Why less really is more
Last week I suggested a recipe for peace. As the holidays surround us, I offer some proactive tips. Nothing new, just a review of what we know works. Consider it a jumpstart on the New Year. Start a process that will bring you more order and space and welcome 2006 with a smile! Increase Your Clothes Closet Space I’ve said this before and I’ll say it ‘til the cows come home. Let’s call it ‘Tough Love on Stuff’. Take a day or so during the next couple of weeks. Cull through unworn clothes (unworn for at least six months from each season!) and determine what you can and want to give to friends, family, charity or consignment. Allow yourself time to free up space and time. Wouldn’t it be great not to endlessly search for that perfect blouse because you can’t find it in your mounds of clothes?! Charity begins at home. Think of the folks out there who will wear huge smiles as they don your outworn outfits. Lighten Up That Suitcase Do you always travel somewhere over the holidays? Here’s your chance to pack smarter. Whether heading to a family or friend’s house, or you’ve planned a vacation at a ski or island resort, pare down that luggage. Call that cousin or sibling and see if they have hair dryer or other amenities you’d want on hand. Nine times out of ten the answer is yes (if the answer is no, perhaps reconsider that visit!). As well, most resorts have everything but a wardrobe for you. Take advantage of them! And, as you were savvy enough to cull through your closet, you will be that much smarter when you pack. Limit your wardrobe to a versatile outfit. Match that skirt, pant, blouse or sweater. If you’re a smart man you know you can work through any holiday situation with a short list of clothing and still look sharp. Benefit from having lighter luggage. Perhaps you’ll have more space for gifts (to give and to get) during this season! Send New Year’s Greetings If the idea of writing seasonal greetings to family and friends before December 25th overwhelms you, why not send New Year’s greetings?! The blissings are huge. You send cards or letters to those you care about with messages of good wishes and blessings for the coming year, and your greetings don’t get lost in the jumble of seasonal holiday cards. It’s just a thought, but I know my life is less stressed when I don’t feel obligated to get cards out before the 25th. Taking Down the Decorations Every year you bring in boxes of ornaments and displays from the attic or garage. And every year you leave some in those boxes because you just don’t use them anymore. When it comes time to taking down the displays, cull those broken or rarely used decorations and recycle, donate or toss. Congratulate yourself for finally throwing out those threadbare bows, one-armed nutcrackers or incredibly over-used candles. Stop Running Out of Supplies Want to be on top of your game in 2006? Maintaining an appropriate amount of home office supplies will give you that edge. To avoid last minute buying and create a more ordered sense of what you need, keep a surplus of essential supplies. Rule of thumb: when you have approximately 25% of supplies left in your home-office, re-stock. It is as simple as knowing when you need toilet paper or paper towels. Average your usage and determine what day of the week and month is good for re-stocking. While I realize this sounds counter to my constant mantra to ‘cull your belongings’, there are situations that warrant a security blanket, so to speak. If you have supplies ready for your home-office you don’t waste time scrambling for laser jet toner or paper to meet a deadline. Think of it as insurance for your business. Save time and reap the benefits! Reflect on an Organized New Year During this time, give yourself permission to evaluate your patterns and activities from 2005. I’m not suggesting you make resolutions. If you’re like me, my noblest of goals often backfire, creating stress not peace. Think of it as beginning a process. Feeling unorganized didn’t occur overnight, so create a plan. Address one project at a time and celebrate closure. Move to the next and repeat the same! Seasonal Bliss to you and yours. For more information or a free on-site estimate, call Karen: 843-345-2592 or e-mail @ blisswriter@hometelecom.com.