Just this past week, from various people, I've heard...

'I have big plans on the horizon, but I can't seem to get them in gear.'

'I really need a vacation.'

'I'm going back to school as soon as my life is less hectic.'

'One of these days, I'm going to begin making plans with friends.'

'I'm going to get organized as soon an I'm less busy.'

We all have various plans for ourselves for some time in the future, but there are often speed bumps in the way slowing us down; perhaps even stopping us in our tracks. It's much easier to think that there will somehow be a much better time than the present to do the things that we really want to do. Getting ourselves moving towards these goals is a bit harder because it actually requires us to take action.

As Mark Twain once said, 'The secret to getting ahead is getting started.'

1) Ask yourself, 'Is later REALLY better?'

It is very easy to put things off until another time. We tend to think that if we had just a bit more money, or a bit more time, or if our kids were moved out and on their own, things would be easier and therefore it would be a more opportune time to do the things we want to do. This is an easy rut to fall into. We put things off until we suddenly realize that the things we wanted to do never even got off the ground.

Say, for example, you want to plan a family vacation. A long car ride with a younger child does not seem like an ideal situation for you. Because of this, you put off the family vacation until you think your child is old enough to sit through the long car ride. Because you decided to wait you now have a pre-teen who would rather stay at home attending practices and school events than spending a week with mom and dad. The money you had been saving for the family trip got rerouted into your daughter's orthodontist's bank account. The old set of reasons why you thought you shouldn't or couldn't travel now just got replaced with a whole new set of reasons why you can't.

2) Take small steps towards your goals.

'I have big plans on the horizon.'

Great! What are they? List them out on paper. Make a plan. What's one thing you can do TODAY to get you closer to that goal?

'I really need a vacation.'

Great! Where do you want to go? How much do you have to save to get there? Find out. Search online or visit a travel agency. Start a vacation account at your bank and deposit a small amount every single week...even if it's only $10.

'I'm going back to school as soon as my life is less hectic.'

Why wait? Begin taking a night class in your area, or take an online course. In the meantime, begin making your life a little less hectic...perhaps find a job that doesn't require hours of overtime, or pay a cleaning service to clean your home, or split driving duties with another parent.

'One of these days, I'm going to begin making plans with friends.'

Don't wait. Schedule at least two friend-related outings a month right now. Get out your calendar and your cell phone...and begin arranging. Even if it's only a coffee or lunch date, or an outing to the movies, there is no time like the present to reconnect.

'I'm going to get organized as soon as I'm less busy.'

Consider the fact that you may be busy...because you're not organized. Make a plan to declutter 10 items per day...and to eliminate or streamline at least one activity per week. Organizing isn't a one-time-event...it's a journey. Get started today...and you'll be more organized than you were yesterday!

3) Seize the day.

The truth of the matter is, there really is no better time than today to do things that you really want. Let's face it. There probably really isn't a perfect time to do anything. Busy schedules, financial drawbacks, and all other work and home obligations are always going to be there.

Waiting for the 'perfect' time to do things will more than likely translate into waiting for many moments that will never actually come. Nothing in life is guaranteed. Don't let fun and opportunities pass you by because you think tomorrow is a better time to carry through. We only get so many trips around the sun. Don't waste that time sitting idly by.

The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time to start is now.

Don't Study Harder...Study Smarter!

Introducing the Speed Study System
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I can barely believe we're already three months into the current school year. Time flies! Whether YOU HAVE a son, daughter or grandchild in school, or YOU are in school yourself, NOW is a great time to be sure those grades are where you want them to be. If they're suffering a bit...I know an excellent secret for getting better grades-- without the hassles, the cramming, the endless hours of studying, the frustration, or the agony!

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* How to excel at sports, have an active social life and still get As and Bs in most of your subjects WITHOUT staying up past midnight to do your homework

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P.S. Because we are BIG believers in this program and in helping anyone in school to do as well as possible, when you order anything from the Get the Best Grades web site, BEFORE MONDAY, DECEMBER 25TH AT 11:59 p.m. (CST) email me and I'll send you $125 in complimentary bonuses as follows...

* Smart Schooltime Recipes: The Breakfast, Snack and Lunchbox Cookbook for Healthy Kids and Adults

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P.S. Because these bonuses are exclusively available for my readers, you won't see anything about them on the description page. To get your complimentary bonuses, just email me at: getorgnow@charter.net along with your order number and I'll email your files immediately.

GON Organizing Kids: This is a big factor in helping kids get organized
getorganizednow.com/organizing-kids-factor.html



GON Organizing Men: How to keep the garage floor clean all slushy winter long

getorganizednow.com/organizing-men-garage-floor-winter.html





Dirty Little Secret: Here's how I prevent a pile of wrapping paper to clean up after gift-opening on Christmas morning.
dirty-little-secret-wrapping-paper-christmas.html



Mini Challenges: Sometimes, we let things we should be doing for our health and well-being play second-string to our long list of TO DOs and projects. Here are some gentle reminder challenges for you to focus on this week
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-gentle-reminders.html



In ADDITION, on our home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

New Web Poll: Love fruitcake? Hate it? Take our poll and let us know
getorganizednow.com



Theme of the Week: Miracles. Check out our home page quotes that reflect our theme.
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GON Monthly Checklist: It's easier to be jolly when you're organized. Start today with our December 2017 Organizing Checklist
getorganizednow.com

1) Let in some fresh air. I know it's cold out in many areas of the country, including mine. But, I don't like to keep the house closed up the entire season. So I open a window or two in each room, and let in some cold, crisp winter air for a few minutes each day.

2) Do an emergency exit safety check. Make sure all emergency exits in your home have clear paths. There should not be boxes or clutter blocking entry and exit doors.

3) Inventory and inspect your winter outerwear. Does the zipper on your winter jacket zip properly? Are your boots in good condition, or have they seen better days? What about your gloves? Do you have both gloves in every pair? Are you set on hats and earmuffs, or do you need replacements? Gather your winter outerwear in one place, inventory, and inspect. Then repair and/or replace as needed.

4) Listen to Christmas music...live. I'm forever listening to holiday tunes on the radio, but I love hearing a live performance, whether in church, a concert hall, a neighborhood event (the high schoolers have an amazing, traveling caroling team here in town), or even impromptu carolers at the mall or supermarket. Make it a point to hear Christmas music, live, this year.

5) Go back-to-basics. One of my all-time favorites is a delicious grilled cheese sandwich and a hot bowl of tomato soup. Why not make things easy on yourself this weekend...and have this as one of your meals?

'Today I am in control because I want to be. I have my fingers on the switch, but have lived a lifetime ignoring the control I have over my own world. Today is different.'
--A.S. King, Please Ignore Vera Dietz




I'd love to hear from you.
Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2017 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia