Why Goals Are Better Than Resolutons

December 15, 2025December 15, 2025 Lori @ Touch of OrganizedLeave a comment

Why goals instead of resolutions? I know, I know. It’s the season for “resolutions” but I refuse to set any. I get the point – to set new ideals for the next year. But a few years ago, I realized that I didn’t want to set any. It’s not that I didn’t want to aspire to anything in the new year. Quite the opposite – I wanted to set goals for myself instead. Do you want to know why???

REASON #1 = Sustainability

Yes, goals are more sustainable in my opinion. When you set a goal and write out the steps to achieve it, it is a long-term plan. The plan is what makes it sustainable. It keeps you moving forward, and keeps the goal in the front of your mind. A resolution feels like a one-and-done proposition. A goal feels like something to work towards.

REASON #2 = Flexibility

A goal is flexible as life moves forward. The goal can evolve, your steps to achieve it can change, and your reasons behind the goal can be updated.

Resolutions feel more permanent and less fluid.

A goal to make more money-conscious decisions can be updated but a resolution to save $2000 feels too set in stone. What if an emergency comes up and you have to get the car repaired?

Reason #3 = Recoverability

Yup, recoverability – meaning that if something gets in the way of the goal, you can recover.

Let’s take another look at the financial goal. If you have to lay out part of your savings to repair the car, the resolution to save $2000 gets “broken”. However, a goal can get back on track easily. You simply start saving again. This is a huge one for me. I can always get back on track with a goal but once a resolution gets broken it feels like it’s over and done.

These three reasons of why goals are better than resolutions are the cornerstones of why I prefer to set the goals. (P.S. Bonus points if you make them SMART goals!) They certainly pointed in the same direction that a resolution might be, but with a goal and a plan, it takes the mental load off a little and I can focus on achieving what I want to achieve!

Setting up your planner for next year

November 17, 2025December 4, 2025 Lori @ Touch of OrganizedLeave a comment

I’m not going to lie, I kind of love picking out and setting up my planner for the next year! It makes me feel nostalgic for my school years, and picking out all my school supplies. (Trapper Keepers anyone?!?!)

I already have my memory planner for next year and I’m anxiously awaiting the delivery of my planner. In the meantime, I’ve definitely been stocking up on supplies and stickers so that I’m ready to go when January arrives!

I did want to share a few of my favorites with you in case you can’t decide what direction to go.

I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own.
This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

One of my favorite shops is My Happy Place Stickers – I love the corner and dewdrop stickers. The script months and mini calendars are perfect for my memory planner.

I am definitely a repeat customer for Her Courage to Plan – the teeny tiny icons are just perfect for my planner and I’ve also recently gotten her reading tracker set.

The designs and kits from Blissful Jayde Designs and Hattie Rose Designs are just so beautiful and I know I will be using some of them next year.

I am completely obsessed with the kits from The Pretty Pink Co and may own several sets already!

I have recently discovered Wintertime Crafts and have already ordered multiple washi tapes and even a sampler kit. I just love the vintage designs!

Right now my poor planner is without clothing and for next year I can’t decide between the Canvas Zipper Pouch from Sewing Jobs or the Beige Mina Cover from Sakura Hand Craft. My planner for next year is an A5 size and both of these come with that option!

If you’re looking for more gift ideas (for someone else or even for yourself), definitely check out the Etsy Gifting Hub. I just love shopping with small businesses!

Decision Making Skills

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025 Lori @ Touch of OrganizedLeave a comment

Do you already have good decision making skills? Or is it possible you could consider some ways to improve those skills?

What Is A Decision?

Some people contend, that in it’s simplest form, life is a series of choices. This is, in some sense, true. Except that it’s not that simple, because life itself is not that simple. The complexity of life or, rather, living a life, means that the choices the average individual faces over the course of a lifetime are equally complex. These choices range from simple survival decisions (Should I eat that mushroom?), to difficult moral personal choices (Should I speak out against this injustice and incur increased personal risk?) Obviously, the one thing that all these decisions have in common are the option of choosing action and outcome. However, because the nature of of these various actions, and their potential outcomes, vary wildly, no one strategy can encompass the process of deciding between them This is where an understanding of what a decision is becomes important.

