Language is the key to chronic disorganization. Also not getting your needs fulfilled. Humans do not get enough sleep, breathe, eat, go to the bathroom well. Humans do not get enough sunlight. The only thing we usually have is shelter, but some people don’t even have that. The essential things in life that we need are being ignored and replaced with things like too much activity (shopping), polluted air, snacks, laxatives, and social media and television. We also suffer in the shelter department in the way of inadequate beds, disorganized homes, leaky faucets, dangerous neighborhoods, or dressing improperly for the elements.
We have confused needs with wants and wants with needs.
To stop the madness and write a list of the things in the “need” category, that you are missing or low on, such as air, improved diet, shelter, hydrating, sleep, sunlight, going to the bathroom regularly and with good outcome (no pun intended.)
Then write a list of things that you value in life, for instance, being a great parent, or writing a novel, or peace and quiet. Then write a list of things you absolutely want to do in life before your next birthday. Then write a list of things you absolutely will do, within the next three years.
Becoming connected to what you want in life is the first step in becoming organized long-term. Without goals or dreams why bother putting one foot in front of the other, really. Our goals don’t have to be lofty, although I do like to go big on goals. I would rather say I’ll make $5 million dollars over the next two years than $50K. Go big on goals, as long as you have the abilities to reach big goals then go for it. If you are illiterate and your goal is to write a best selling novel that is a bit of a reach, but if you won a school prize in the poetry contest, that goal is reachable. If you want to be an olympic athlete but you smoke pot, eat improper foods and don’t train, then, well, find another goal.
The relation between what we need (the seven essential things that keep us alive), what we want in life, and what we will do to get it is the secret to staying on target in life, performance and productivity and efficiency.
Speaking to yourself properly and putting “will” back in your language, “will” get you to your ideal lifestyle.
Marla Stone is a productivity and efficiency lifestyle coach.
She owns a professional organizer business in southern california and travels all over the united states coaching businesses and individuals on how to not only get organized but how to remain organized.
