Submitted by Lutheran Hillside Village
What’s your New Year’s resolution?” Once the calendar moves past December 25, it’s the question posed most often. But even as the topic of conversation, New Year’s resolutions don’t seem to have much sticking power. They gain traction and then waiver. So how can you make your New Year’s resolution stick this year?
Karen Larson is a Regional Vice President at Lutheran Senior Services. Spending a majority of her time on the road, her office is a way station.
“I have responsibility for three of our continuing care retirement communities in Illinois. I’m on the road quite a bit. Which means that when I am in the office I’m catching up on my inbox or in meetings. Not a lot of time for organizing.”
Karen made a New Year’s resolution to organize her office and agreed to let Joy Brother, LSS Director of Move-In Resources and Resale help make her resolution stick. For residents moving into a Lutheran Senior Services community, Joy and her team of specialists, help them figure out how to downsize, de-clutter, and sell their homes.
“We have helped thousands with their goal of de-cluttering and preparing for a move,” said Joy. “My team does everything that has to do with the move. What to do, when to do it, and how to do it.”
And with 30 years experience, Joy has all the knowledge and experience to help get Karen’s office organized. Plus her four easy steps can apply to any New Year’s resolution.
Make Realistic Goals
Most New Year’s resolutions fail because they aren’t realistic in the first place. Trying to start a pop band with a number one recording album might not be a great way to start 2016. You want to be as specific as possible with your goal and then make sure you’ve set enough time aside to accomplish it.
Karen’s goal is to make sure that papers have a proper place to go in and that piles don’t start forming. Her system of organization needs to be long lasting and compact, so that it can move with her as she travels.
Identify the Important Stuff
For Karen, there are numerous important papers that have to be close at hand. Joy recommended using a collapsible file folder organized by each location Karen visits. Here, were also other things that had piled up — junk mail, sticky notes, and old meeting notes — that needed to be taken care of.
“Take one area at a time and identify what’s important and what’s not. That can be a good first step in making progress,” said Joy.
Get Help From Others
In Karen’s case, she had the expertise of Joy to help her get her office in shape. Any family member or friend can be helpful though, as other people can become not only a helper but an accountability partner. Maybe there’s even someone who has the same goal as you who would be willing to team up with you.
A Bite at a Time
Recognize that most New Year’s resolutions, or really any project, might take more than just an hour. Don’t get frustrated when you don’t see immediate results. Karen took it slow, making sure that her organization started off on the right foot by thoroughly going through the paperwork already on her desk.
For most people, changing too many aspects at one time requires an overwhelming amount of willpower, and ends up being unrealistic. Set small goals within your larger resolution to keep you motivated and on track.
The End Result
Joy and Karen worked together to find a system that would work in the months to come. And then to really make her office complete, a few plants and decorations were added. “Because I’m gone so much, it was overwhelming to come back to a messy office. Now my organized office is a space where I can think clearly and keep things organized from all my traveling and meetings,” said Karen.
Is your New Year’s Resolution to get squared away for senior living? Enjoy multiple options of living, fine dining, and an enriched lifestyle at Lutheran Hillside Village. Call Bridgette at 309-692-4600 to schedule a tour.
Photos courtesy of Lutheran Hillside Village