The Olympic games come only every two years, yet they are so inspiring. Watching these athletes compete not only shows amazing athleticism, but also an incredible commitment to a practice, a sport, and a lifestyle. Organization is not an Olympic event, but the payoff when you achieve it (like any other goal you set for yourself), can make you feel like you deserve to win a gold medal. I was inspired by 5 Lessons From Olympians To Get You Organized* and wanted to share the original text as well as my own personal take on the subject.
1. They wrote down their goals. One U.S. swimmer, Ryan Murphy, wrote a book for his mom when he was 8 years old. In it he stated that he loved the sport of swimming and that one day he would be an Olympic swimmer. Many years later, in his first Olympics, he would earn a gold medal and bring that dream to pass.
They say people who write down their goals are more likely to reach them. Have you taken the time to write down your organizing goals? When you put your dreams of an organized life to paper, you are actualizing your words and thoughts and making the likelihood of them coming to pass a greater reality.
2. They sacrificed. Simone Biles, dubbed the world’s greatest gymnast at these Rio games, was homeschooled so she could devote more time to her training. One of the announcers mentioned by choosing to study at home Biles never participated in all the “normal” school fun. No doubt Biles would have enjoyed those “normal” childhood activities, but she was willing to make the sacrifice for a larger purpose.
What sacrifices do you need to make to bring order to your home and life? Maybe it’s sacrificing time in front of the TV or a few hours during your precious weekend free time to devote to decluttering a space. Perhaps it’s foregoing a particular coffee drink each week to hire a professional organizer to help you organize your space. Sacrifices are not always easy or fun to make, but if you have a larger purpose you’ll find it’s definitely worth it in the end.
3. They didn’t do it alone. Ask any of the athletes and they would tell you they didn’t get there on their own. Whether they’re part of a team or competing in an individual sport, every one of the athletes had the support of a coach, family and home country fans behind them. It is that support that spurs these athletes on to greatness.
In your quest to get organized, what support system(s) can you count on? Your spouse, your children, a friend, or maybe a professional like myself? No matter who you choose to walk beside you on this organizing journey, a team is always better than one!
4. They knew it was never too late. This past Olympics included Oksana Chusovitina, is a 41 year old gymnast from Uzbekistan, who competed against kids younger than her own son in the individual vault finals as well as an equestrian from Australia who is 61. Their fighting, never-give-up spirit reminds us all that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Ever!!!
Sadly, many people feel that their clutter is too far gone for them to try and get organized. Or they falsely believe that they will never be able to be organized so they don’t even try. But that’s just not true! As these athletes show us, it’s never too late to work towards your goals and dreams!
5. They believed they could. Talent and skill will only get you so far, but when you add belief, it will take you even farther. Every Olympian believes they have a chance to win, and the opportunity to stand on that podium and have a medal draped around their neck. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be there competing. It’s that belief that keeps them going day in and day out.
Do you believe you can be organized? Contrary to what most people think, getting organized doesn’t start with a container and a label, and it isn’t about the type of person you are. It starts with wanting to get there and believing you can do it. Once you have these two things, the necessary actions will follow.
Getting to the Olympics takes practice and patience. Achieving your organizing goals takes much of the same, yet the payoff will last much longer than a medal on a ribbon.