Month's End Review

Well, we're near the end of the first month of 2009. Can you believe it?? How have you done with your resolutions? If you ignored my post, you made them, so give me an update. If you read and heeded my advice, you should still be on track for changing habits and instituting your new goals. I've included the "New Year's Resolutions" post below for those of you who want a review. Either way, I hope you've been successful in your endeavors. If you've had a few successful failures, that's okay as well. I'll return in February (yes, I know that's Monday) with more life organization insights, strategies, hints, ideas, and tips. Happy-almost-end-of-the-month!!



New Year's Resolutions

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! WELCOME 2009!!

Every year around this time people make their New Year's Resolutions. You know the ones: I will lose weight; I will quit this or that. You manage to stick to your resolutions for a minute and then you return to old habits. Ah, the comfort zone.

Well, this year, let's be different. Don't make any New Year's Resolutions. "What, no New Year's Resolutions??!! Yes, she's finally gone off the deep end". No, I have not, not really. Instead of putting the pressure of changing multiple habits in your life because it's a New Year, focus on one that you really want to change. "But isn't that a resolution"? Possibly, but I don't want you to think about it as a "New Year's Resolution"-that's a loaded phrase and one that might cause you to set unrealistic expectations.

Change your language and your thinking and your behavior will change; change your thinking and your language and behavior will change. It may sound like a simple play on words, but since the majority of people break or abandon resolutions before the month is over, why add the pressure? Instead of saying and thinking, "I will become organized this year", say and think (and do), "I will take these steps to become more organized this year and then list them (and do them). This is a great example: I will join a gym to lose 10 pounds (you know 10 is the magic number for some reason); I will join a gym to lose 10 pounds, go everyday and work out for one hour; I will join a gym to lose 10 pounds and change my eating habits by eating breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks." See, those are very specific and planned goals.

Have a wonderfully organized year-one day at a time!!


Dr. D. Clutter™