Former procrastinator, what have you decided to tackle so that you can walk free?
I’m tackling our old school room. We called it that though we only stored stuff in there – photos, books, files, unhung pictures, extra chairs, books, photos, rugs, suitcases, books, photos. Yep, the door is always closed.
If I can’t or won’t deal with something, into that room it goes. Went. Until December 10, 2014.
That day, I met with friends I asked to hold me accountable to clean out that room making it functional and welcoming. They asked questions helping me develop a vision for how I’d like to use the room. They helped me face truth about keeping books, papers, stuff I will not likely use. They wanted my plan.
For years I have “cleaned” that room regularly. Mostly, I reshuffled the stuff around and made it more presentable. I organized the excess. I threw out or gave away a bit. We could say I dealt with the top few inches. This time I’m taking it down to the bottom!
Remember that TV show Clean Sweep? The pros would remove EVERYTHING from a room so that it was down to walls and floor. They helped the owners give away, sell, or throw away all excess. They returned to the room only the items needed.
Logistically, I am unable to empty the room. So I’m doing the next best thing and it’s working! I have removed the big chunks that made the room unsightly and hard to maneuver in – suitcases, boxes, etc. Some things cannot stay where I’ve placed them- which encourages me to get this done- but the room is now available for deeper cleanout.
The biggies this week are a file and a bookcase. I get so excited when something goes out to the car or trash!
June 30 is the deadline. It’s far enough out to be realistic considering other things in life. Three friends have the mini goals I set for each week through February. Every week I email them to report my progress. In March I will make a new set of goals based on progress to that point.
This is joyful!!
Need to tackle something you’ve put off? It doesn’t have to be big, just something that will free you. Done in two hours, two weeks, or two months – walk free! It’s easier to comment on here now, so what’s your project?
I opened one of the filing cabinets in the basement last week and discovered math materials that I used when teaching 12 years ago. I haven’t used them since we moved 7 years ago. Do you suppose it’s time to throw them out or share them with another teacher?
Yes it is! Good response to your discovery, Karen! Confession: It’s easier for me to say that about YOUR stuff than it is about MINE. 🙂 I’m not emotionally attached to yours. However, I have removed several inches of old teaching materials from my file. Thanks much for chiming in!
I have so many rooms like that! We just sent our last one to college. It’s time! Where do I start??? The two that immediately come to mind are our closets and the basement. It’s like, where do I begin in the basement. It’s become our catch all…I mean our catch ALL! I like your idea of getting rid of the big stuff. OK, so let’s make a goal date. The big stuff out by April. Keep me accountable! Thank you Beth for motivating me!
Where to start?? Thanks for bringing that up, Elena! What a monster thought. Getting the big stuff out enabled me to get around in the room and access more things. After that, I tackled piles stacked on the floor. Then I could focus on shelves and files. You asked for it – I have a sticky on my computer now that says “April 1 – Elena – big stuff out of basement.” Let me know if you mean April 30. You’re on! Thanks for inspiring us!
Thank you so much for encouraging me to ‘seize the moment’ and tackle several items on my ‘to do’ list each day. Either when I am searching for a spatula in a crowded kitchen drawer or adding a new lipstick to the appropriate shade section in the makeup drawer, you have inspired me to ‘get things in order’! I will be back later to comment on how you have encouraged me to read daily devotions. Love all your ideas!
Thank you, Missy! You’re showing us how helpful order can be everywhere. How often do we search for something, losing time and creating frustration? Bet your morning routine is smooooth!
My messy desk is one of the places where ignored projects languish . Now that my husband is retired and we have time, I want to update our wills and get the proper powers of attorney completed. Over the past year, I have accumulated a pile of material I collected at a retirement seminar along with three newspaper columns by a lady who has written quite a bit about getting your personal affairs in order. After reading this blog post, I have moved the pile out “of the shadows” on my desk and “into the light” at my computer where I will be working on this project. My first goal is to get one power of attorney completed before mid-February when we leave to visit family. I will update you on my progress! Thank you for your encouragement!!
Mary, what a way to express it – places where ignored projects languish! You brought them out of the shadows into the light. Outstanding! Ha! So the papers are out – standing where you can see them and take action. (I couldn’t resist.) Staying tuned for your progress. This is a fabulous area for our attention – no matter what age we are.
OK Beth – I will start small – my pots/pans drawers in the kitchen need organization (I very limited space). I will finish the two drawers by 18 January. I’m accountable…it’s in print!
You’re on, Lynn! I’m writing it down. That’s a great thing to tackle. Afterwards, every time you open that drawer you’ll have a “peace thrill”!