A decision is, of course, the action of deciding something. A person faced with a choice, makes a choice. The most basic example of this is the proverbial fork in the road. When facing a fork in the road, you have the choice of going left or going right. You stop for a period of time while you think, then you decide to go either left or right. Once the decision has been made you take the path you’ve chosen.

That’s straightforward and obvious, right? To some extent, the answer to that question is yes. To a greater extent, however, the answer is no. To become a more efficient and more focused decision maker, you need to understand all the processes that went into making the simple decision above.

First, there was a problem. The path you were walking on divided into two. Second, there was the nature of the problem. Because the path divided, you were forced to go either left or right to reach your destination. Third, you needed to choose between these two options in order to continue. Fourth, you utilized your experience, knowledge and intuition to decide which option was best suited to your needs. Fifth, you actually made the decision. Finally, you, once again, began moving forward towards your destination based on that decision.

As you can see, the simplest of decisions entails a number of steps. In most cases, we handle these steps subconsciously, without really being aware of what it is we are doing. When the decision we are faced with is simple, this “autopilot” method of choosing isn’t a problem. However, when more complex decisions need to be made, not understanding the process can give rise to difficulties. That’s where the decision making skills come into play!

Decision Making Skills

Are you good at making decisions? The skill is natural for some people while others struggle to make even the most basic decisions. While personality types can play a role in one’s ability to make decisions, it’s also a skill that can be learned. In other words, any one can improve their decision making skills, even if it doesn’t come naturally.

Responsibility

One reason people don’t like to make decisions is they don’t want to be held responsible for the outcomes. This reluctance is a defense mechanism as others may criticize you if you don’t choose wisely. It could erode the confidence others have in you regarding your ability to make decisions. However, you can take steps to reduce it from happening.

Confidence

One of the main factors in decision making is confidence. Therefore, building confidence will help you make decisions. Others will also follow your lead as they will respect your confidence. When you make decisions with confidence, they have no choice but to recognize your authority.

Information

Decision making requires finding out the right information. You won’t get far if you start making decisions without information to back them. With some detective work, you can gather the details that will inform your decision. You have to get as many of the facts as you can before making most decisions.

Often, you won’t get all the facts you need for one reason or another. In this case, you will need to take a leap of faith and rely on your confidence when making decisions. That’s an unfortunate part of the process and one that makes people choose wrong directions sometimes. But, as long as you decide using the information you have available, you can defend your choice.

As part of the decision-making process, consider coming up with alternatives. List out all possible options based on the current information. You can rate the alternatives on a scale of your choosing. This rating can help you when making the decision. You can choose a star-rating system or a percentage system (0-100), etc.

Another technique people like to use is to list out the pros and the cons. To do this, take out a blank piece of paper and write a dividing line in the center. Create the heading “Pros” on the left, and “Cons” on the right. Then, list out the pros and the cons. You can use this to guide you with your decision. Try not to make this process too mechanical as the list may contain several subjective items.

5 Steps to More Confident Decision Making Skills

How do you make a decision? Do you know the steps? What process do you currently use?

If you’re having trouble feeling confident in your actions and wish you had an unwavering self-belief in your decisions, maybe it’s time to look at your decision making skills. Decisions made impulsively or without careful thought might not always turn out the way you hope they will.

Of course, there’s something to be said for instinct and even dumb luck. But what if good decisions were inevitable rather than occasional? Imagine for a moment how it would feel to know you’re right before you even act.

This is because there are steps you should be going through when making a decision. Let’s take a look at those now.

1. Start With an Open Mind

Do you automatically have all the answers? Probably not. Some of your beliefs might be biased, faulty, or illogical. Accepting you might have things to learn is the first and most crucial step to improving your decision making skills. Take a step back from everything but the raw facts regarding what you’re trying to decide.

2. Get the Facts

Do you have all the information you need to make an informed decision? Are there things you need to learn? What about examining the options? Have you considered multiple solutions? Take time to put the work in to gather what you need to proceed with confidence.

3. Predict the Future

Once you have some choices in mind, try to imagine how they’re going to play out. Sometimes what looks good might be a great temporary solution, but you’re going to need to do something different in the long run. If you make a certain decision right now, ask yourself if this will still be a good decision in the morning? What about next week? Or next year?

