As I’m sifting through a pile of paperwork today, this catchy little phrase keeps running through my head. Gosh, isn’t that the truth? But sometimes keeping up simply isn’t an option. There’s just too much coming at you and too many must-do tasks on your to-do list to actually keep up.
Other times, however, keeping up is just a whole bunch of tiny choices everyday. Choices like:
1. Going through today’s mail
Doing the associated tasks, like scheduling bills for payment and filing away the coupons.
2. Doing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen
As soon as you’re done eating dinner.
3. Tidying up surface clutter
Before bed each night. This includes tasks like hanging up clean clothes, putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket, and putting away other items you took out and used today.
The good thing about getting behind, like I am right now, is that it reminds me how much more pleasant life is when I’m a bit more on top of things. Life ebbs and flows, and the messy times when we’ve fallen behind are part of that ebb and flow. This means if you’ve fallen behind it is not an opportunity to beat yourself up! Instead, use it as an opportunity to reset your home and your habits by incorporating a 15 minute tidying into the end of your day. Waking up to a home free of surface clutter is a wonderful gift to give yourself. And, as an added bonus, you’ll see the tangible benefits of keeping up instead of catching up.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
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Aby. (2018, November 24). Organizing Tip: Keeping Up is Easier than Catching Up. Simplify 101. https://simplify101.com/organizing-tips/organizing-tip-keeping-up/