If you are in direct sales or work in a corporate environment, you have heard the term S.M.A.R.T. goals. You know that by using this format, you will get further faster with less struggle. Did you ever think of using the same goal setting principles to de-cluttering your home or office.
Let’s be honest. We all have visions of a clutter free home. A quiet sanctuary that is easy to clean and free of “piles” every where you look. Maybe you just want a home that is neat and tidy. Everything put away where it belongs?
So let’s apply the S.M.A.R.T goal theory to cleaning up the clutter:
“S” is for “specific”. Get as detailed as you can when setting your goal. Instead of saying “I want to clean the family room” say “I want clean the family room by sorting all of the toys into 3 piles of keep, donate and toss.
“M” is for “measurable”. We need to be able to measure your goal. Three questions you can ask yourself to create measurable goals are – “How will you know when you’ve reached it? How much? How many?” It we are cleaning, how will you know when you have reached your goal of getting the family room organized?
“A” is for “attainable”. Your goal must be attainable, doable and practical. You can’t possibly clean the family room in 30 minutes, right? You need to give yourself an appropriate amount of time or it will never happen. How about if you pick a room a day or maybe a few hours?
“R” is for “realistic”. This is the most important piece. You can ensure your goal is realistic is by honestly asking yourself if you’re ready and willing to do what it takes to achieve the goal. If not, it’s not likely you’ll hit it. Are you really ready to sort the family room into those 3 piles AND follow through?
“T” is for “timely”. Time frames create a sense of urgency and help you back into your goal. How long should this goal take? What’s an appropriate time frame? Setting a goal with no completion date is continuing to push the goal off into the future. A time frame makes it real and gets you into immediate action.
What is your SMART goal for de-cluttering your home? Share it with us.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 