Taking Action

Spring Clean Your Inbox

March 1, 2008 by clutterbusting 1 Comment

Did you get a chance to use the tips previously provided to clear your entry of mittens and scarves so you could enjoy a serene space for the remaining 18 days of winter? I hope you did because winter is still hanging on thanks to the significant snow fall yesterday. Even so I can’t help thinking about spring and, therefore, spring cleaning when I turn my calendar to March. So why not start with “spring cleaning” your inbox?

Is your inbox cluttered? Do you feel burdened by the number of emails you get daily? Are there unread emails lurking in your inbox?

For me a full inbox is a stress-generating liability and, unfortunately, I have let mine get a little out of hand lately. But relax…I have a few tips to help eliminate a cluttered inbox and keep it that way for good.

A Simple Step to a Stress-free Home

February 26, 2008 by clutterbusting 1 Comment

In the January/February 2008 issue of Health the article “Secrets to a Stress-free Home” proposes that our homes are our sanctuaries or they can be by following a few steps to set up a feeling of serenity. The article suggests that one way to a stress-free home is a calm entry way.

What does your entry way look like? Do you feel calm and relaxed when you enter your home? If your answer was no, you can take the first step to clearing your entry way of clutter by getting things out of sight. For example place gloves, hats and other outerwear in baskets or drawers.

You can set the stage for calm by spending 15 minutes on your entry way. Take that first step in the next 24 hours and breathe a sigh of relief.

Daily Actions…Take the First Step

February 3, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.” ~John C. Maxwell

Do you say yes to all requests for your time? Are you doing the things that are most important to you?

What is the difference between what you do on a daily basis and your mission statement? Are the things on your “to do” list focused on your mission?

So if you say that being fit and healthy is part of your mission (your destination); why aren’t you fitting in fitness regularly? If you are looking for a new job; what did you do today toward that goal?

In her book “Stop Screaming at the Microwave!: How to Connect to Your Disconnected Life” Mary LoVerde proposes a way around the barriers that often prevent us from doing what we know is best. She says “…microactions, these teeny, tiny steps propel us forward without threatening our sense of control. We all hate to be told what to do- even if we are telling ourselves. We need to outfox our resistance to change.”

So where are you headed (have you written your mission statement yet)? What is the first little step can you take today toward your destination? Me? I am putting on my exercise clothes…

“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” ~Peter Marshall

Mission Possible

January 29, 2008 by clutterbusting 2 Comments

Do you have a personal mission statement? I have asked that question many times during my stress management seminars. I usually get a few nods and many blank stares.

Missions are only for businesses, right? Well, that type of thinking is what gets us stuck and leaves us with a feeling of dissatisfaction about our life.

The first step in creating a personal mission statement is to envision what you would like your life to look like. If you are having trouble with this step ask yourself what you would like the people who attend your 90th birthday party to say about you.

[Read more…] about Mission Possible

Your Vision for the Future

January 26, 2008 by clutterbusting 2 Comments

Do you have a clear picture of your future? Are you headed in the right direction or are you spinning your wheels going the wrong way?

Our lives are filled with many tasks, deadlines, events, and projects. Are you climbing the ladder of success only to find that the ladder is on the wrong building? Are you saying yes when you really want to say no?

What is your vision for your life? What is your life purpose? “Vision is the best manifestation of a creative imagination and the primary intent of human action. Vision allows us to see what we not yet are.” states Steven R. Covey, A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill in their book “First Things First“.

Your vision can impact the choices you make on a daily basis including the choice to stay in your comfort zone.