Your Life. Organized.

Win a Dymo Labelmaker!

I've been helping people organize their lives for nine years now. Whew, the time does fly! Because I firmly believe what Bob Vila says, that "Having the right tool is half the job", I'm always on the lookout for great products and services to recommend to my clients, readers and radio show listeners.

In light of this, (and thanks to some excellent advice by my friend Dr. Amie Ragan of one of my favorite blogs, Psychology of Clutter), I've decided to create a weekly product feature/review here on my blog. But here's my challenge...

Parents Rule

Pat Montgomery, host of the weekly radio show, Parents Rule, had me on as a guest recently and we talked about the importance of giving young children, adolescents and teens appropriate responsibilities and making them accountable for themselves. It's something that many parents aren't doing and it's so important! Not only does it teach your kids life skills, but it models good societal behavior and much more. Hear the rest of the story by listening online but the show will only be up for the next few weeks.

A Great (Clutterfree) Gift Idea

I think we've all lost someone dear to us. Three years ago I lost my mom and there are days when I just want to call her up and say hello to chat about my flower gardens, the deer behind the house or what's going on in her world. Obviously, I can't do that, but what I wouldn't give to have a recording of her -- even something as simple as a saved voicemail message -- just so I could hear her voice again.  Is there someone in your life you feel this way about? If so, now there's something you can do to preserve the voices and memories you love in a beautiful keepsake...

Can Life Really Be "Balanced"?

I was chatting with a friend over dinner the other night when we began discussing life balance. As we were talking, I was thinking about the literal definition of balance:

bal·ance     /ˈbæləns/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[bal-uhns] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, verb,  -anced, -anc·ing. –noun 

1.	a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.

2.	something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.

3.	mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

When we talk about life balance, it's important to understand that...

Resisting Change

I was reading Seth Godin's blog this morning, as I often do, and what he wrote about organizations reminded me that individuals are just the same way about resisting change. Seth's post says:                        

Most organizations need a good reason to do something new.

All they need is a flimsy excuse to not do something for the first time.

And they often need a lawsuit to stop doing something they're used to.

Aren't we just the same way? Have you ever made a change in your life without a good reason? What flimsy excuse have you used to delay a new and positive behavior? And if you've been involved in a lawsuit, I don't want to know!

 

Most organizations need a good reason to do something new.

All they need is a flimsy excuse to not do something for the first time.

And they often need a lawsuit to stop doing something they're used to.

Aren't we just the same way? Have you ever made a change in your life without a good reason? What flimsy excuse have you used to delay a new and positive behavior? And if you've been involved in a lawsuit, I don't want to know!

 

Vicky and Jen Tackle Paper Retention

You know I've been featured on Vicky and Jen's podcast, What Really Matters several times and it's just beginning. At their web site, you can listen to my podcasts with them, and see their entire list of archived shows too. We'll be continuing our series of organizing segments over the next several months, and I may be flying to Cincinnati to meet them and do a live podcast in July. While I'm there, maybe I will do some organizing or something else fun. One never knows, so stay tuned for details about that...

Anyway, one of Vicky and Jen's listeners named Minnie, submitted a question for me to answer regarding document retention. Minnie asked:

My nightmare is a small wicker file basket full of old receipts.  I know some paperwork you should keep for a few years (tax returns, how long too?); but how about those phone bills, bank statements and doctor bills?  I need a guideline!

Click to see how I answered Minnie's question!

Howard Eskin on Organization Nation

This past Tuesday was my monthly "Power of Focus" format that I've been doing for a little while now. I've really been enjoying it! Once a month, I interview a high achiever about the secrets to their success and how they avoid becoming distracted, how they use their time and any other effectiveness success tips they can share about reaching goals.

This month's guest was longtime Philadelphia area radio and television sportscaster Howard Eskin. Howard was kind enough to share an hour of his time and believe me, this is one busy guy, so I appreciate it. Listen to the interview and find out Howard's secrets to success and how many ways this well-known Philly icon gives back to the community.

Careful: Knives are Sharp

Somehow, I've managed to live all these years without a broken bone or stitches. Until now...

What Goes Around Comes Around

A few Sundays ago, I was on a flight to Tampa and I was skimming SKY, Delta Airlines' in-flight magazine. There was an article about recycling by Linda Siversten that offered some interesting statistics. Did you know that in 2005, Americans recycled 50% of all paper products? Wow, yay for us! That’s a pretty impressive percentage! We also get a gold star in the departments of recycling non-iron metals (74%) and yard clippings (62%). (I’m not sure where recycled yard clippings end up, but maybe some kindly reader will tell me). In any case, these are some pretty good recycling percentages overall. However, in contrast...

Win an Office Makeover!

Vern Yip, known as one of the original (and I have to say my favorite) designers on TLC's Trading Spaces, is teaming up with Microsoft to give away all kinds of cool prizes, including the grand prize of a home office makeover worth $25,000!  If your home office is at least 12' x 12' you can sign up here to win! Hmmmm... my office is painted robin-egg blue and needs some new furniture. I wonder if I'm eligible...