Dec 7 - The Beauty of Micro-Beginnings - GON in 5 MInutes Newsletter

Published: Sun, 12/07/25

Updated: Sun, 12/07/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

December 7, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

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Remove one item from your junk drawer that you don’t need and bid it farewell. It’s amazing how a teeny-tiny action can break the “I’ll deal with this someday” loop.

The Beauty of Micro-Beginnings

A friend recently told me she kept circling her dining room table like a shark, avoiding the stack of papers sitting on top of it.

She wasn’t afraid of the task itself. She was resisting the start. And that’s what happens to so many of us. The job feels too big, so we stay in motion around it instead of stepping in.

That’s where micro-beginnings can make all the difference.

Why Tiny Starts Work
Our brains push back against anything that looks overwhelming or undefined. “Organize the file cabinet” feels like a mountain. But “open one folder” feels doable. When we shrink a task to a 30-second action, resistance drops instantly.

There’s also a scientific bonus: once we begin, even for a moment, our brains naturally want to continue. It’s called behavioral activation...the simple act of starting makes staying in motion easier than stopping.

Simple Micro-Beginnings You Can Try

Pick up one book. Don’t worry about the rest; just rehome one.

Wipe one corner of the kitchen counter. A quick swipe is enough to break the mental barrier.

Open one file folder. No pressure to sort it all; just take a peek.

Clear one item off any surface. Small resets create visible wins.

Drop one thing into the donation bag. Even a single item builds momentum.

Why Micro-Beginnings Matter
Avoidance grows when we imagine tasks as all-or-nothing events. Micro-beginnings give us a gentle middle ground...a simple way to move forward without committing to a full work session.

The next time you find yourself circling a project, try whispering, “I’ll start for 30 seconds.” That tiny beginning may be all you need to unravel hours of hesitation.

On another note...

Early Holiday Gift List: 10 Fun and Practical Finds Under $30

From clever kitchen helpers and travel must-haves to cozy home upgrades and smart tech, this list is packed with thoughtful finds that everyone on your list will love...and all under $30! Click to access

The Story That Changed Christmas

When Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol in December of 1843, he had no idea he was about to reshape the holiday season forever. At the time, Christmas wasn’t widely celebrated the way it is now It was quieter, simpler, and often overlooked.

But Dickens’ little book, written in just six feverish weeks, struck a chord. Readers fell in love with the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, the warmth of the Cratchit family, and the reminder that compassion is a gift we can give freely. Overnight, the story helped revive Christmas traditions like family gatherings, festive meals, and generosity toward others.

What’s really fascinating is how A Christmas Carol became one of the most adapted stories in history. Within a year of publication, there were already stage versions performing in packed theaters, some of them unauthorized.

Since then, Scrooge has appeared everywhere: in silent films, radio plays, black-and-white classics, animated specials, and modern retellings. From Alastair Sim’s 1951 performance to The Muppet Christmas Carol to Hallmark adaptations, each version brings a slightly different flavor, but the heart of the story never changes.

And maybe that’s why the tale still feels so timeless. Every December, we’re reminded that a single moment of reflection, a glimpse at who we were, who we are, and who we want to be, can shift everything.

A Christmas Carol isn’t just a holiday story; it’s a gentle nudge toward kindness, generosity, and second chances. In its own way, it’s a micro-beginning too...one small story that continues to inspire millions, year after year.

Enjoying my newsletter? Please REPLY and let me know! Also, please forward this newsletter to 5 of your family members and/or friends and share the love!

Here's what just one GON reader had to say...

"Your newsletter consistently makes me feel a little more prepared for whatever December throws my way. With the holidays swirling, your calm guidance and practical tips help me stay steady instead of stressed. I truly look forward to every. Thank you for being such a reassuring voice this time of year."
-- Jenny C., Las Vegas, NV

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GON Member Bonus!

As a valued member of my GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter, you get exclusive bonuses, PLUS unlimited access to all of my previous ones.

This month's featured brand new bonus is my...

2026 Monthly Organizing Calendar
Declutter, Organize, & Clean While Staying Motivated and Inspired!

To access my new calendar and ALL of my free bonuses, click here

New Monthly Organizing Challenges:
Holiday Photo
Each day, snap a daily holiday photo that captures the spirit of December...twinkling lights, cozy nights, family traditions, sweet treats, snowy scenes, or anything that warms your heart. By the end of the month, you’ll have a collection of memories you can look back on and cherish long after the season has passed. Access my Holiday Photo Challenge

NEW Monthly Organizing Checklist:
December 2025
Whether you’re hosting holiday gatherings, finishing shopping and wrapping, or planning for the new year, these small daily tasks will help keep your home tidy and your month peaceful and productive. Access my brand new December 2025 Organizing Checklist

Last Month's Web Poll Results:
When Do You Start Decorating for the Holidays?
The responses came in from every type of decorator, those who start early, those who wait until December, and everyone in between. It’s always fun to see how different households kick off the season. Click here to access the results

New Web Poll:
What's the Best Smell of December?
With so many cozy scents filling the air this month, I thought it would be fun to see which one feels the most festive to you. What’s the best smell of December? Access the poll on my home page and cast your vote

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach."
-- Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol"

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comment, suggestion, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
GetOrganizedNow.com

How to Use This Newsletter

In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life.

We encourage you to apply these ideas to your own life AND share them liberally with your family, friends, and fan base via email, on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, other social media outlets, and in person, of course!

When you share, please mention my name and web site - Maria Gracia - GetOrganizedNow.com as the source.

Thank you for helping to spread the gift of organizing far and wide!

-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia

Get Organized Now!
611 Arlington Way
Watertown Wisconsin 53094
USA

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