Get Organized Month 2009 - A Year of Growth

Before we get into today's topic, just wanted to catch you up on the progress of rethinking my desk. My desk is clear and things are organized and have a home. It took several hours over the weekend, going through every file drawer and every shelf, but it's done and I'm pleased - what a great feeling!

January is a great time to look ahead to the year and consider potential areas of growth for yourself and for your children, if applicable. I would not suggest considering growth areas for your spouse! :)

For example, are you being held back because of a lack of knowledge in a particular area? Do you need to get further training in order to be more effective? Is there an area you are eager to pursue, adding to your personal or professional toolbelt? Are there some life skills you need or want to work on - communication, boundaries, time management, parenting, ball room dancing, technical/computer skills or programs, etc.?

As you pinpoint an area or two, consider how you might pursue growth in this area - a class, a mentor, reading a book, coaching, for example. Figure out how you can fit this into your budget and schedule. Growth is envigorating and inspiring! My personal opinion: growth is necessary for a positive self image. Don't be tempted to short-change yourself.

For myself, I'm going to pursue a business idea that popped into my mind last week. I'm going to run it by several people and brainstorm with them to evaluate the pros and cons. If we can figure out a way to make it work, I'll march ahead! And I'll let you know about it soon.

If you have children, think through areas in which they may need to grow. For example, I'm going to work on manners with our foster daughters this year. Since we have each house of girls in our home once a month, I'll work on one topic each month. When we get a new girl in our program, she usually has no idea about table manners. So instead of embarrassing her, we'll address one aspect of manners each month plus review what we have learned in past months.

So far, I'm thinking of: placing napkins in our laps, how to use utensils properly, not using our fingers, how to cut properly, not chewing with our mouths open, properly passing food, how to set the table, etc. I always tell them that when they are invited to the White House for dinner, they'll not want to embarrass themselves. :)

Our own girls loved eating with their fingers, still do in fact! I think it's a throwback to living in Kenya during their early years, where it is considered appropriate. Evey once in a while when we are together, we'll make sukuma wiki and ugali and dig in with our fingers! Yum! Just for fun one night, you may make it a no-silverware-night! And serve soup!

As you consider areas of growth for your children, look at the needs of each individual child. Make sure to select areas that are age appropriate for each child, not expecting them to function at a higher level than they are capable. Try to make it fun, and reward a job well done.

What areas do you want to pursue this year? (If you receive this blog by email and want to comment, this link will take you back to my blog.)


More blogs on related topics:
- Why Throw Shallow New Years' Resolutions at Yourself When You Really Need to Rethink Life?
- Getting Organized for School (and life!) - Determining The Legacy You Want to Leave Your Children

If you need help rethinking life, explore my Rethinking Life coaching package or any of my Time Management books.