by Cary Farrell July 28, 2019 Whether the Christmas decorations are put away yet or not, 2017 is ringing in! Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it can be hard to find a few quiet moments for reflection and setting 2017 resolutions. At Clutter Free, we found some of last year’s top resolutions included: saving more money, being healthier, being less stressed, and spending more time with family and friends. You might have completely different goals but the challenge is not in the choosing of the goal but the follow through. Goals are just wishes without actions. It is not about what we wish to accomplish, but what we actually plan to accomplish. 3 Actions to successfully reach and achieve 2017 Resolutions are: Gain the Knowledge. Being healthier is always on my list and each year I work at attaining that goal by educating myself on what my body needs. Health experts are constantly learning what makes a healthy diet, but I don’t want to get caught up in fads. Knowledge is power in making decisions. If the goal is saving more money, I recommend reading Dave Ramsey for ideas and inspiration. Whatever the goal is, most likely someone else has some encouragement and steps on how to reach those goals. Plan Ahead of Time. It’s 7:30 AM, my stomach is complaining that it’s empty, I need to be out the door in 10 minutes and the only thing in the pantry is something not on my healthy choice list! I have set myself up to FAIL! I must make an educated plan before I get hungry that allows me to make a non-emotional decision when my stomach is not screaming at me! But, if at 7:30 AM with ten minutes before I run out the door, my pantry or fridge has been organized with healthy choices ready to satisfy my growling tummy, I have set myself up for success! I will be more likely to make healthier choices the rest of the day if I start well. Repeat and Treat. Never stop learning about how to successfully accomplish goals. If decluttering or organizing is the goal, read books or reach out to personal organizers in the Triangle area for help. And, take things in stride - once one step is set, tackle the next step. Be realistic in goal setting so as to set yourself up for success and only tackle one small goal at the time. Clutter Free wishes everyone a Happy, Healthy, Clutter Free 2017! If de-cluttering or organizing are a part of the New Year’s resolutions, we are happy to help with the knowledge and plan to set you up for a successful 2017!