New Year Resolutions versus Goals:
When the new year comes around, we all make a list of resolutions even if its just in our heads. But comes February most of us fall off the wagon already and give up on the idea of becoming better. Did you know that just 8% of people achieve their New Year Resolution? I know, you are not alone...  But don't you wish you could be in that 8%? So what's the difference between resolutions and goals:
- Resolutions are only a way to express a desire. I call it "wishful thinking'. I'm going to lose weight. I'm going to exercise, I'm going to be more organized.
- Goals on the other hand are more like results you want achieve with an end result. I want to lose 10 lb.  I'm going to organize my desk. They are already more specific.
But still it does not plan how you are going to achieve this. There's been no thinking on how you can implement this in your life and if its possible. It remains an idea with no plans. So even though having a goal is important and a great first step, only people who commit to them and think about them are the ones who achieve results.

Goals is what create results only if you make them SMART!! But What does it mean? It means your goals need to be:
- Specific: State what you're going to do and how you're going to do it. If it's to lose 10 lb., say how you're planning on doing that. (Stop drinking sodas, see a nutritional coach, go to the gym)
- Measurable: Track your progress. You'll get motivated by the results when it gets tough. 
- Achievable: This is a reality check, It has to be a reasonable goal. Is it something that you can actually achieve? It is better to have smaller goals that you reach than big ones that you don't.
​- Relevant/ Realistic: Why is this important? Will this make an impact to your life? How will this fit in your real life? 
- Timely: When are you starting? Write it on your calendar and start! When do you want this to be done by? Set a dead line and write it down. Stick to it. 

Put this in practice, one small goal at a time. Take the first step. You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Right?
So what ARE your intentions for this New Year? Write them down and start planning!
Be SMART!!

How to keep your New Year's Resolution. Get organized!
According to the  https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/  41% of Americans make New Years Resolutions and it is interesting to know that people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't explicitly make resolutions. 

For most people, to “Get Organized” usually comes in the top 10 of their New Year's resolution list. So what better way to start, than by organizing our thoughts. The New Year is a time to regroup, and make new goals for the coming year. It is a time to reinvent ourselves for the better. With the busyness of the Holidays, our home, our nerves and our bank account reflects it. So what better time to breathe, reflect and give ourselves a fresh start! 

Whether your goal is to be losing weight, or being more organized, be realistic about what you reach for and start small. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Make little changes to your routines instead of big ones. Like don’t make resolutions that say I’m going to get my home and office so organized and I’ll never misplace anything again. This is not only unrealistic but it might take you so long that you’ll probably give up before you see any results. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Set goals that are manageable and possible to attain. Break down your projects in small chunks that are possible to finish. Like; nightstand to organize, do one laundry load on Monday nights, or sit down to coordinate calendars on Sundays.  Don't try to be an overachiever but instead be consistent in your efforts. Also don't stop because you messed up a couple of times but start over and keep trying.

Use one calendar for everything. Whether you choose a paper calendar or a digital one make sure it includes reminders, tasks, vacations, and anything that helps you remember. It needs to be portable so you can add things as they come. Create daily, weekly, monthly routines. Make sure that even things around the house gets done by adding them to your calendar. Pay your bills, clean out your car. Whatever task you feel you want to do more regularly add to your calendar.

Stop wasting time and money! Have a home for everything and put everything in its place. One of the biggest problem I see my clients do is that they have not created a specific place for their things and when they look for it and can’t find it, they buy more of the same which they don't put away because they don't know where. As a general rule, don’t buy anything unless you know where you’re going to put it. Make sure to always put things together, like all the batteries in the same place and put things away as soon as you can. My rule is: if it takes less than 30 seconds to do it, do it NOW!

Have a designated spot in your home for a donation box like your garage or your closet. Don’t keep the clothes you haven’t worn in 10 years or toys you kids haven’t touched in 5 years. Any decorations you didn’t use this year? Maybe you can donate. Don’t bring something in without taking something out. Declutter! De-cluttering is an ongoing process and the more you do it and work at it, the more you want to continue to do it because what stays are only the things you love and use. Everything else is clutter and contributes to being disorganized. This is true for things but also of events or people. Prioritize!

Delegate! Everyone in the household needs to be involved so delegate to every member of your household.  Everyone can have their own tasks to accomplish, to keep your home organized.
And if you don’t know where to start or feel too overwhelmed or lack motivation hire a Professional Organizer. That’s why professional organizing exists, to help people reach their goals faster and easier, simplifying and customizing the process for you.
 
Most importantly organizing is an ongoing process. You regularly got to pick up stuff around the house and put it in its place. It does not happen without you. Doing a little everyday is what keeps you organized and makes it easy to achieve. The regularity and perseverance is why a change occurs, so don't forget to celebrate your successes and keep doing it!! 

I wish you a happy organized New Year!!