It’s the last week of 2021. In many ways, I’m ready to say ‘Good-Bye’ to 2021 and welcome 2022 with open arms. But there’s also a part of me that wants to sit and look back at what was. I think before the start of a new year it’s good to take time to reflect on what happened that was good and acknowledge what didn’t work quite so well.
I am so very proud of the work that Jonda Beattie and I have done with our joint business, Release Repurpose Reorganize, LLC, this year. At the end of 2020 we had just published our book: Filled Up and Overflowing; what to do when chronic disorganization, life events, or hoarding go overboard. We started 2021 with our book launch. Then we got serious about the production and marketing for our deck of cards: Organize Your Home 10 Minutes at a Time. All the while we continued to run our popular virtual clutter support group: Clear Space for You.
This is not to say there haven’t been setbacks, bumps in the road, and disappointments along the way. There have. As I take time to reflect, there have been many more positive accomplishments than setbacks this year. For that, I am proud and grateful.
Time to reflect
How about you? As you take time to reflect on the year that is now almost gone, what stands out as an accomplishment? Write it down or at least acknowledge the accomplishment. Take time to reflect on how this accomplishment or accomplishments have made you feel. How have these things impacted you? Remember to celebrate these achievements. Always reward yourself when you reach a goal!
Next think about the things that didn’t go so well. What stands out as something you’d like to either change or improve? Write that down, too.
Next steps
Now think about what you want to begin working on in 2022. Is it an organizing project, a habit to change, or a house-related project you’d like to begin? What will you decide to focus your energy on in the first quarter of 2022? Remember that nothing will change unless you change how you are dealing with that which is troubling you.
Analyze the issue
First look at the result. Notice if there is a problem which is affecting the home and the rest of your life. Take time to reflect and see if you can figure out what is triggering the problem. Decide if this is where you want to start focusing your attention in 2022. Maybe you want to give your attention to something else first.
Give yourself a goal
I find it’s always better to have something to work towards than to remain adrift or in limbo. When you don’t have a direction it’s easy to feel at odds ends. Give yourself the gift of a destination. Know where you’re going and then design a plan or a roadmap to get yourself there.
Guidance
I rely on my GPS to get me where I want to go. What or who do you rely on to help you reach your goals? As you take time to reflect on the year that has been and on what you would like to accomplish in 2022, decide if you need to have a GPS at your side to help you reach your goals? It is so much easier when you have a trusted accountability partner with whom to bounce ideas or brainstorm.
Congratulations to you if you have that person or people in your life. If you do not please join our Clear Space for You virtual support group. Jonda Beattie and I would consider it an honor to be your GPS and guide you to create the small steps necessary to achieve the goals you set out for yourself in 2022.
Diane N. Quintana is a Certified Professional Organizer® ,a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization®, Master Trainer and owner of DNQ Solutions, LLC and co-owner of Release●Repurpose●Reorganize, LLC based in Atlanta, Georgia.