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Reading time – 1 minute
The longest day of darkness or light is December 21
I am about to pass the longest day of darkness in 2024 and move into more light coming into my life each day. I visited the Northwest Territories in July one year. There were 22 hours of bright sun and 2 hours of dusk. At this time I think of those people with 22 hours of darkness and 2 hours of dusk. Whether you are moving into a time of more light or a time of increasing darkness:
I hope your holiday season is filled with :
- joy for all the things you have learned and conquered in 2024
- light to see a new way of building relationships and
- happy expectations for 2025.
Wishing you a season where you can feel joy, light and happiness.
Share how you overcome the darkness to fill it with light.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually through Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 5 minutes
My guest blogger is Maria Stuart. I appreciate her sharing this advice.
Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but the process often comes with unexpected challenges. One of the most common pitfalls is packing and storing excess items, which can add unnecessary complexity and cost to your move. Excess belongings can slow down every process step, from packing and loading to unpacking and organizing. You can plan more efficiently and save time, energy, and money with focus and the right action.
The Hidden Costs of Packing Too Much
When you pack and store items you no longer need or rarely use, it not only increases the time required to move but also adds to your expenses. Every extra box, bag, or item takes up space and adds weight, leading to higher transportation and labour costs. More items also mean purchasing additional packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, which can add up quickly. The increased volume of excess items can significantly inflate moving costs for hiring professional movers. Movers often charge based on the size or weight of the load, so the more you pack, the more expensive your move becomes.
Why Downsizing Matters
Streamlining your possessions before a move is not just about reducing clutter; it’s also a way to save money and minimize stress. Excess items can slow the packing and loading process, delay your move, and make unpacking at your new home overwhelming. When you downsize, you simplify the entire moving process and ensure that your energy is spent only on items that truly matter to you.
Don’t wait to discover how packing and storing excess items can cause moving pitfalls.
How to Downsize Effectively Before a Move
Downsizing simplifies your move and helps you start fresh. Begin by sorting your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Ask yourself, “Have I used this in the past year?” or “Does this add value to my life?” If not, it’s time to part ways. Donate usable items to local charities or sell them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. A garage sale is another easy way to remove unwanted items while earning extra cash. Streamlining your belongings will reduce moving costs and create a more organized space in your new home.
How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Packing and Storing Excess Items
To make your move more efficient, follow these steps to declutter and organize your belongings before the big day:
- Sort and prioritize: Separate your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. Be honest about what you truly need.
- Start early: Begin decluttering weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Rent a storage unit wisely: Only store items you will use shortly or have long-term value.
- Minimize packing supplies: Fewer items mean fewer boxes, saving money and effort.
- Digitize when possible: Scan documents and photos to reduce physical storage needs.
The Role of Excess Items in Moving Delays
One of the most overlooked consequences of packing and storing excess items is the additional time it takes to load and unload your belongings. Take action now, reduce what you pack, and save valuable time and energy. Movers may spend extra hours handling unnecessary items, which can lead to delays in transportation and higher fees if movers charge by the hour. Excess belongings also create logistical challenges, as larger or bulkier items may require special handling or additional storage space. Even if you’re moving alone, the sheer volume of excess items can make the process exhausting. Multiple trips to transport everything can lead to burnout, making the entire move far more stressful than it needs to be.
Packing Smarter, Moving Faster
A well-organized move begins with thoughtful planning. Start by inventorying everything you own and identifying which items you use regularly versus those gathering dust. If something hasn’t been used in months or years, it’s a good candidate for donation or disposal. Decluttering also creates opportunities to help others. Items in good condition, such as clothing, furniture, or electronics, can be donated to local charities or given to friends and family.
Also, to pack like a pro after decluttering, use the right packing supplies, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape, to keep your belongings safe. Adopt a room-by-room packing strategy to streamline the process, focusing on one area at a time to stay organized. Be sure to label and organize boxes by content and room destination—this simple step will save time and energy when unpacking in your new home. Planning ahead and efficiently packing can make your move smoother and faster.
Rethinking Storage: Value vs. Cost
When storing items, it is important to think critically about their future value and necessity. Seasonal decorations, sentimental items, or belongings you might need in the future can be stored temporarily, but consider whether these items are worth the ongoing storage cost. For instance, if an item hasn’t been used in years and holds little practical or emotional significance, it might be better to donate or sell it instead of paying to keep it in a storage unit.
Additionally, downsizing your belongings before renting a storage unit can lead to significant savings. By carefully curating what you choose to store, you may be able to rent a smaller, more affordable unit. That reduces costs and prevents you from holding onto items that could become a burden over time. Choose from innovative storage solutions when downsizing and moving to a smaller home.
Fewer things equals lower costs of moving.
The Long-Term Benefits of Decluttering
Packing and storing excess items doesn’t just slow you down during the move—it also affects how quickly you settle into your new home. Fewer items mean less unpacking, giving you more time to focus on arranging your new space. Moving into a clutter-free home can be refreshing and helps create a more organized living environment from day one. Decluttering before your move also helps you better appreciate the belongings you choose to keep. When your new home is filled only with items that have a purpose or bring joy, it’s easier to maintain a clean and functional space. This approach makes your move a logistical success and a positive start in your new home.
In Conclusion
Packing and storing excess items can quickly complicate your move, wasting time and increasing costs. By decluttering your belongings, prioritizing essentials, and carefully planning your packing strategy, you can enjoy a smoother, more budget-friendly relocation. A little upfront effort can save you time, money, and stress, helping you settle into your new home easily. Start early, pack smart, and make your move a positive experience.
Share a moving tip that made your move easier
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 3 minutes
Here are some tips for holiday planning to make a H A P P Y season.
Holiday Decorating
You may be feeling overwhelmed or disorganized by the number of items on display in your house. Try putting the non-seasonal items away to reduce the number of items on display.
Think about decorating with fewer items but larger size items. This means there are fewer items to pack and unpack which will reduce the amount of time you need to prepare your home.
Take advantage of using linens to cover tables or end tables and seasonal pillowcases to cover throw cushions to decorate couches. They may be less bulky to store and cover a larger area making your home seem completely decorated while taking less time to get the job done.
Use items that self-destruct so you don’t need to pack them away, flowers, paper towels, and tissue boxes all give your house a festival spirit but don’t need to be packed away and stored.
When you go through your decorations part with the ones you no longer need early in the month so thrift stores have an opportunity to sell them and so they don’t need to store them until next year. Some stores don’t take holiday décor in January and then you will be stuck storing them for another year.
What tips do you have for a H.A.P.P.Y holiday season? Share on XAccept Help
Acknowledge that you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed and when people offer to do things say yes. We all love to help people so let people feel good about themselves by allowing them to help you.
Parties may be larger again this year. It is a good time to try a new way of doing things. Allow people to help clean up dishes on their way out the door. Be ready for it. Have a place to put cutlery to soak. Have a container for compost. Put glasses or coffee mugs directly into the dishwasher.
You may need to accept help with setting up a hybrid party. Put one of those “youngsters” in charge.
Planning is important
Use a to-do list. Divide your to-do list into to pick up, to e-mail, to call, to buy then you can plan your day and route to get things done and not be driving back and forth all over town. The trick here is to look at the list and use it not just make it.
Keep your plans from year to year, record your menu, grocery list quantities and timelines. Each year you can reuse, revise and update the plan.
People and relationships are the reason for the season
Some people like to send cards in December. I keep my cards and addresses and stamps together. When I am going somewhere where I will be waiting I pick up the supplies and take them along and write my cards. I have done it in many places including my van. I usually leave replies to someone who has sent me a long letter until January.
Use your spare moments to write cards
You may want to send e-cards. Jacquie Lawson is the site I use. If you want to automate the card-sending operation there is a company called Send Out Cards. You can attach a gift to the card.
Gift-giving may be an area where you are developing a system. Have you thought about Clutter-free gift giving?
Consider the idea of a gift that self-destructs. See my post on Clutter Free Gift Giving .
Yes you can
Being organized is more about an attitude than how something looks. It is not about having the perfect home, party or gift. It is doing the best you can with the time and resources that you have. The only way to get better at organizing is to practice. It is a skill that can be learned and with practice, it becomes easier and easier.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time 5 minutes
There are many considerations when trying to purchase the perfect present. Sometimes the person has everything. Some people may feel that they have enough stuff and they don’t want to have to decide how to store more items. Some people feel that they need to keep everything they are given whether they need it or like it or can use it. They are afraid of hurting the giver’s feelings. It may feel like an impossible mission. Consider the idea of a gift that self destructs.
Give tickets to an event
Sporting, theatre, art gallery exhibits, or musical events. Most of these types of events have virtual or live performances. Give them tickets so it won’t be a gift card that they file or lose. Most performances will allow tickets to be exchanged for a different date. You can support your local community by purchasing tickets to a little theatre production, or concert. Give them the gift of entertainment.
Rent a sports venue
It can be an hour of ice time, indoor soccer, indoor tennis, indoor pickleball and indoor golf. This type of gift usually gets people together to socialize and be active. It is a gift of physical and emotional health.
Give an experience as a gift then there is nothing to store Share on XLessons
You can give lessons to a person. Art lessons, wine tasting, golfing, home improvement, music, craft, beading, the ideas are limitless. Many lessons are delivered virtually and in person. Goggle _______lessons. You fill in the blank It can be one lesson or a group of lessons. You can do it as a group or a person can do it solo. Give the gift of a new experience.
Food
Give a gift of a meal, prepared by you for them on a mutually agreed date. You may want to give them a batch of muffins every month or whatever their favourite food is. People enjoy receiving homemade Christmas cookies or a fruit plate. You can go online and search COOKIES in a Jar. The recipient of the cookie mix adds water or milk and bakes the cookies. Give the gift of sharing your time with others.
A Service
Someone may enjoy being relieved of performing a tedious job. Arrange for a cleaning service, car detailing, professional organizer, snow removal, and lawn care. Give them the gift of time for themselves.
Charities
There are many charities that can benefit from donations. Select a charity and make a donation in the name of the person. Look at one aspect of the person’s life and try to find a charity that represents their interests. Give them the gift of generosity.
Give the gift of Fun
One year we rented a hot tub for a week. Another year I bought rocket kits for everyone, we built the kits and shot off the rockets.
Give the gift of memories
This year may be the perfect time to collect family photos and make a calendar. There are many online sites you can use to make the calendar. At the end of the year, you can let it go and make a new one. Give them the gift that keeps on giving.
Here are a few gifts that are clutter-free, personal and thoughtful and the ideas are endless. Don’t let time stop you from creatively finding the gift you want to give.
Share your idea in the comments
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually on Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to help you reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Book Review of Finished by Jon Acuff
Reading Time – 10 minutes
Introduction
“Finished: Give Yourself the Gift of Done” by Jon Acuff is a fresh and transformative guide that reshapes the way we think about setting and achieving goals. Known for his humorous and relatable writing style, Acuff tackles a serious issue that resonates with many: why so many goals are started but left unfinished. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, Acuff argues that the typical methods for achieving goals often set us up for failure. Instead, he presents an unconventional approach to success, emphasizing the importance of progress over perfection and dismantling the myth that relentless hustle is the only path to achievement.
This book is especially relevant for professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives who find themselves consistently setting ambitious goals but struggling to follow through. It shifts the focus from unrealistic standards to a more practical and sustainable way to achieve consistent, measurable progress. Below, we explore Acuff’s core principles, practical advice, and impactful insights that make Finished a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
The Perfection Problem
Acuff begins by identifying perfectionism as a major culprit in why people abandon their goals. He points out that perfectionism creates an all-or-nothing mindset, where any imperfection becomes a reason to give up. This is evident in how many New Year’s resolutions falter after just a few weeks. Instead of helping us strive for success, perfectionism often acts as a barrier to progress by convincing us that anything less than flawless execution isn’t worthwhile.
A central message in Finished is that “perfect” is not only unrealistic but also a trap that can paralyze us. Acuff argues that rather than aiming for perfection, we should focus on completing our goals—even if the result isn’t ideal. This mindset shift can lead to better results and less frustration, as the act of finishing itself becomes a powerful motivator for future endeavours.
Cut the Goal in Half
One of Acuff’s most striking recommendations is to “cut your goal in half.” He explains that people often set goals that are overly ambitious, thinking that high standards will drive them to achieve more. However, unrealistic goals tend to lead to burnout and discouragement, making people more likely to give up when progress slows. By cutting goals in half, Acuff encourages a focus on attainable targets, which can lead to greater motivation, productivity, and satisfaction.
In a professional setting, this approach can be transformative. For example, rather than setting a goal to double business revenue in one year, it might be more realistic to aim for a 25% increase. Breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable pieces increases the likelihood of success and gives individuals and teams a greater sense of accomplishment.
Choose What to Bomb
Acuff introduces a novel concept of “choosing what to bomb,” which involves deciding which areas of life to intentionally neglect when working on a specific goal. Since time and energy are limited, achieving goals often requires sacrificing other activities or responsibilities temporarily. By prioritizing what’s essential and consciously “bombing” what isn’t, Acuff argues that we can better channel our focus and avoid burnout.
