The other day I was at a grocery store and I was a little out of sorts. I feel like such a nostalgic old lady but sometimes I resent having to scan and bag my own groceries–when I was a teenager, cute boys were still helping people to their cars after bagging their groceries. So after I unloaded my groceries, I pushed the cart to a curb rather than return it to the front of the store. I started my car, feeling entitled to not return the cart but at the same time feeling like a jerk. I decided I didn’t want to be the type of person who doesn’t return the cart, turned the car off and pushed the thing across the parking lot and back to the line of waiting carts.
Putting that cart back changed the entire tenor of my day. It’s crazy how the tiniest positive action can put me in a better frame of mind and lead to a day that is so much more productive than it would have been without the positive action. A friend who has read most of the books in the metaphysical section of the typical bookstore turned me on to the phrase, “I Am That.” She said that whenever you find a trait in another person or in something you admire, state to yourself, “I Am That.”
For me, this is more effective than more sugary affirmations. Simple statements like, “I am organized,” or “I am honest,” or “I am optimistic,” are grounded and powerful. When I was considering leaving the cart in the parking lot, the thoughts going through my mind were, “I am lazy,” “I am uncaring,” “I am inconsiderate,” and “I am selfish.” Once I took the cart back it was like saying, “Cancel, cancel, cancel, cancel,” and new statements quickly flooded in: I am helpful. I am considerate. I am orderly. I am in community. How easy it is to change the game we are playing here on Earth!
When you decide to get organized, you will be consciously or unconsciously making statements to yourself about yourself (and others if you feel victimized by someone else’s organizational habits). Just start noticing.
Think about when you tell yourself, “I am tired.” Or “I am too busy.” Or “I am a slob.” Yes, you may be tired, but put something back. Try out a new statement: “I am disciplined.” It takes discipline to keep up good habits, especially when we are tired. But is it even possible that you aren’t really that tired? Try, “I am energized.”
Yes, you are busy but take the time to get your in-box to zero. New statement: “I am in control.”
You might have been a slob in the past, but make your bed and put away all of the clothes that are lying on the floor, chairs, dresser and draped over the Peloton. New statement: “I am conscientious.” If you share a room with someone you might use the statement, “I am considerate.”
Treat yourself gently but firmly, as you would a little child. Keep it simple. We all have that little kid in ourselves that is looking for love and praise. Every time we complete a tedious or complicated task is an opportunity to give ourselves positive feedback, and these statements build on themselves like stones in a foundation. That foundation can continue to be built into steady habits and dependable, productive behaviors that make us happier with ourselves and more optimistic about our futures. It becomes easier and easier to continue with the positive actions that create the results—the life—we want.