Self-Improvement Secrets

* Perfectionism is a time waster.

Strive for excellence on important issues and ordinary best for everyday tasks. Do not waste your time on needless details.

* Be flexible.

Organize things the way they work for you. The principle of organizing is to be able to find what you want when you want it.

* Simplify.

No matter how much you seek change, it is impossible if there is no room for change. Busyness and over spending leaves you feeling overwhelmed, stressed and yearning for a simpler life. Letting go of clutter and attachments can be painful. Ask for help. Consider a trusted friend, family member or professional organizer who can keep you focused. (Telephone and email coaching are available. For more information contact: [email protected])

* Clean out your closets.

Take time to remove what you no longer wear or use. Statistics show that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. That means that there are a whole lot of clothes just waiting for the infrequent occasion to wear them. Do you really need to keep so many?

* Measure progress in terms of percentages.

The point of Self-Improvement is to increase your batting average. Changing a habit 10% of the time is a positive step in the right direction. Give yourself credit for the progress you are making. (Ty Cobb, baseball's legendary all-time leading hitter, had a lifetime batting average of 367, which means nearly five out of eight times at bat he made an out.)

* Treat yourself kindly.

Positive self-talk produces better results than degradation. ("I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career; I have lost almost 300 games; on 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and missed; I have failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed," states Michael Jordan, basketball's greatest.)

* Someone once said, "It is not how much you make that counts, it is how much you KEEP."

Pay attention to where you are spending and start a savings plan with spare change. It will mount up and your abundance will grow.

* Relax.

Stress depletes the immune system. Seek balance in your life and learn deep breathing exercises. Press your tongue onto the roof of your mouth and slowly breathe in through your nose continuing until you are fully inflated. Hold and notice how much oxygen you bring into your starving tissues. Release your breath by exhaling through your mouth. Repeat as often as necessary.

* Laugh.

Why does it feel so good to laugh? Because endorphins are released from the brain every time you do it. Endorphins have a morphine-like affect and are often referred to as the body's own opiates. Endorphin pushers: smiling and laughing, exercising, positive thinking, connecting with family and friends, celebrations, receiving recognition and experiencing nature up close and personal.

* Get a life!

This clich� is usually said with sarcasm. However, it is actually very good advice. Are you among the multitude that invests in an abundant lifestyle? Do you think you need that new car, boat or expensive vacation to feel successful? Would life be perfect if you had that new suit, a diamond ring or a bigger TV? Our homes have become a warehouse for possessions that enhance our lifestyle but fall short of enhancing our life.

* Choose to be happy.

Happiness is not found in ownership of material possessions. Rather, it comes from deep within. Each morning make a conscious decision to have a good day. Instead of waiting for things to get better, be grateful for what you already have. "Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get," stated Dale Carnegie, 1888-1955, American Author and Self-Improvement Trainer

Judith Kirk, owner of www.OrganizingResources.com provides coaching in simplification and organization mastery. She uses a holistic approach to teach life management skills and assures an immediate physical, emotional and psychological payoff when chaos and clutter are eliminated. The impact of simplifying and organizing renews the spirit and builds confidence. Order is the foundation upon which to build inner peace, contentment and joy in life. Subscribe to Free monthly newsletter at [email protected].