One Step at a Time

There are so many things I want to do and too many times I get started on several at the same time and get overwhelmed and end up not finishing anything.  So, I decided to write down all the things I have started and the things I want to do and I am going through the list one step at a time, finishing one before I start the next.  This forces me to finish something instead of letting it just hang around too long. 

When cleaning out clutter in your home the one step at a time process is a little different.  Instead of ignoring your daily routine of responsibility and spending all day cleaning out one closet, it is better to do one step at a time.  Do your regular responsibilities each day, but plan to do one drawer or one shelf or 15 minutes a day.  By doing this method, your family won't come home to no dinner that night or no clean clothes or dirty dishes all over the sink.  If you find you have extra time one day, spend more time, but plan it out and do one thing at a time.  Instead of spending your decluttering time doing things in all of the rooms of your home, why not stick to one room at a time.  This way, you see progress and it is very rewarding.  The rest of the home will get done in time, but do it a step at a time.  If you try to do too much at once, it is easy to burn out and stop doing it altogether.  But, if you do one step at a time, it doesn't take very long and isn't too emotionally draining and things get done slowly but steadily. 

This method can also be used when trying to change habits.  For example, say you were trying to decrease your carbon footprint.  Instead of trying to change everything all at once, write down the changes you want to make and do them one at a time.  Once one becomes a regular habit, then add another.  Little by little, you will accomplish the changes you want but they will be more likely to stick when you take your time and take it one step at a time. 

It is easier for family members to adjust to changes when you do them a little at a time.  For example, eating whole wheat is good for you.  If you were to change from white to wheat one day, your family would probably experience some unpleasant digestive issues.  But, if you were to do it one step at a time and put a little wheat flour with the white flour and then increase the amount of wheat flour a little at a time, your body could adjust to the change without the digestive issues involved.  It may take a little longer than you want, but it is an easier adjustment and your family will be happier making changes a little at a time.  The change is also more likely to stick.