It’s March, and spring is in the air! So how can we put some spring in our steps? You could fall in love or win  the lottery, but here is something simpler, and it is my challenge for you this month: Do something you have been dreading!
Think back to a time when you have overcome your dread and tackled a big project. Maybe it was organizing your garage, maybe your closet, maybe even going through a big pile of paper on your desk. How did you feel when you got that horrible dreaded task out of your way? Like a million bucks! Like celebrating!
The root of all disorganization is truly delayed decisions and actions. Look around you—every bit of clutter on your kitchen countertop, your desk, or your coffee table is something that has not been decided yet or something that has not been done yet. In other words, procrastination is the cause of almost all clutter.
These procrastinated projects actually drain you of your energy. Spiritual teacher John-Roger says, “If you leave incomplete projects to abound, they ‘sting’ the unconscious and drag on you. You may be unaware of the cause, but the effect will be your walking around feeling heavy, with the low-energy blues. Even after you sleep like the dead for ten hours, you’ll still think you need a great deal of sleep. It’s called the karma of incompletions.”
I believe that organizing itself is not difficult if you understand some basic concepts. Almost every single dieting book really boils down to "Eat Less, Move More." And almost every single organizing book boils down to "Keep and Do Less, Live More." These are not difficult ideas, but what makes success difficult for people is the psychology around doing it. There are articles here that I have written in the last couple of years that will help motivate you, and you can also join our Clutter Diet® program if you want even more accountability and support.
The most powerful way to overcome procrastination, in my opinion, is to get an Accountability Partner (you can call it a “Motivation Partner” if that feels better to you). Make commitments to each other to get these dreaded tasks done and report back. Make a contest out of it if you like! You’ll be surprised how much this support will get you moving.
I leave you this month with a trio of quotes from the tremendous Eleanor Roosevelt:
“What one has to do usually can be done.”
“What you don't do can be a destructive force.”
“You must do the things you think you cannot do.”
See you next month when you’ll have that spring in your step! Good luck with your projects, and if you need help, remember we have a team of Certified Professional Organizers® answering your questions 7 days a week in our Clutter Diet member area—check it out if you get stuck. Spring forward!
Enjoy more articles from Lorie Marrero
Certified Professional Organizer® Lorie Marrero is the author of The Clutter Diet: The Skinny on  OrganizingYour Home and Taking Control of Your Life. She is also the creator of ClutterDiet.com, an innovative program allowing anyone to get expert help at an affordable price. Her organizing books and products are sold online and in stores nationwide. Lorie has been a spokesperson for Brother label makers and Microsoft, and she is a sought-after expert for national media such as CNBC, Family Circle, WGN News and Woman's Day.
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