Choose Freedom--Organize Your Home For The New Year

Last week I received a phone call from a local producer of an early afternoon "lifestyle" show. They asked if I would be on the show to talk about getting organized for the New Year. I did appear on the show and I had a lot of fun. The host talked about the 3 most popular goals people set for the New Year. He said they are: 1. Financial, 2. Health, and 3. Organizing. As an organizing expert I am always interested in organizing no matter what time of the year it is.

We showed up at the studio at the assigned time and as we sat observing the behind the scenes goings on before it was time for me to go on the show I couldn't help but notice how focused everyone was on their various tasks. I thought I could learn a lot about goals from the people in this studio.

Decide what it is you want to improve or change
First, the studio people knew exactly what needed to be done and to be moved and changed to film the episode.

As we were sitting at a desk behind us a large, I should say huge teleprompter glided across the floor without anyone guiding it. We were hoping someone was behind the controls somewhere so we didn't get hit by this machine. Soon another teleprompter came gliding across the floor to rest near the first one. Someone in the studio clearly knew what it was they wanted to change and move for the show to go on.

How many times have you said, "I need to get organized" but have never clarified where it is in your home that you need to declutter? Be clear about the space or room you want to declutter. Just as in the studio they were very clear on what needed to be done.

Set Your Goal (s)
Second, the cameraman and sound people know that to have a successful show they must set goals. Another way of saying this is chart your course. Set a goal; break down your goal into daily, weekly and long-term steps. Write it down in a notebook where you can refer back to it every day and make notations and chart your progress. It is fun to see what you have accomplished.

I recommend setting a timer as you declutter so you don't get overwhelmed. With well defined goals that aren't vague success is yours! For example, "I want to do something about my closet". (Definition of "something": search for an outfit to wear to work that doesn't have a stain, and it fits.) Instead, set a clearly defined goal: "arrange my clothes by category, everything in my closet will fit and will be in good repair."

Action
Three,everyone has done their part on the set. They decided where each segment would be filmed in the building, who would be the guests, who would secure the mikes, who would do the introductions etc. I am sure there were a zillion more things they did that we didn't see.

Next it was time for camera, lights, action. It was a lot of fun for me talking with the hosts and giving ideas for organizing for the New Year.

Knowing what area you need to declutter, setting measurable goals, and writing them down--now you are ready to move forward to success. If you have a family it isn't only you who is responsible to organize your home. Talk to your family about your goals and tell them what you expect from them. Teach your children how to pick up their clothes, put dirty ones in a hamper, pick up their toys when they are finished playing for the day or where to put craft supplies when they aren't being used.

Enlist your husband's help in getting rid of clutter. Help him learn how to de-clutter so he will be excited to do his part. All of the shows we watch on TV have hundreds of goals set and lots of action behind the scenes we finally see. This same idea works to de-clutter your home. Before you know it you will be the star in your very own home.