the time to assess the systems in your life and decide which ones are working and which ones need to join those bags in the trash/recycle can. Dr. D. Clutter™

Complaints

2009-12-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

Do you complain when you've received poor service? What about if you aren't satisfied with a product? If your cell phone company overcharges you, would you let it slide? Well, not me. Ask anyone who knows me-I can complain with the best of them. Now, I don't complain just for the fun of it; I have to have a valid reason. And if I must say, I'm quite good at it. Here a few tips to "proper" complaining:

Always remain calm, professional and composed. Never yell or call the person on the other end anything but their given name-it goes a long way towards getting you what you want.

Document, document, document. Always get the name and ID number of the person to whom you spoke.

Note the time and date of your complaint.

Note the proposed outcome the company has offered.

Don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if you're not satisfied with the first response.

Follow up if you don't receive the proposed outcome.

Only complain if the situation warrants. Don't do it just for fun. No one wins in that situation.

Dr. D. Clutter™

First to Last-Again

2009-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it? One year ago, I posed this question to you: What things have you procrastinated about only to wake up and realize that the year is almost over? So, I thought it would be a hoot to revisit it and hear about all of the progress you've made since then. Did you notice how positive I phrased that last question? Of course, I could have asked if you were in the same place (or worse) than you were when we last visited this topic, but we're not going in that direction. Now, if you happen to be in that place, don't despair. You have multiple days for change in the last month of 2009-31 to be exact. So that you don't have to scroll or search for the original post, Here it is for your reading pleasure (and also to hopefully serve as motivation-if you need it!!). Go ahead, read and substitute 2009 for 2008 and blast full speed ahead into all that you need to accomplish.

Dr. DClutter™

First to Last-Originally posted December 1, 2008

It's the first day of the last month of 2008!! What things have you procrastinated about only to wake up and realize that the year is almost over? Go ahead, I'll wait because if you're like most, that list could get pretty long. No need to fret, however, because you can still accomplish some of those tasks. Prioritize and get that long "To Do" list down to a manageable size. Tackle the larger projects first and make sure you have a plan of attack. Write it down. More importantly, don't become discouraged and locked into a mind battle against time-you'll lose. Instead, take the position that there are only so many hours left that you have to work with and get started. Enjoy the journey.

Dr. DClutter™