“Getting organized is one of the top New Year’s resolutions people make, and with 4,300 NAPO members ready and available to assist, it is easier than most people think,” said NAPO President Laura Leist. “NAPO members have helped people put order to their lives during this month-long event by offering solutions for getting organized and hosting events nationwide.  This year it’s time to take action and Get Organized!”

During Get Organized Month, NAPO’s chapters and members will hold public events offering de-cluttering tips and filing methods throughout the country. Some events include reuse-and-recycle programs, organizing services, shred-a-thons, seminars, school outreaches and contests. Programming will take place in local libraries, bookstores and community centers nationwide.

According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of NAPO, respondents agree—getting organized is definitely a necessity. Of those polled, 71 percent said their quality of life would improve if they were better organized.

• 65 percent described their home as at least moderately disorganized.
• 27 percent said disorder keeps them from being effective at work.

I have teamed up with Jim Maust, owner of Venture Builders and Deb Mitchell, owner of  The Design Group of Harrisonburg to de-clutter and organize three areas for The Valley Mission located at 1513 W. Beverley Street, Staunton, VA.  For further information about the Valley Mission, visit www.valleymission.net The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 22^nd and 23^rd.

We are in need of monetary and product donations.  You can donate any amount of money you feel is comfortable or any of the following items:

***12 sheets of 3/4″plywood or OSB Board

***2 sheets of 1/2″ plywood or OSB Board

***Clear plastic bins/tubs, shoe box to large 5 gallon size

***(4) Label maker tapes – Brother P-Touch 12mm 1/2″ laminated white split back

***White wire shelving – 12 or 16′ x 16″ and brackets

The Valley Missions’ Public Relations Coordinator, Wendy Shiflett, states that “by building and installing shelving units and reorganizing donations, these storage rooms will become better organized, helping us to make better use of donations received, and more accurately target our donation requests.”

If you or your business would like to donate money or products to assist with this project please contact Wendy Shiflett at (540) 886-4673 or wendyshiflett@valleymission.net or Kathryn McMillan at 540-294-1523 or clutterconversions@yahoo.com.

Your very first New Years Resolution should be “I want to simplify my life so I can enjoy what is truly important to me.”  In order to simplify your life, you need to take a good, long, hard look at the things you have been doing in the past and decide if they represent your most important goals and values.  If they do not, then you need to stop doing them.  You have been wasting valuable time and energy!  Decide what you most important goals and values are (only 5-7), list them on a piece of paper and underneath each one, list the actions you need to take to achieve or reinforce your goals and values.  This list is what should fill your calendar.  These five to seven goals should be your New Years Resolutions!!

The first thing to do is create a plan!  Be specific when you describe your resolutions and make them measurable.  A New Years Resolution is just a starting point.  It should be a year-round project comprised of many small steps.  Break down large goals into smaller ones with time frames established.  Find alternatives to a behavior that you want to change, and make this part of your resolution plan.  Remain flexible, things change constantly and you must be able to adapt to be successful.

The second thing is to be realistic!!  Setting a New Years Resolution that is unrealistic will set you up for failure immediately.  Remember that “effective” time management will give you the time needed to achieve your goal.  You will feel proud and successful, as well as, be a healthier and happier person!  An important component to having a successful resolution is to make yourself accountable!  Tell anyone and everyone what your resolution is because most people do not want to look like failures.

Finally and most importantly, make New Years Resolutions that are truly important to you and NOT what you think you ought to do or what others expect of you.