4. Get Another Opinion

Do you have a mentor or someone you can trust whom you could talk to about this? While you might skip this step on the small stuff, it’s worth having someone you trust weigh in with their opinion whenever you make a big decision. They might see something you’re missing.

5. Act

Sometimes the hardest part of making decisions lies in making the actual decision. It’s tempting to go back over the research a few more times or keep looking for other alternatives. At some point, you’re going to need to act. Take your best solution and move forward with it with confidence. You’ve done all the work. Now comes the part where you put this newfound trust in yourself into action.

The best part? The more you run through this process, the more confident you’ll feel about making decisions in the first place.

How to Overcome Bad Decisions

There is nobody on earth who can lay claim to never making a bad decision. People make too many decisions for them not to make bad decisions once-in-a-while. Hopefully, those decisions have little impact. However, there will be occasions where you make some that have big consequences.

It’s going to happen. You try to do everything in your power to avoid these bad decisions. Perhaps, the information you needed was not available at the time you made the decision. Or, someone gave you the wrong data, whether intentionally or not. It’s possible you made a rash decision without giving much thought to the consequences of the decision. Whatever the case, the result may turn into an unpleasant and stressful situation.

You need to face up to the consequences. Take ownership of the decision and don’t pass the blame. It’s possible you will have to deal with someone if they didn’t give you the right information or they deceived you in some manner. Their action may be the cause of the wrong decision, and you have to choose if you should let that person go as a result. However, if you were the one that was responsible for making the final decision, then the consequences of that decision rests with you.

Stay confident and don’t panic. Learn about what happened and why. Then, try to find ways to reduce the impact of your decision. If it is a business decision that costs your company some money, make sure you let your management know about it right away. Don’t try to ignore the problem thinking that management may not notice. They will be upset when a mistake costs the company money. But, they will be even more upset if you don’t make it known in a timely fashion.

Don’t be afraid to talk to someone who may be able to help with the situation. It could be your boss or a mentor. They may be able to shed some insight into the situation. In fact, you could be blowing the situation out of proportion, and they will know how to get you out of it. But, they can only help if you give them timely information about it.

If the situation requires presenting your case to higher-level management, try to prepare options on how to reverse the situation or reduce the impact. If these managers see that you have taken control of the situation, they may decide to let you run with the alternatives, although probably with a watchful eye of your manager.

Develop a journal practice for yourself

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 Lori @ Touch of Organized1 Comment

Have you been interested in trying to develop a journal practice for yourself? I’ve been watching way too many YouTube videos lately and have started journaling in addition to my beloved planner.

Is Journaling Right for Everyone?

Journaling is an effective tool often used for self-reflection and personal growth. Self-reflection is the process of thinking about and evaluating one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

It is a way of assessing oneself to make changes and improve one’s life. Self-reflection can be done by simply taking time each day to think about your experiences and how they have affected you.

Self-reflection is critical because it allows you to see yourself objectively and to understand your thoughts and feelings better. It helps you identify areas in your life that you want to change. By practicing reflection, you can make positive changes that will lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

When you develop a Journal practice, it can also be used to help improve your mental health, physical health, relationships, work-life and more. However, it’s not suitable for everyone.

If you’re not ready to truly look at yourself with an objective eye, act on the information you gain from this insight and do the work necessary to become the person you want to be, journaling may not be right for you at this time. When you’re ready, then journaling can help.

Below are some characteristics that may indicate that journaling could be a struggle for you. We’ve also included tips to help you overcome the problem so you can try to make it work.

You have trouble focusing

If you have trouble focusing on one task for an extended period of time, journaling may seem frustrating to you. The act of writing can be very calming and therapeutic, but it requires a certain level of concentration. If your mind wanders, you may find it challenging to stay on track.

Tip to overcome this: If you have trouble focusing, try setting a timer and concentrate on writing for that amount of time. Alternately, rotate how you journal. One day, focus on what you’re writing. The next day, let yourself freely write whatever comes to mind, whether or not it makes sense.

You are not comfortable with self-reflection

To develop a journal practice involves self-reflection, learning to be open and honest with yourself. Getting to know yourself on a much deeper level. If you’re not comfortable looking inward and examining your thoughts and feelings, you may find journaling an uncomfortable experience.

