GON Reader Question
I recently read the book Atomic Habits and I want to assign myself some practical organizing habits I can focus on. Can you give me some ideas?
-- Terri in Dubuque, IA
Response from Maria Gracia
Hi Terri,
Of course! Atomic Habits by James Clear is an excellent resource for understanding how small changes can lead to significant improvements in various aspects of life, including organization. Here are some practical organizing habits inspired by the principles in the
book: 1. Implement the Two-Minute Rule: This rule suggests starting any task immediately that will take you less than two minutes to accomplish. Apply this to organizing by committing to tiny tidying projects like straightening up the surface of your desk, tidying your pajama drawer, or sorting today's
mail.
2. Use Habit Stacking: Attach your organizing habits to existing routines. For instance, after making your morning coffee, spend five minutes tidying up a specific area of your home or workspace.
3. Practice the "One In, Two Out" Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, commit to removing two. This not only prevents clutter from accumulating over time, but helps lighten your load today.
4. Create Clear and Specific
Goals: Set achievable organizing goals, such as decluttering one small area of one room per week or taking 10 minutes a day establishing a filing system for paperwork. Break these goals down into smaller tasks to make them more manageable.
5. Establish a Daily Declutter Routine: Spend a few minutes at the end
of each day decluttering surfaces. Put items back in their designated places to maintain order.
6. Develop a Weekly Review: Dedicate time each week to review your organizing systems and make necessary adjustments. This ensures that your organizational habits remain effective and sustainable.
7. Utilize Visual Cues: Place visual reminders, such as sticky notes or checklists, in prominent locations to reinforce your organizing habits and keep you on track.
8.
Practice Gratitude for Your Organized Space: Take a moment each day to appreciate the benefits of an organized environment, such as increased productivity, reduced stress, and improved clarity of mind.
9. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Recognizing your
achievements can reinforce positive habits and motivate you to continue organizing.
Start with one or two habits and gradually incorporate more as they become comfortable. Consistency and patience are key to establishing long-lasting organizing habits.
Oh, and my favorite lesson from this book is to keep moving forward. Even if you're 1% better than yesterday, you are on the right trajectory!
