Clean House

The brilliant glow – the promise of the New Year is still upon us but there is a good chance that your resolve and even hope is starting to fade.

There is just so darn much to do!

I spent some time this morning thinking about what is the best advice I could give you to start your year out with a bang – and to keep it that way.

Here it is.

Generally, I find that there are three areas to do this process for – family/home, myself, work/business so I do this process for each one.  

YOU ARE HERE X

Take a minute to think about where you are right now. Do a quick 'big picture' map – in your head or on paper. Don't think about it too much. Just identify where you are now.

Then identify your ONE BIG THING. The thing that jumps out at you right now as something that you would like to change. 

What's the thing, more than anything, that you want to tackle and WIN – RIGHT NOW. 

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE -

With a Twist…

Now take a minute to imagine what it will be like when you get there. This is important because it is the first step to helping you to believe it is possible, to really FEEL what it will be like – and to help you to make a plan to get there. 

The twist? Be sure that you are clear about one thing. When you decide what your one big thing is – it will be the one that jumps out at you. It may be small – or it may be large enough to be broken down into a few smaller things – but here's the deal.

It has to be what you want – what gives you joy -

NOT WHAT YOU WISH.

There is a subtle difference, but it's the difference between wishing and getting your 'thing'.

This year is about joy. About using happiness as your compass. The thing that you really WANT TO DO.

THAT'S what will get you there.

WHAT YOU WON'T DO 

Before you decide HOW – what steps you will take – decide what can you eliminate.

The number one reason for failure that I am seeing all around me today is – too much going on. Too much distraction. Not enough focus. Not enough time.

The number one fix is to remove anything and everything that doesn't fit – the things that are taking you AWAY FROM YOUR HAPPINESS – what ever you have decided that is.

If you're still wondering exactly what that is, it's the thing that gives you a tingle when you think about it – the thing that makes your heart go pitter patter. The thing that makes you shine. 

Probably the thing that you think you don't have time for because you think you should be doing something else. 

NOW WORK ON YOUR PLAN

The next step is to break it down into manageable pieces, make a plan on exactly WHAT YOU WILL DO to get them done.

Then you need to set up a system to do them.

It needs to be consistent and simple.

If you can do those two things, you can do anything.

One day at a time. 

WHAT'S MY THING?

The thing that makes me shine, to feel happy inside is to keep my house nice for my family and myself – a place where we can grow and prosper, a place that is functional and uplifting.  

My other thing? I want that for you and your family too.  That's what I've been all about here for the past 3 years. And I want to do more.

I want to create a place where you can make all of this possible. I want you to do more than read about it and move on. I want you to do it. To be happy and fulfilled.

To define your life on your terms. And it all starts at home.

YOUR FIRST STEP?

Subscribe to TAKE 5. You will receive a daily 5 minute target to make your home 5 minutes nicer every day – you will be surprised at the power of 5 minutes. I know I am, every day. You'll also receive a printable of the complete list of 31 day targets and a quick checklist to make it even easier for you.

I will keep you posted there about all the new things that I have in store for you this year. Coming right up!

If you are already subscribed, stay tuned! 

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