Tips to overcome this: If you’re not comfortable with self-reflection, try journaling about topics other than yourself. You can write about current events, your favorite TV show, or anything else that interests you. Share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings on the topics and even how the topics affect your life.

You are resistant to change

If you’re resistant to change, journaling may be less effective than you wish. The act of journaling can be compelling and transformative, but it requires a willingness to reflect on your life and make changes. If you’re not ready to change your life, you may find journaling tedious.

Tips to overcome this: If you’re resistant to change, try journaling about your resistance. Why are you resistant to change? What are your fears? You may find exploring your resistance is not as impossible as you thought.

You are not comfortable with emotions

If you’re truly honest with yourself when writing, journaling can be emotionally intense. If you’re not comfortable dealing with your emotions, journaling may be an uncomfortable experience when first starting out.

Tips to overcome this: If you’re not comfortable with emotions, try writing about them in a detached way. Don’t judge your emotions. Just observe them. What do they feel like? What are they telling you? By observing your emotions without judgment, you may find that they’re not as scary as you first thought.

Journaling is a fantastic way to improve yourself. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, if you’re in the right mindset and willing to do the work, the benefits can be rewarding. If you find it isn’t right for you, that’s perfectly okay. Use the tools (such as these bullet journal hacks and ideas) that work best for you to overcome the roadblocks that limit your ability to live the life you want.

If you’re ready to develop a journal practice, try this one to start!

Whatever your goal is, this is the journal for you!

Whether your goals are personal, family, financial, professional, or something else – this guided journal will help you think through them and put a plan together.

How to Develop a Journal Practice

If you want to improve your life, boost your creativity, increase your focus, and enhance mental well-being, journaling may be just the thing for you. Regular journaling can help you process difficult emotions, work through challenging situations, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. Plus, journaling is an effective way to document your life and experiences.

Over time, when you develop a Journal practice, it can boost your mood, creativity, and focus. But understand that there is no “right” way to do it – the vital factor is doing it regularly. So don’t be afraid to experiment. Eventually, you will find a journaling method that works for you. And if you ever feel like you’re not making progress, keep writing—putting your thoughts down on paper is therapeutic in and of itself.

Why you should do it regularly in order to develop your journal practice

Journaling can be incredibly beneficial to our mental and emotional health. It lets you process your thoughts and feelings, work through problems, and better understand yourself. In addition, when we journal regularly, we give ourselves the opportunity for growth, creativity, and stress relief.

Helps to clarify thoughts and feelings
Aids in problem-solving
Increases self-awareness
Boosts mood and well-being
Facilitates personal growth
Enhances creativity
Strengthens writing skills
Reduces stress
Promotes physical health
Deepens spiritual understanding and connection.

Journaling can also have physical health benefits, such as reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety, improving heart health, and boosting immunity. For many people, journaling is also a way to deepen their spiritual understanding and connection.

There are many valid reasons to make journaling a regular part of your life. It can help you to sort out your thoughts and feelings, boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve your physical health. Journaling can also be an excellent tool if you’re looking for a way to deepen your spiritual understanding. Regardless of your reason for journaling, it will be beneficial for you. So why not try it?

How to develop a journal practice

Knowing how to develop a journal practice or why you should bother in the first place can be challenging. But journaling has many benefits for your mental and emotional health and overall well-being.

Decide what you want to use your journal for — Are you looking to track your thoughts and feelings? Or do you want to use your journal as a creative outlet to write stories? Knowing the purpose of your journal will help you decide how often to write and what things to include.

Set aside time each day (or week) for journaling — Try to find a time that works that you will stick to. For example, some folks like to journal first thing in the morning, while others prefer evening journaling before bed. Do what feels best to you that meets your needs.

Get yourself a nice journal — This may seem frivolous but having a journal that you love can make all the difference in terms of sticking to your practice. Be sure to check out some journals at your local bookstore or online. Pick one that speaks to you, so you’ll be excited to write in it.

Don’t worry about grammar or spelling — This is your journal, so there are no rules. When you write in your journal, just write as you speak. Don’t worry about making mistakes. The point is to get your thoughts and feelings down on paper, not to produce a work of art.