For professionals, this principle is a game-changer, especially in an age where multitasking and overcommitting are common pitfalls. Instead of feeling the pressure to excel in every area, individuals can zero in on high-priority tasks while accepting that certain areas may not receive the same level of attention.
Make It Fun If You Want It Done
One of Acuff’s most relatable insights is that goals are easier to achieve when they’re enjoyable. He suggests that people underestimate the importance of enjoyment in goal-setting, often thinking that achieving big goals has to be difficult or unpleasant. Acuff encourages readers to find ways to make the process fun because, as he puts it, “fun is fuel.” Making goals enjoyable increases commitment and reduces the likelihood of giving up.
Professionals can apply this principle by incorporating elements of fun into their work processes. Whether through team-building activities, friendly competitions, or simply allowing for creativity and flexibility in projects, making work enjoyable can increase productivity and morale.
Get Rid of the Secret Rules
Acuff also addresses the “secret rules” people unknowingly follow, which often hold them back. These rules can include unspoken beliefs like “I have to work 24/7 to be successful” or “If I don’t achieve this by a certain age, I’m a failure.” Such mental restrictions limit our potential and often cause unnecessary stress. Acuff encourages readers to identify and challenge these invisible rules, which can free them from self-imposed limitations and open up new possibilities.
In a business context, shedding these secret rules can lead to breakthroughs in performance and confidence. For instance, letting go of the notion that “success means doing it all alone” can empower professionals to seek collaboration and support, often resulting in higher-quality outcomes.
Give Yourself Grace
One of the most refreshing takeaways from Finished is Acuff’s emphasis on self-compassion. He reminds readers that setbacks are a natural part of any process and encourages them not to be too hard on themselves when things don’t go perfectly. This principle is especially impactful in a professional world where failure is often stigmatized. Instead of viewing setbacks as signs of inadequacy, Acuff suggests treating them as learning opportunities that can provide valuable insights for future attempts.
The idea of giving oneself grace can be transformative for both personal and professional development. By shifting the focus from rigid expectations to a mindset that allows room for growth and resilience, individuals can approach their goals with renewed enthusiasm and a willingness to try again.
Conclusion
Jon Acuff’s Finished is a practical and thought-provoking guide that challenges traditional approaches to goal-setting. By advocating for progress over perfection, encouraging fun and flexibility, and teaching readers to prioritize wisely, Acuff offers a refreshing approach to completing goals. This book is a reminder that the path to achievement doesn’t have to be gruelling or defined by impossible standards. Instead, by being realistic, adaptable, and kind to ourselves, we can not only finish what we start but also enjoy the journey along the way.
Whether you’re a professional looking to enhance productivity, an entrepreneur chasing ambitious dreams, or simply someone wanting to follow through on personal aspirations, Finished provides tools and insights to help you succeed. In a world where unfinished projects often pile up, Acuff’s strategies offer a roadmap to completion—and to the joy and satisfaction that come with seeing a goal through to the end.
In the comments let me know what strategies help you to finish your goals.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
What good is having focus if you don’t take any action? Conversely, if you take action without a focus, how will you know you are doing the right things? As you can probably surmise, focus and action go hand in hand.
This is the third blog in this series on taking action to be more productive. Here are the links to the other posts, 3 Secrets to Help You Take Action Now and Reasons Why You Should Become an Action Taker.
The concepts reinforce each other. Suppose you decide that you need to increase sales, or whatever your goal happens to be. You plan out the steps and use them to set your focus. Then, when you execute the plan by taking action, you will learn that your focus was correct. Or, you will learn that it didn’t work out for some reason and that you need to consider alternate plans.
The last sentence of the previous paragraph is important. Not everything you plan will work out and you need to keep that in mind. If you find something isn’t working out, and you don’t believe it is going to get any better, don’t hesitate to find something else. Otherwise, the focus-action loop will get stale, and you will get frustrated. This is a negative reinforcement that will only serve to help you fail.
Failure is part of the process. Your actions should be iterative along with measures of what is happening. It can’t hurt to have alternative plans defined at the beginning of the cycle if that is possible. If not, just determine those alternatives when they make sense.
When you continue in this manner, you will find your focus is more intense. This is because you believe the actions you take will lead you to the desired results and you’ll shift your focus if it doesn’t.
