the importance factor

I've been trying to get back into my exercise routine and lose a few pounds for quite some time. I know what to do. I've been motivated. But it hasn't happened. But a few months ago my dad challenged me to a weight loss contest. Between us, whoever loses the most by Christmas wins. And I get to pick the prize! As you can imagine I am more motivated than ever to lose weight. I've been exercising on a regular basis. In fact, I don't like to miss a day.

So I'd been trying to lose weight and I'd been motivated because I wanted to fit back into some clothes that I like. But I couldn't do it. What's the difference: the importance factor. I want to beat my dad! This extra incentive has made it easier to exercise and eat right.

Are you trying to lose clutter? Do you want to decrease the weight of the stuff in your home or office? How about creating more space in your calendar for some activities that you would really like to do? You may have had these goals for some time but never seem to make any progress. What is your importance factor? What would be crucial enough to make you want to "lose the clutter" more than you want to keep it?

Maybe you want to start a new hobby or have friends over to visit. What about saving time because you can find items when you need them? How about saving money because you aren't buying duplicate items? Maybe you want to be able to host your family for the holidays. I can't determine your importance factor. I can only tell you that it has to be more important than other activities currently consuming your time. Why do I say that? Because it takes time and perseverance to declutter and get organized. The clutter didn't get there overnight nor will it "unget" there overnight. Motivation is a critical factor in seeing the organizing process through to completion.

So for me, losing weight is more important than sleeping in (note: I make sure I get enough sleep for my body, but don't spend time just lying around in bed) because I exercise in the morning. What about you? Maybe...

• Getting organized is more important than going out to the movies because you would like to be able to get dressed quickly in the morning.
• Decluttering is more important than watching lots of TV you will feel less overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your space.
• Donating three pairs of jeans is more important than having one pair for every day of the week because by donating three pairs, your dresser drawer will close.

Take a moment to let me know your importance factor when it comes to getting organized.