Be honest with yourself — The whole point of journaling is to be truthful. So don’t hold back – write about whatever is on your mind, even if it’s something you’re embarrassed about. Remember, your journal is for you and no one else, so you can be as candid as you want.

Be patient with yourself — If you’re having trouble starting, or if you find yourself skipping days, don’t be too hard on yourself. You are still trying to develop your journal practice. Instead, begin again where you left off and keep moving forward.

Seek help if you need it — If you find that your journaling is becoming too overwhelming, or if you’re struggling with mental health issues, it may be time to seek professional help. The right person can help you decide if journaling is right for you.

Journaling can be a terrific way to boost your mood, manage stress, and get in touch with your emotions. So, journaling may work if you need a way to improve your mental health.

Set aside blocks of time to develop your journal practice

When you journal — whether first thing in the morning, during your lunch break or before bed — carving out time each day to write will help you make journaling a habit. It’s no secret that journaling can be an incredibly effective way to boost your mood, clarity of thought, and overall well-being. But to reap the benefits of this simple practice, it’s essential to set aside dedicated time each day to write in your journal.

If you find it hard to get the time (or motivation) to journal daily, try these tips to help you get started:

Set a regular time each day for journaling — Whether it’s first thing each morning, during your lunch break, or right before bed, pick a time that you can stick to on a daily basis.

Keep your journaling sessions brief — If you’re starting, aim for 5-10 minutes per day. When the habit is developed, you can gradually increase the length of your sessions over time.

Use prompts to get started — If you’re having trouble thinking of things to write about, try using prompts to get your creative juices flowing. There are tons of great journal prompts online, or you can produce your own.

Get comfortable — Make sure you’re in a relaxed setting before you start writing. This could mean finding a quiet spot in your home, lighting some candles, or anything else that helps you feel inspired.

Write without judgment — One of the best things about journaling is that your journal (if you keep it away from others) is a safe space for judgment-free expression. So go ahead and let it all out without worrying about whether it’s “perfect” or “coherent.”

Following these tips should help you get into the habit of journaling daily. And once you start reaping the benefits of this simple practice, you’ll be glad you made the time for it. But as you determine the best time for you, you must be honest about when and how you will stick to journaling regularly. The process and journey will make a difference, not just a one-off thing.

Make a list of ideas, prompts, and questions to develop your journal practice

Making a list of ideas prompts, and questions for your journaling practice can be incredibly helpful in keeping you motivated and inspired to write. Not only will it give you something to refer to when you’re feeling stuck, but it can also help you focus on specific areas of your life that you want to explore further.

Here are a few recommendations for making your list:

Choose a theme or topic that you want to focus on — This could be something specific like your relationship with your family or more general like your personal values.

Brainstorm a list of questions related to your theme — For example, if you’re focusing on your family, you might ask questions like “What are my earliest memories of my family?” or “What are our traditions?”.

Make a list of prompts that can help you explore your theme further –These could be things like “Write about a time when you felt close to your family” or “What does your ideal family look like?”.

Find inspiration online — If you’re feeling stuck, there are plenty of sources of inspiration online. An online search will show you all the great resources to help you get started, from lists of journal prompts to articles on the benefits of journaling.

Get away from your ordinary life — Sometimes, the best way to get inspired is to get a new perspective. If you’re feeling blocked, try taking a trip, exploring a new city, or even just going for a walk out in nature. You never know what might spark some creativity.

Talk to friends and family — One of the best things about journaling is that it effectively connects with loved ones. So, if you’re struggling to find something to write about, try talking to your friends and family members about their thoughts and experiences.

Make it a habit — The key to successful journaling is to make it a part of your daily routine. Always set aside each day to sit down and write, even if it’s just 5-10 minutes. And don’t worry, a day is missed here and there — the important thing is to keep going.

Finally, come up with a few ideas for journaling goals you want to achieve –This could be like “Write in my journal for at least 15 minutes every day” or “Explore a different prompt from my list each week.”

Making a list is a wonderful way to start journaling, but don’t feel like you have to stick to it rigidly. Most importantly, you’re writing from a place of self-exploration and discovery, so go with whatever feels suitable for you at the moment.

