The Power of Habits

Like many people, I’ve been working on adjusting my attitude and schedule to begin working out again.  I used to work out relatively regularly, even committing to going to my local recreation center and working with a trainer a couple of times per week.  I claim the common excuse of being too busy (and stressed and overwhelmed) with other aspects of life, and unfortunately, working out has become a past time of mine instead of a regular healthy habit.  I know inherently about the healthy benefits of working out, and I know how much it helps me with my self-image, among other things.  But to exercise, and to do so regularly, requires a true shift in thinking.  Like all habits, exercise is one that is not always easy.  It is not the first thing I want to tackle when I get home from work, but it is one that I know will provide me with many benefits, not only for the short term, but for the long haul as well.

We never give a second thought to some habits.  I never forget to brush my teeth, and I floss regularly.  I never ignore washing my face, and I take vitamins regularly.  I always pay close attention to these types of simple routines, because to me, not doing them is simply not an option — it’s just something I do.  Other things take time and a bit more energy.  Making the bed, dusting regularly, and other household routines do not always come easily for me, but all of these things help me to take pride in my home and make me happier overall.

The power of habits transfers over to many aspects of getting organized as well.  Getting organized can sometimes require deliberate, focused attention, or it may not get done.  Being organized is not always an automatic choice, and sometimes making choices for the process of being organized can go in stages, due to the busy nature of life.  Follow these tips in thinking of how to make organizing your spaces a healthy habit for life:

• Determine what areas of your home, office, or classroom you truly need to work on organizing.  If you have a good handle on different rooms of your house or different areas of your office, then don’t change those systems.  But be specific about what needs changed so that you are clear on exactly what actions you need to take in moving forward with your organizing goals.
• Write out your goal.  If you create an organizing system, write out or list what needs to be done on a regular basis in order to ensure that your new system will continue, rather than fizzle out after only a week or two.  Writing it down seems to solidify the importance of the task.  And, if you’ve been specific about identifying what you really want to change, then this goal should be important enough to maintain on a regular basis.
• Evaluate your progress in keeping your space(s) organized.  Sometimes, as with exercise, things seem to stall, or become stagnant in some way.  Be open and honest about what may not be functioning well, and make small changes that seem to fit your style.  Even a small tweak can make a big difference.
• Ask for help.  Determine resources online and through family and friends for ideas on how to make organizing changes that will last for the long haul.  When we involve others with attaining our goals, we set up an accountability system for the choices and changes we make in our lives.

Whether or not it takes 21 days to establish a habit, I’m committed to establishing healthy ones for the long term.  So, I’m off to the treadmill.  One day at a time…