In order to achieve your goals and set yourself up for success in 2015, you may want to ensure that your physical environment is a motivating one, one that provides a sanctuary from everything else, one that is safe and nurturing to your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Sometimes small changes help and motivate us. For instance, choose colours that will uplift you and keep things around that enlighten you—perhaps your favourite books and magazines, baskets, candles, flowers are all items that can give you a lift. If your environment is cluttered, then declutter and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, your children, family and close friends. Decluttering will certainly lift your mood and create an environment in which you can grow and prosper.
Whether you live in a room or in a mansion, you can have space that is clean, organised and peaceful. If like me, you sometimes neglect to dust and clean at times, forgive yourself and get back on track as soon as possible. Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy, in that, if we are unfulfilled, then everything appears to be negative to us.
If we have a lot of space and we are unable or refuse to pay for a professional cleaner, then everyone needs to get into the act; but, I warn you—start early. If you wait until your kids are teenagers to hand out duties, this will be very tough, not impossible, but tougher than if you start when they are young.
Everyone can help to do something and I assure you they will thank you later on—much later on perhaps, but they will be grateful that you taught them how to be responsible and the importance of a clean, organised, pleasant and functional environment.
Of course, it may take a lot more than decluttering your home to provide this sanctuary of peace that you so desire at this point in your live. Sometimes, being surrounded by the wrong person or people can debilitate your sense of well-being and corrupt any chance you have of enlightenment. But hold up and don’t make any quick and easy decisions. Relationships take work and make sure that you have been doing your part before you rush to judgment on who is corrupting your peace.
If you are fortunate to have a partner in the true sense of the word, then you can also try to share responsibilities in the home if you both work. Strive for teamwork and let all family members know “Together, Everyone Achieves More.”
Now, I don’t know who coined that phrase but it really is true and we don’t want you going around feeling like “Poor Me” when everyone gets comfortable with letting you do all the chores.
I believe that you and your partner should first discuss what chores there are to be done and you should then decide officially who is responsible for what. There could be some negotiation as appropriate but in the end just be fair and everyone will be satisfied. Let everyone know that you are depending on him or her to do her or his part.
Of course, all these good habits will transfer to their homes, their workplace and everyone benefits! Abraham Maslow believed that in order for us to learn and grow, our basic needs like food, safety and shelter had to be met. I really believe in Maslow’s theory and as I have grown in my career, I believe even more. I see it all the time! Kids who have that clean, organised, non-threatening environment always seem to do better at school socially. If our kids come from an organised environment, chances are they will take more pride in keeping their cubicles, their desks, their spaces organised as well and we all want to see that.
Once these basic physical needs are met, however, as our children begin to grow and as you continue to grow socially, you will need a home that is also peaceful and supportive. In particular, your children will need a home that is non-threatening while you hopefully will have a workplace that is non-threatening.
As you grow, peace will become a greater ingredient in your life so it is important that you strive for that early. Let your partner and your children know the importance of a peaceful home, one in which everyone can learn and grow.
Dr Starke is a psychotherapist/Life skills coach and OD (Organizational Development) consultant who provides workshops/seminars for employees and supervisors. E-mail thestarkereality@gmail.com or www.ctclifeskills.com.