If you need to extend this entire concept to a team, make sure they understand that the possibility of failure exists. This will help you guide them to different paths. Of course, if a few of the team members are not doing their part, this is another path you will need to deal with. These members may not be clear on the benefits of the plan. When that happens, they will lose focus, and they won’t be able to take action. Or, the actions they do take will not coincide with what the team is trying to deliver.
When you approach your goals in this way, you will likely excel at your job or business. You’ll have a renewed sense of purpose and you will bring the business to new heights.
Let’s work together to help you take action on your goals.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
I started this 4 part series with a blog on 3 Secrets to Help You Take Action.
What’s stopping you from taking action? Is it fear? Perhaps you’re waiting for the right break instead of making your opportunities in life. Or maybe you believe you’re not smart or talented enough? These negative beliefs are holding you back.
There’s a reason why so many intelligent people fail. They tend to overthink everything and are often afraid to take risks. If that’s your case, here are some powerful reasons to become an action-taker:
Get Rid of Doubts
If you don’t take action, you’ll keep wondering What if? You will struggle with self-doubt and question your decisions. Taking action builds experience and boosts your confidence. It also allows you to discover new resources and information that will contribute to your success.
Your Time Is Limited
Steve Jobs once said that remembering you’re going to die is the best way to stop thinking you have something to lose. Your time on this earth is limited. You never know what’s going to happen a month or a year from now on.
You might never get a second chance to rent that perfect office space in your area, go to that meeting you’ve been postponing for weeks, or apply for your dream job. Take action today! Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve!
One Thing Leads to Another
Getting started is often the hardest yet the most important step to success. No matter your plans, you must take action to bring them to life.
Once you make that first step, everything else will fall into place. It may or may not work out as you hope, but it will lead to something new. Think of it as an opportunity to grow and learn.
Let’s say you want to apply for a job that sounds perfect for you, but you know you aren’t quite qualified enough. Yes, it’s scary to apply, but what’s really at stake? Even if you don’t get the job, you’ll get practice interviewing for your dream job. You’ll also get feedback on what you need to focus on to get a similar job in the future. When you start taking action, you get results.
Develop Your Skills
Whether your projects succeed or fail, there’s always a chance to learn new things. Taking action will help develop your skills, leading to greater confidence.
The next time you want to take action on a dream, you’ll feel better prepared and have more experience. On top of that, you’ll approach things from a new perspective and won’t repeat the same mistakes.
Please connect with me if you need a supportive hand to start you on your journey.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Some people are just better at taking action than others. At least, that’s how it can often seem when you want to take action but can’t figure out how you should go about it. You can transform yourself from a thinker to a doer using the following three secrets.
1. Stop Waiting For The Perfect Time
The most obvious difference between a thinker and someone who is a doer is that doers don’t worry about waiting for the perfect time. This is because perfection is a myth. There is no such thing as the perfect time. You will always have a full schedule; you will always have other things to do. It is time to accept that there is no time like the present for whatever you wish to accomplish. So stop waiting, and start doing instead.
2. Write Your Plan Down
Many people don’t take action now because they aren’t sure where to start. If your plan is quite large, like a career change, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start. What helps with this is to sit down and make an outline of your plan or goal. Break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Then, start with the first manageable piece that you can do. For the career example listed above, the first step would be to update your resume to apply for new jobs. Seems much more approachable than just thinking you want a new career, right?
3. Overcome Your Fear
Are you afraid to take action now because you don’t think you will be successful? Or maybe you are afraid that you will make mistakes along the way? You aren’t alone. Most people who aren’t doers don’t take action because they are afraid of what could happen. Either way, it’s time to overcome these fears so that you can take action now. And the best way to do this is by recognizing that you are human and that making mistakes is part of life. Don’t worry about thinking you may fail; this is okay too. Remember that all successful people have had failures too. This doesn’t mean they didn’t eventually achieve their dreams! Learn more about the fear of failure and how to overcome it in this article, 11 Ways to Overcome Fear. Author Erica Juras wrote a blog Face Your Dreams . She talks about fear, facing it and how she was able to write a trilogy.
Taking action now can seem like a tall order, but when you have these three secrets up your sleeve, you may find that taking action is easier than you originally thought. So if you have big plans for your life, don’t sit around waiting for them to happen on their own. Take action today and make your dream a reality.
Book an appointment with me to start on your journey to success
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
Many of the things you do each day to reach your goals can be achieved by creating small routines or daily habits that you perform primarily without thinking about it each day. By making your actions routine and, more importantly, a habit, you’ll get more done and not feel like you’re always working.
- Get Hydrated – Start each day with a couple of cups of water. Some people prefer lemon water. You can enjoy it cold or warm depending on the time of the year. Starting off your day hydrated will boost your energy and make it more likely you get to your to-do list.
- Review Your Schedule – As you go through life, you should use a to-do list each day. Before you start your day, glance at your to-do list to get an overview of what you need to do during your day. I plan my schedule the day before. Then, prioritize the items according to my needs in the morning. Sometimes overnight things change.
- Create a Morning Routine – Set up a morning routine for your self-care, which may include taking a shower, making your bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, etc. You may also want to add meditation, do some yoga, or journal in the morning routine. My morning routine starts with a walk, then shower and dressing for the day depending on the type of work I will be doing. Next is breakfast and making my lunch. I am off to my office to look at emails and do some social media marketing. Then my day starts and the To-Do list is important.
- Invest in Your Nutrition – One way to become more productive is to eat right. Your diet is as important as exercising. Eat according to your dietary needs. By prepping your food in advance makes it easier to stick to a plan each day. This is why I pack my lunch at breakfast. If I take my lunch to work with me I am less likely to grab fast food. Some people like to pack their lunch after supper. I also plan 1 week of suppers before I go grocery shopping. I enjoy not having to think about what to make for supper each night.
Plan a menu then build your grocery shopping list.
- Develop a Positive Mindset – Find ways to look at the positive aspects of your life. When you have a positive mindset or outlook, it tends to strengthen your motivation. The motivation usually comes after you take action and focus on the feelings you experience after you take a specific action. That successful experience encourages you to be more positive because you feel more productive and helpful.
- Celebrate Your Victories – When you are successful and accomplish something, find a way to celebrate, no matter how small. You can draw on the experience to motivate you to take more action. Treat yourself to a walk, a trip to the gym, tea or coffee, a warm bath, a hot relaxing shower, a movie or a dance party.
- Segment Your Workday – Don’t work all the time. This is especially important if you work for yourself. The work never ends. Set boundaries. Set specific hours for your workday. Stick to these hours at least 80 percent of the time. Keep in mind that remaining flexible is important. Sometimes working hard is going to be required, but it’s not required every single day.
Each time you add a routine to your day that can be repeated regularly and easily, you are beginning to create a habit. Habits are difficult to stop. This is because they incorporate a trigger and have a rewarding response. This is called conditioning. Set up your triggers to be rewarding so you can trigger yourself to succeed in all areas of life. If you need help developing routines contact julie@mindoverclutter.ca
What routines help you to be productive?
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 3 minutes
Mind over Clutter offers many virtual organizing services
Virtual organizing allows me to support your organizing projects by providing planning, coaching, accountability and mentoring while remaining at home or in the office.
If you’re unsure about getting organized virtually try one of these complimentary sessions.
A complimentary 30-minute chat
You can show me your space, send me pictures or we can chat about how to start your organizing project.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/virtualorganizingchat
A 30-minute complimentary menu planning consultation
After our 30-minute session, you will be able to build a menu plan that suits your food taste, lifestyle and personality.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/menuplanningconsultation
A complimentary 30-minute home routine assessment
Having systems and routines reduces the stress and energy needed to keep things working smoothly in your home. They become automated freeing up time to do other things. In this complimentary 30-minute session, we will discuss one area of your life that needs a system to make things easier. You will leave with ideas you can put in place and try.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/developinghomeroutines
If you’re ready to start working on your project with me, book an appointment or contact me julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Virtual organizing services
Virtual home and office organizing services can be offered in 4 formations. The A, B, C, D’s Read about each format and then contact me to discuss what system is best for you julie@mindoverclutter.
Create your menu plan
In this 2-hour session, we will discuss, your schedule, food preferences, desire to cook and the number of people in your household and create a menu plan that you can use for a year. It will be flexible and adaptable to each week.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/createyourmenuplan
Establishing routines for your home
After this 1 hour session, you will leave with a step by step system developed to suit your needs to help make a specific area of your life simpler taking less energy to get the task completed.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/establishingroutinesforyourhome
Resources that are available free of charge
Join my Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space for tips, support and accountability to help you have an organized life.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/organizingmindandspace
Follow my Facebook page Mind over Clutter. It has a collection of articles on all aspects for organizing from many authors and sites in one place.
https://www.facebook.com/mindoverclutter
Watch my YouTube Channel for fun organizing tips
https://www.youtube.com/c/JulieStobbe
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Click here to learn more about working with a Professional Organizer.
