I was raised in a large family; fifth of seven children. As you might expect, every once in a while my mother would get to her wits end. She must have read somewhere, in her own quest towards self-actualization, that when you really hit your limit, count to 10, out loud and deliberately. It was a trick that seemed to work for her and soon enough, it worked on us too. When we heard my mother say 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10, often through clenched teeth, we knew it was time to simmer down fast, or ELSE!
Though it’s a survival bonus tip for just about anyone, especially parents, that little story doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the topic at hand. Yet I am reminded of it with this get organized tip: Using the count of 10 is a neat way to clear some clutter fast, to help you dig out from under the holidays for example, or any time when you have been very busy and clutter has ensued.
In any cluttered space – a particular room, the surface of your desk, wherever – just start with 10 and count down. The key – with each count, pick something up and put it away. It’s simple but it works. I often do this in the bedroom before I retire Or the surface of my desk at the end of a work session.
So I guess counting down from 10 to 1 is not just for New Years anymore! I hope this helps you jumpstart your “Get Organized” New Years resolution.
And, since we are on the topic, I hope you have a productive and clutter-free 2011.
Best wishes for BALANCE, from me and Kenya!