My New Year's Resolution

For the past few years I've had the same New Year's Resolution. Get organized, and maybe lose a few pounds. Every year I come up with some kind of a system to help me stay on top of house cleaning, bills, diet, exercise, etc. This year is no different. I look to my right and see my desktop organizer (which is actually sitting on my kitchen counter) overflowing with stuff, as well as the  three foot radius surrounding my computer. We don't have a desk or a room to put a desk in at this house, and there's a lot to like about having my "command center" in the kitchen, where I usually am. However, we seem to be accumulating more and more and more stuff. Stuff that I don't know what to do with or where to put.

I have read the book and tried to follow (with some success) the Flylady, I subscribe to Real Simple and Better Homes and Gardens magazines, I read iheartorgnaizing, and my "Organizing" board on Pinterest is FULL of stuff that could make my home look like a magazine and, henceforth, my life a model of inner peace and tranquility. Last year when I got my smart phone I was just sure that a digital organizer would be the key to everything; however, it still takes discipline to enter your appointments and schedules as they occur. So now I've invested $30 into the upgraded version of my organizer app in hopes that the monetary commitment will make me use it more.

But no system or picture of a perfectly organized linen closet is going to be enough for me. It can be inspirational, for sure, but a lot of times that inspiration leads me to feel like I can never quite measure up. All of these things require discipline. Which, OK, I think I'm a fairly disciplined person in a lot of ways, but I have never particularly mastered the art of picking up after myself. My style of cleaning usually involves spending a chunk of time thoroughly cleaning, organizing, putting away, etc. followed by a long period of letting things build up again until I can't stand it anymore, then repeating the process all over again. But now I'm responsible for more than just myself... and things can get, well, a little hairy over here.

So I guess what I need to focus on instead of the cleaning/organizing/diet plan is becoming more disciplined. That's why I think I had some success with the Flylady. She works on building one habit at a time (i.e. you start by cleaning your sink every day). I also learned from the Flylady that it is my perfectionism that keeps me from my goal of an organized home and life. Unless I can do something perfectly or completely I would rather not invest the energy in doing it. Which probably accounts for the near-constant state of frustration I feel when I look around my house. So you see, I'm not really a disorganized slob, I'm simply an overwhelmed perfectionist. :) 

What to do, what to do. I looked on Amazon for some books about developing discipline and they seemed to be oriented around men in the workplace wanting to "self-actualize" (and thereby make more money) or diet books. Not really what I had in mind. 

So is it back to the Flylady I go? I don't know. I mastered her system for a period of time...but that was 2 kids ago. Not sure I can do it now. But that's why it's a resolution, right? To challenge yourself? If it was easy they'd find something else to call it. I actually enjoy the beginning parts of a new challenge. Once I get started I'm good to go...for awhile anyway. 

So I'm looking for suggestions, tips, resources, etc. from my friends and family, but here is what I'm going to do in the meantime.

• dust off my Flylady book, go through her website, see if there's anything new that I might find useful.
• sign up for another HelloMornings Challenge (provides accountability groups for waking up early to devote time to exercise, planning your day, and bible study). Registration for the next challenge begins Jan. 16 if you want to join me!