“The process of resolving something.”
“A firm decision to do something.”
According to the dictionary, we do this whenever we make New Year’s Resolutions. I often say that a list of things to do is nothing more than a list of intentions. How successful are you in actually doing something about your list? This year, try resolving to make solutions!

According to research from Polivy and Herman, people make an average of 10 resolutions, and 25% of New Year Resolutions are abandoned in the first 15 weeks. (That’s the week of April 9, for those who are keeping track.) Those who manage to make a resolution last for six months or more have already tried more than five other times before finally succeeding.

While speaking to a colleague of mine, Professional Coach Michelle Dunn, she said the top 10 New Years Resolutions are:

1. Lose weight and get in better shape
2. Stick to a budget
3. Reduce debt
4. Enjoy more quality time with family and friends
5. Find a soul mate
6. Quit smoking
7. Find better work
8. Learn something new
9. Volunteer and help others
10. Get Organized

I am not surprised that “Get Organized” is on the top 10 list. As the new year begins, the phones at Out of Chaos ring non-stop. Overwhelmed people call us for help to finally kick their clutter habit.

Michelle works with her clients to help them kick-start their goals by dealing with barriers to their success. We both agree that clients must adopt a different attitude. Clients can succeed by resolving to make solutions instead of a list of resolutions.

Here are some tips that we both agree on:

1. Don’t expect to be perfect. Your home or office does not need to look like it should be in a magazine. It just has to work for you.
2. Setbacks and mistakes are great learning opportunities. There is never one solution for everyone.
3. Keep goals realistic and attainable, with measurable goals. (Remember my 15-minute-sort?)
4. Write your goals down and revisit them often. Share them with a friend. Ask for help when you need it.
5. Goals must mean something to you. It’s not about what the magazines, TV, your family or friends tell you.
6. Start immediately. Don’t wait for inspiration. Take action now, and inspiration will follow.

Change is not easy. In fact, it can be downright scary. Take the time, be kind to yourself, stay committed, and persevere. The rewards are huge. Just imagine walking into a room and finding anything in 15 seconds or less! Imagine being comfortable when guests drop by any time, without notice. Think about feeling relaxed and in control when completing a project.

What are you waiting for? Make this year the year you get Out of Chaos.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.