Written by Leo Babauta
When I was younger, I had trouble doing basic things like:
Pay your bills Keep your house clean Run errands Do yard work Maintain your car and home Take care of your health Stay on top of work tasks
I always thought I “should” do these things, but at the time it felt like too much. I always felt like my life was a mess when I avoided paying attention to things.
Lately…I’m not perfect at any of the above…but I’ve gotten a lot better at it. And it makes me feel like my life is valued.
In doing so, I feel worthy of being cared for.
So how did we transform this? This article will share the journey.
The beginning of change
At first, I wanted my life to be less chaotic. But I was too overwhelmed to take on everything, and no matter how hard I tried, I kept failing.
The transformation really started when I decided to take a really small step. One thing at a time. One or two areas at a time:
Clean the sink (and slowly spread it throughout the kitchen) Pick up your clothes and put them away immediately Take a bill from the pile and process it (or plan to do so) Running shoes Put on your shoes and go outside, even if it’s only for 5-10 minutes to floss one tooth.
The last part really fascinates people. However, I struggled for years to get into the habit of flossing and felt really bad about not being able to do it. Then I saw a talk where someone said this is how to form the habit of flossing, and it sounded so easy I couldn’t say no. So I started. I now floss my teeth almost every night.
These small steps can make a big difference over time. You can’t change everything at once, but you can change everything.
A change in thinking that changed everything
The real change was internal. I went through a lot of mindset changes.
It’s easier to do it now than to tackle a huge pile later. It feels so good when things are put away. A clean surface is much more beautiful than one that’s piled up. What gets ignored becomes a ruin. Masu
But there was a small mindset shift that actually made the biggest change for me. It’s really great to be mindful of things.
I realized I could enjoy the simple act of tidying up. I started to love cleaning up clutter and emptying my inbox.
For me, decluttering and organizing things is very satisfying.
Once I realized that, it became easier. Even if I’m happy!
Recent fun situations
So how do we manage our lives these days? In many ways. But with great joy!
I start each week by emptying my inbox, organizing my tasks, and setting goals for the week. You will feel refreshed and happy.
I start and end my day by making sure my kitchen is tidy and tidy. and by flossing and brushing your teeth. This can help you feel a little more order in your life.
Once I find a place where I can clean up, I try to do it during breaks and get some exercise. After a break, you return to work feeling more satisfied.
If you can’t handle garden or home maintenance during your break, save it for the weekend. And I enjoy the feeling of caring for my family.
I train almost every day and feel that I am honoring my amazing body.
Every morning I make sure my bill payments and budget are up to date. Having money makes me feel happy.
In each area, I take care of my life, my family, my body, and my business. I bring a little order to the chaos of the world. And I’m giving myself a nice and satisfying experience.
I hope you too can feel this joy.
