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Personal Improvement in a Balanced, Simplified Way
Becky Edwards
At the Organizing Network™, we’re here to help you be successful in a balanced way. If you become the best attorney in the world, yet let your marriage deteriorate, you aren’t truly successful. If you give your all to your children yet neglect your own health you aren’t either. Letting your home fill with clutter while you’re building a nest egg leaves you feeling discouraged and out of control.
Obsessing in one part of life brings only partial success, because happiness comes from raising the bar in distinct areas of your life. We call these the 5 Core Life Zones ™ which are Self, Finance, Family, Home, and Work.
Many people today feel out of control and out of balance, running down the fast lane yet feeling dissatisfied with where they end up. Don’t fall into that trap. Give yourself the gift of success and balance by using the 5 Core Life Zones ™ to improve your life, starting today. Use the handy goal setting form at the end of this article, and take some time to ponder what you really want from your life. You’ll find more happiness, success and balance, and who wouldn’t want that? Also don’t miss our powerful goal-setting tips.
Increase your odds of achieving your goals by following these Goal-Setting Tips:
•Write your goals down and be specific. A goal not written is only a wish.
•Dream big and then break each goal into manageable chunks. Small habits can make a big difference. One woman de-cluttered her entire house using a timer for only 15 minutes a day. After several months her home was a picture of serenity.
•State your goals as if you have already achieved them. For example, “I am completely debt-free. To achieve this goal I am adding $200 a month to debt payoff.” “I weigh 130 pounds. I am exercising five times a week, eating energizing foods (8 servings of produce a day, no sugar except a little on weekends), and drinking 2 to 3 quarts of water daily.” “My home is clutter-free and organized. I am spending 15 minutes each evening right after I wash dishes, working on one area at a time, starting with my closet.”
•Work with a buddy, or at least tell someone your plans. A walking partner turns exercise into a fun social time. A professional organizer gives you the skills, tools, and motivation to see the job through.
•Schedule appointments to accomplish your goals. For example, pen into your day planner, “work out” in the time slot from 7 - 7:30 AM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
•Set a deadline to add a little pressure. “I am having my garage de-cluttered and organized by March first. These are the steps I am taking:
•Hiring a professional organizer by Monday to assess and give me ideas
•Scheduling in two hours each Saturday morning to work with the professional organizer, buying the containers she recommends on my lunch break during the week
•Keeping it looking great by spending fifteen minutes each Saturday straightening up.
•Mark your most important goal in each Life Zone. Hang a separate list of these top goals in your home and office, and say them out loud each day.
•Review your goals regularly. Summarize the main points on an index card to keep in your planner or purse (or make a miniature copy of our form to put in your planner). Look them over while waiting for a car pool or appointment.
•Periodically update your goals and delete any goals or activities that are no longer important to you – your energy is best spent on your current passions.
•Don’t forget to celebrate every tiny success!
Becky Edwards, PUBLISHED AND DESIGNED BY THE ORGANIZING NETWORK™, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Phone: 801-782-4111 • Fax: 801-782-4441 • www.organizingnetwork.com
My Goals for
Balanced Success
IN THE 5 CORE LIFE ZONES™
Self
Mind __________________________________________________________________
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Body
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Soul
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Finance
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Family
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Home
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Work
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