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Blog: The Nature of Being Organized
 In With The New, Out With The Old--Changing With Compassion
As we become more clear and aware of the habits associated with the merry-go-round of organized/disorganized, it's important to be gentle with ourselves through the change process. It does take between twenty-one and forty-five days of engaging in a new habit to solidify it. Something I have learned about human behavior in my years as a clinical social worker and coach is that with the development of every new habit comes relapse—plan on it! Engrained habits don't shake off easily! Discipline and patience are the keys to success
How can we embrace our change process with greater ease?
I love Cheri Huber's approach in, Making Change For Good--A Guide To Compassionate Self-Discipline. She says there are two types of self discipline, strict and harsh or supported and nurtured. Some people believe that the harder they are on themselves the more motivated they will be, the more they will get done, and the quicker they will change. They believe that "driving" themselves is the best form of self-discipline. Huber highlights what the ego voice might say: "Do not give in to weakness." "Push ahead no matter what." You're a failure if you quit."
Compassionate self discipline, a kinder, gentler approach, sounds like this: "I will not abandon myself no matter what." I will ask for help if I need it." "I know I can not fail if I do this with love."
Huber says, "The second, compassionate self-discipline is nothing other than being present rather than engaged in distracted, unfocused, addictive behaviors based in an I-need-to-fix-myself mentality." She goes on to say, "We don't lack self-discipline, we lack presence. Compassionate self-discipline is simply allowing the intelligence and generosity that is your authentic nature to guide you every moment."
When we choose compassionate self-discipline we are living from our true essence. This is the place where joy and happiness abide. Imagine what our experiences would be like if we approached every situation with compassion, welcoming even the most challenging times as gifts to deeper understanding and growth.
If you are having difficulty shifting from being strict and harsh as a method of motivating yourself to a more compassionate approach, pay attention to your body. If it feels stiff, tight, or tense (throat, neck, stomach, chest) you are under the influence of the ego voice. After you tune in, make a choice to shift your energy by using one of these techniques:
***Bounce a ball around
***Dance to your favorite music
***Take a walk
***Jump up and down wiggling your arms
Notice how your body will relax and let go of the tension as you move it around and shake off the negative energy. When you feel your body relax, get back into the project by using positive self-statements. Write them out ahead of time and have them handy.
Again, how we treat ourselves is a choice. We can choose respect, kindness, and love. We can choose ego or Spirit.
I'd love to hear your comments about changing old habits. Do you agree or disagree with me?
Happy Organizing!
Warmest Regards,
Maggie
posted on: 6/26/2008 12:00:00 PM by Maggie McCauley
category: The Mental Side
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The Nature of Being Organized
by Maggie McCauley
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About Maggie:
Maggie McCauley, ACC, LICSW, The Effortless Organizing Coach, is the president of "A New View". She takes a holistic approach to organizing coaching her clients to create new habits that promote overall well-being, a sense of freedom and peace of mind.
Maggie's Website:
www.anewviewforyou.com
Maggie's Products:
My Favorite Books
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
- It's Hard To Make A Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys by Marilyn Paul
- Organize With Confidence by Elizabeth Hagen
- The Secret Of Letting Go by Guy Finley
- Life Is Short--Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta La Roche
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Making A Change For Good by Cheri Huber
- "Happiness Now!" by Robert Holden, PhD.
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