
Don’t Follow Your Dreams—Chase Them!
That’s what the front of my planner says. Clutter—whether mental or physical—can make us feel stuck and hinder us from chasing after those dreams.
Our physical world is a reflection of our mental clutter and vice versa. That’s part of the reason why organizing can be emotional, scary, and life-changing all at the same time.
The thing that before and after pictures don’t show is the transformation within the person.
In fact, I have photos on my phone of spaces that aren’t Pinterest-worthy but are LIFE-worthy transformations.
Spaces of real people where you can’t even see the floor or bed, and you wonder where they sleep.
So often, we think of organization as this perfect place we arrive at.
The truth? Organization is not perfect. Sometimes, it takes layers. Other times, it gets worse before it gets better.
So, as you think about getting organized, strive for BETTER, not perfect.
The following three steps will help you get specific, stay motivated, and start achieving your organizing goals.
And don’t forget—download your FREE printable to help you take action!
Step 1: Identify Your Goal
📌 Fill in the blank:
My organizing goal is: _______________
You can’t get this wrong! Start where you are.
When you complete your first goal or if your focus changes, print a new copy and start again. Trust me, you will change!
Here are some thought-provoking prompts to guide you:
- What is currently bothering you? (Ex: Never-ending paper piles, cluttered entryway, overflowing bedroom closet, disorganized office, chaotic kitchen pantry?)
- If you had a magic wand that could fix anything, what would it do?
Step 2: Identify Your Motivation
📌 Fill in the blank:
So that I can: _______________ (Ex: Get dressed stress-free, find documents when I need them, serve my clients better, reduce stress, eat healthier, be more present, restore peace at home, stop arguing over clutter, spend less time cleaning.)
Another way to look at this:
- What is the clutter keeping you from doing?
- What is it costing you to not be organized?
Step 3: Identify the Steps & Commit
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
—Jim Ryun
📌 Write down three things you are willing to do to get started: _______________
Making a conscious decision is the first step. Write down three small actions you can take and do them consistently. Here are some ideas:
✔️ Make your bed at the start of the day.
✔️ Tackle one drawer at a time.
✔️ Wash the dishes after every meal.
✔️ Set a 15-minute timer for tidying.
✔️ Sort paper as soon as it comes in.
✔️ Turn off notifications and check email/social media only at set times.
✔️ Stop impulse shopping—only buy what you need.
✔️ Invest in yourself by hiring a professional organizer.
“A nail is driven out by another nail; habit is overcome by habit.”
—Erasmus
Why This Works: The Power of Decision-Making
Wasn’t that powerful?! Now, guess what happens when you start by creating your goal plan?
It becomes easier to make decisions about what to donate or discard.
Why?
Because you’ve identified that certain items don’t belong in your future.
Resource ➡️
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Start with Why by Simon Synek
Your Turn! Take Action Today
💡 What is one space you would LOVE to get organized?
💡 How will this improve your life?
💡 Do you practice writing out your goals?
I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let’s chat about your organizing journey.
📥 Don’t forget to download your FREE printable to get started!
Ready to achieve your organizing goals? Book an on-home consultation page to get started!
6 Comments
Yes! I love the 3 steps! Put it more in perspective for me! Thank you!
You are very welcome, Sara! Thanks for joining me!
This is so inspiring. As a new mother and a perfectionist organizing can become frustrating, but breaking it down into little pieces definitely helps. I have to remember that it’s not going to be “perfect” every single time!
Congratulations on being a new mama. Children are such a gift but can definitely through us off our timeline. 🙂 Just keep one foot in front of the other. A step forward is better than no step at all! As your little one gets older help him/her get involved in the process.
You got this, mama!
Hugs,
Elva
Knowing your why & your 3 actions steps will lead to success! And turning off those notifications is truly a game-changer!! Thanks for the encouragement.
Thanks for visiting, Olive!
All the best,
Elva