Robin

In This Issue:

Adversity Into Opportunity
How Much is Your Time Worth?
New Software for Pet Lovers
CLEAN SWEEP CONTEST!

 

Adversity Into Opportunity: Tips For Coping With Setbacks

Ok, I realize 2005 has just begun, bright with promises of resolutions made and kept (hopefully!). So why talk about setbacks when the champagne toasts are still ringing in your ears and you haven't even written "2005" in the date space in your checkbook?

We're always hopeful at the start of a new year and ready to tackle new challenges and create opportunities. Yet, statistics show that less than 5% of New Year's Resolutions are followed through and most are abandoned in less than 3 months. Setbacks are inevitable, but our attitude toward any situation determines whether we view it as a temporary roadblock or total derailment.

The Chinese character for "crisis" or "adversity" is the same as for the word "opportunity." It means that when we're faced with a difficult situation, we have the option to use it for personal growth. Confucius said, "Consider the uses of adversity." If we recognize that some failure is inevitable, we can use it positively and instead of giving up or getting discouraged, shrug it off and use the experience to our advantage.

My uncle liked to tell a story about a farmer whose donkey had fallen into an abandoned well. The donkey cried hideously, struggling this way and that trying to get out of the well. After attempting to rescue him, the farmer realized he couldn’t get the donkey out. He decided to make an end of him and began shoveling dirt over the poor animal. At first the donkey continued braying, but after awhile he became quiet. The farmer looked down into the well and was amazed to see the donkey shrugging the dirt off his back and stepping up onto the pile as it fell off his back to the ground! The farmer continued to shovel dirt onto the donkey's back and he continued to shake it off and step up onto the dirt pile until he reached the rim of the hole and trotted off!

You get the point. Celebrate your setbacks – they mean that you’ve tried to accomplish something! In the words of Aldous Huxley, "Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him."

Did you resolve to get organized in 2005? Whatever your organizing challenge, you’ll find great ideas to unclutter your life at these websites:

www.shoptogetorganized.com
www.improvementscatalog.com

How Much is Your Time Worth?

Just Start Somewhere: Real Time Organizing Solutions to Set You F.R.E.E.! Take a Peek! Do you want to live your best life right now? Eliminate the physical and mental clutter in your life, and watch your energy and creativity soar! This easy-to-read manual can help you go from chaos to carefree with simple, effective organizing solutions for every room in your home! Just Start Somewhere ebook: $12.95 (PDF format)

Check out what disorganization could be costing you. . .

• Americans waste 9 million hours per day searching for lost or misplaced items, according to the American Demographics Society.



• The Wall Street Journal reported that the average U.S. executive wastes six weeks per year search-ing for missing information in disorganized desks and files. (about one hour per day)



• Cleaning professionals report that getting rid of excess clutter would eliminate 40% of housework in an average home. (National Soap & Detergent Association)



• Replacing misplaced items, last minute shopping at premium prices and interest/late fees on credit cards and loans could cost as much as 15-20% of your annual budget.



• Realtors regard "first impression" improvements – like decluttering shelves and closets – as one of the cheapest ways to speed the sale of a home and get the highest price according to Washington State Association of Realtors.

If you have pets, you know how important (and often difficult) it is to keep their records in order. What if you had a simple way to automate your pet records -- keeping them up to date with just a click of your computer mouse?

This easy to use software helps you organize all of your pet information in one easy place - keep track of medical records, vaccinations, diet, care instructions, and more. Your pet diary even gives you a place to record special and amusing memories - and you can organize pictures of your pet in your virtual photo gallery.

Once you have all of your pet's information in the system, you can set reminders for appointments and to-do's, print sitter instructions, record information about your pet's behavior and eating habits, even track progress as you train your pet.

Plus, get a bulk discount on 10+ programs - perfect for all your friends and clients with pets, or colleagues who provide pet sitting services! Includes screens for recording:

• medical records, vet, and vaccinations
• care and feeding instructions
• your pet's vital statistics
• pet sitter instruction sheet
• upcoming pet appointments and to-do's
• diary of behaviors and experiences photos and diary entries about your pet