The New Year Offers a Fresh Start for Getting Organized
The turning of the calendar to a new year represents a fresh start for many. It’s a time when we reflect on the previous year and think about goals for the one ahead. As an organizing and decluttering expert, I regularly hear from women who have set New Year’s resolutions related to getting more organized and productive, only to struggle to follow through.
Trust me, I’ve been there too! Despite my professional background in organization, I still find it challenging at times to stay the course with intentions I’ve set for myself. The good news is that with some shifts in mindset and targeted strategies tailored to common pitfalls, you can set yourself up for success in the new year.
Set Intentions, Not Resolutions
First, consider framing your aims as intentions rather than resolutions. What’s the difference? Resolutions imply hard-and-fast rules you must follow, whereas intentions allow more flexibility in how you achieve your desired outcome. Intentions also focus more on aligning actions with your core values rather than setting restrictive goals.
As an example, let’s say your resolution is to completely declutter and organize your home office space by February 1st. That rigid goal could set you up for disappointment if you don’t meet the deadline. Instead, set an intention something like, “I intend to create a functional, inspiring home office space that supports my productivity and sparks joy.” This leaves room for the natural fits-and-starts that may happen with a large project.
Break Big Goals Down into Small Steps
Speaking of large projects, another tip is to break them down into mini-goals that feel manageable. Using the home office example above, you may aim to tackle one area, like a desk drawer or bookshelf, per week. Or set a daily goal to work on decluttering for 20 minutes before moving into your workday. Little bites will feel less overwhelming.
I also recommend picking up a planner, bullet journal, or calendar app you love and block out regular decluttering sessions. Consistency with small tasks leads to big transformations over time! And there’s no better feeling than physically checking off accomplishments (read The Power of To-Do Lists to learn more about this).
Get Clear on Your Why
When the natural ebbs and flows of motivation lag, reconnect with your core reason for setting this intention in the first place. Why do you want a clear, inspiring workspace? How would having one positively impact or enhance your life? Keep this vision handy – maybe as a pinned note on your vision board or background on your computer – for moments when you want to procrastinate.
Your ‘why’ is like the heart of the intention, driving you forward. When tasks feel tedious, reminding yourself why you bother in the first place can provide an emotional boost.
Start with Quick Wins
I also encourage focusing first on quick wins that create visible progress and a sense of momentum. For the office project, this might mean starting with paperwork piles or your handbag area. Both tend to accumulate fast but also declutter fast, giving you an encouraging push.
Quick wins also train your brain to associate decluttering with positive feelings, making you more likely to stick with it. Little bursts of dopamine go a long way when trying to ingrain a new habit!
Ask for Help When Needed
Try not to go it alone, especially if past resolutions have fallen flat. Share your intentions with a supportive partner, friend, family member, or membership community who can cheer you on and hold you accountable. Having social support provides guidance when things feel hard and people who can lovingly nudge you back on track.
If you have the financial means, don’t hesitate to hire an organizing consultant like myself to help with major decluttering sessions, creating systems that stick, or coaching. Many of my clients feel the investment pays dividends in reduced stress and regained focus on what matters most.
Review and Reset Monthly
Rather than placing all pressure on January 1st, hit reset points each month to check in on your intention’s progress and make any needed adjustments (many people use Sunday evenings as their check-in point or you could re-assess every month).
Tracking your wins, specific stumbling blocks and supports that worked well guides smart next steps. Be compassionate with yourself while learning and correcting course.
By regularly reevaluating and keeping your intention front of mind all year, you bypass the initial enthusiasm drying up. There’s no reason you can’t start fresh any month!
The Upshot
While decluttering and organizing your spaces can feel daunting, especially if you have a track record of abandoned resolutions, I encourage you to approach 2024 from a place of self-compassion. Perfection is not required. Making small, sustainable progress driven by your core motivations is what matters.
Implement some of the supportive strategies above, trust in the process and in yourself, focus on how incredible it feels to have space cleared for what sparks joy, and come chat with me if you need an empathetic ear along the way.
I believe in you. Here’s to an organized, inspired 2024!
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