Choose the best time of day to journal.

According to numerous studies, keeping a journal is a highly effective method for improving mental health. Recording your actions, thoughts, and feelings about those actions will help you process them. In addition, through journaling, you’ll work through problems and track your progress over time which is very motivating.

But if you’re not used to journaling, it can be hard to make it a regular habit. So, to increase your chances of success with journaling, choose the right time of day to journal.

Consider the following when picking the best journaling time for you:

When do you have the most energy? — If you are a morning person, you can use that fresh energy. If you are a night owl, writing things down will clear your head.

When do you have the most time? — Life is busy, and it can be hard to find time to journal. So, if you can, choose a time when you know you won’t be interrupted.

What’s your mood like at various times of the day? — If you tend to get stressed out in the evening, journaling before bed might not be best . Conversely, if you find that you’re more introspective in the morning, that might be ideal.

What’s your goal for journaling? — What you want to get out of journaling can also guide when you do it. For example, the evening might be the best time if you’re using journaling to wind down before bed. But morning might be better if you’re hoping to use journaling to jump-start your day or get some creative ideas flowing.

There’s no perfect time to journal. The important thing is to find a time that works for you and that you can stick to. Experiment several times to see what feels best for your needs. And if you miss a day here and there, don’t worry. But if you miss too many days, it’s possible you need to pick a better time. The point is to journal and use it to help you feel your best.

Use favorite quotes to inspire your writing.

You can find quotes to use as prompts anywhere – from your favorite novels to poems to Instagram captions. So, if you’re ever feeling stuck, scroll through your feed and see if anything catches your eye.

There’s no incorrect way to go about this –open up your journal and start writing using the first quote that catches your eye. Then, don’t give it tons of thought. Instead, randomly pick the quote for the day.

You might reflect on why the quote is meaningful or how it makes you feel. You can also use it as a prompt for a story or scene that you create in your own words. There’s no wrong way to do it – just let the words flow and see where they take you.

When sitting down to journal, don’t be afraid to reach for a quote to get the ball rolling. A quote that makes you feel something may be exactly the right motivation you need to jump-start your session.

Tips to make your journaling easier.

Keep it simple: A journal doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated; a simple notebook will do.
Set aside time each day: Dedicate a few minutes each day. When you do something at the same time each day, it will help you make it a habit.
Write whatever comes to mind: There are no rules. So, write about whatever is on your mind, whether it’s something that happened during your day or a thought that’s been bothering you.
Don’t be concerned with your spelling or grammar: This isn’t an English essay, so don’t worry about making mistakes. Write from the heart just like you speak.
Be honest: Journaling is a chance to be completely honest with yourself. So don’t hold back, even if you’re afraid of what you might write.
Write freely: Let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. Don’t worry about structure or making sense. Just let it all out.
Don’t judge yourself: Accept whatever you write without judging yourself. Your journal has to be a safe space for you to express yourself, or it won’t work.
Keep it private: Unless you’re comfortable sharing your journal with others, keep it to yourself. This is a personal practice that should be respected as such.
Handwrite: There’s something special about writing by hand. It can help you slow down and connect with your thoughts and feelings.
Use prompts: If you’re struggling to know what to write about, try using prompts. You can find lists of journal prompts online or make up your own.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your journal. Try different techniques, such as brainstorming or free writing.
Draw: If you’re not a words person, that’s okay. You can express yourself through drawings and doodles in your journal.
Get a nice journal: Invest in a beautiful journal you’ll love using. This will make the journaling process more enjoyable.
Use different pens: Have fun with your journal using different pens and pencils. Experiment with color and line width to see what you like best.
Take it with you: Don’t forget to bring your journal when you travel. This is a fantastic way to document your adventures.
Make it a ritual: Create a special journaling ritual that you look forward to daily. This could involve lighting a candle, brewing a cup of tea, or anything else that makes you happy.
Set goals: If you’re struggling to stick with journaling, set some goals for yourself. Decide when and how frequently you journal and what you hope to accomplish.
Be patient: Don’t expect miracles from your journal. It will take time to see the benefits of journaling, so be patient.
Reward yourself: When you reach your journal goals, reward yourself with something special. This could be a new journal, a trip to the bookstore, or anything else that makes you happy.
Keep going: Don’t give up on journaling, even if it’s hard. The benefits you will notice in your life make it worth the effort — so keep at it.

Journaling will boost your mood, creativity, and focus. But it’s vital for you to remember that there is no set way to accomplish a successful journaling practice aside from doing it. However, you can learn from what works for others. So don’t fear experimentation until you find a journaling method that works for you. And if you ever feel like you’re not making progress, keep writing—putting your thoughts down, whether written, in the form of art, or voice, is beneficial.

You can also find lists of journal prompts online, in books, or even just by brainstorming on your own. Once you have a list of prompts and quotes, you can choose one to write about each day or pick as the mood strikes you.

Some ideas for prompts or questions:

What are three things you’re grateful for today?
What are your aspirations?
What’s something you’re struggling with right now?
What would be your ideal day?
What are some things you’ve always wanted to try?
Who are the people in your life to whom you’re grateful?

Use these prompts or questions to get started and see where your journaling takes you. Since you are now well-versed in the benefits of journaling and have a few tips and tricks for getting started, it’s time to pick up a pen, voice recorder, or paintbrush. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly—remember that the act of journaling can be therapeutic in and of itself. So, find a quiet spot, grab your phone or a notebook and a pen, and let your thoughts flow. Who knows where your journaling journey will take you?

And by the way, did you know that your planner can also be your journal?

Decluttering tips, tricks, and methods

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 Lori @ Touch of OrganizedLeave a comment

Are you ready for my biggest and best decluttering tips, tricks, and methods?

What Not to Do When Deciding to Declutter

Most of us aren’t experts when it comes to decluttering and organizing our homes. Unfortunately, it’s common to get about halfway through the job, only to discover we’ve gone about things without a plan. Perhaps it’s taking longer than you thought, and you end up with things strewn about the room because you simply don’t get back to it. That’s just one common example of why so many of us avoid this stressful process. However, knowing what not to do when deciding to declutter can help to ensure you don’t end in frustration.

Don’t Overdo It

As already mentioned, it’s unwise to get overzealous. Thinking you will sort through an entire houseful of possessions in one day is unrealistic. Doing this may even cause you enough frustration to give up entirely. Avoid burnout by setting aside a smaller time frame to complete one area.

Don’t Organize Before Purging

First you need to purge your home of all the things that are taking up space. Pretty containers are a waste of money because it’s impossible to understand your storage needs until you assess your items after purging.

Don’t Do Only Half the Job

A common mistake is setting aside items for donating or gifting to be delivered another day. In reality, all of these things simply leave your decluttering project looking unfinished. Take the extra effort to remove all unwanted items from your home immediately.

Don’t Reward Yourself with More Stuff

No matter how much you may be tempted, never go out and reward yourself by buying a new item. This mistake continues the cycle that led to your clutter in the first place. An exception may be a new piece of storage furniture to replace one you just gave away, as this move doesn’t add clutter.

Make note of these decluttering tips, tricks, and methods, and you’ll be on your way to an organized, comfortable space. Reward yourself with a nice cup of tea or coffee while enjoying your beautiful surroundings.

How to Handle Decluttering Overwhelm

The philosophy of minimalism is being embraced by people everywhere. It’s appealing to consider simplifying your life by getting rid of unnecessary possessions and concentrating on experiences that bring fulfillment. Except, for many, the actual process of lessening their load can be daunting. Let’s make things more manageable and take a look at some specific ideas for how to handle decluttering overwhelms.

Know Your Why

In the field of multi-level marketing, the phrase, “Know your why,” is used as a motivator to remind associates of the reasons they went into business for themselves. This same concept is essential for keeping you on-task when the decluttering process becomes difficult. Understanding your reasons for wanting to live a minimalist lifestyle is crucial to success.

Set Aside Time

The first step to getting a handle on your feelings about decluttering is to understand that nothing needs to be accomplished overnight. Set aside a general amount of time for the project, knowing that your timeline can be extended if necessary. Having a time frame provides structure, but allowing wiggle room takes away the pressure.

Make a Plan

Having a plan is essential to the smooth completion of any goal you hope to accomplish. It only makes sense that mapping out your steps to decluttering would also be beneficial. Write down things like the order you wish to tackle your clutter, how many rooms or areas you would like to complete each week, the manner in which you want to sell valuable items and where you will donate the rest. This proactive step can go a long way toward making it all seem more manageable.

Visualize Your Ideal Space

One more thing to do before actually getting down to the business of decluttering is to form an idea in your head of how you’d like your finished space to look. It may even help to jot down some drawings and notes. Doing so will help you decide what to keep and what to discard because you will have a better idea of whether a particular item will complement your vision.

It’s true that the hardest part is often actually getting started. Now that you know some concrete decluttering tips, tricks, and methods to manage the overwhelm of decluttering. Hopefully you’re feeling energized to begin!

Decluttering Methods of Minimalist Masters

If you’re feeling boxed in by the amount of clutter in your home, you’ve likely come to the realization that it’s time to make a change. You’ve probably thought about what life could be like if you reclaimed your space, making it clean and organized. However, decluttering requires getting rid of stuff, and parting with possessions can be one of the most emotionally overwhelming experiences for some people. Fortunately, there are tons of creative ways to make the process easier. Top professional organizers have developed systems for breaking the process down and making it seem more bearable. Keep reading to learn the decluttering tips, tricks, and methods of minimalist masters.

KonMari Method

Let’s start with one you’ve probably heard of due to its sweeping popularity (No pun intended). Author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo is considered by many to be a decluttering guru. With over four million books sold, it’s definitely worth considering her “magic.” Kondo’s method involves focusing on what to keep, rather than what to toss. The core principles involve categorizing your items, and then taking time to sort through each category with the mindful intention of keeping only the ones that bring you joy.

365 Less Things

Colleen Madsen of, 365 Less Things, has a brilliant approach to paring down possessions. She decided at the beginning of 2010 to make minimalism her resolution by giving away or selling one item each day for the entire year. Madsen documents both the physical results of the project and the psychological aspects on her blog.

Minimalist Game

If you want to take the daily give-away approach a step further, consider playing the Minimalist Game. The brainchild of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of the popular blog, The Minimalists, this method requires you to on the first day of the month and choose to get rid of the number of items that corresponds with each date. Giving away one thing on the first day is easy, but can you come up with 31 to part with at month’s end? Those who stick with it will have a home with 496 pieces of clutter. Making it a challenge with friends or family ups the stakes.

These are just three of the creative methods to help you begin the decluttering process. Other popular strategies include Oprah’s Closet Hanger Experiment, 5-Minute Decluttering Tips from Zen Habits, Project 333 or the Packing Party. Pick one that resonates with you and start making progress!

How to Declutter Any Space in Five Easy Steps

Decluttering your space can be a great way to destress and set yourself up for greater success. It can also be a great way to unwind at the end of your day and take back control as long as you take the right approach. Use the following five steps to help you declutter any space quickly and easily:

Create A Vision: Always start with a plan. Know what you want from the space and highlight any problem areas. Take measurements, if needed, and list any storage needs you might have.
Empty Your Space: Start with a blank canvas by clearing the area you want to declutter. If an entire room is overwhelming, start with a single area before moving to the next section.
Organize Your Items: To get started, grab a few boxes or bags. Then go through each item and sort them into the following categories:
- Throw Away
- Give Away/Donate
- Keep
- Optional: Set Aside (reevaluate in 6 months) – Use this one sparingly.
Put Things Back: It’s time to return items from your “Keep” pile to your space. This is also the time to “re-home” throw-away and donation items. Finally, store “later” items out of the way.
Reassess Your Space: Now it’s time to take a step back and evaluate your space from a fresh perspective. Take note of how the finished space makes you feel and if it functions as intended. Also keep an eye out for any items you can still toss, donate, or give away to make the space even more functional and/or aesthetically appealing.

Tip: Do a trial run of any activities you have planned for your newly organized space and make note of any challenges you encounter. Roadblocks can lead to frustration and procrastination, so it’s best to address them before they become an issue.

Final Notes

Once you’re happy with your results, repeat these decluttering tips, tricks, and methods for each space you need to declutter and organize. Before long, you’ll experience the many benefits of living and working in an area that is clean, organized, and free from clutter.