Have an Ugly Day

"Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain." --Mark Twain

Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) where everything on your plate was something you didn't look forward to-doing? I faced such a week this past summer. I remember going to bed, doing my positive thinking, only to come face to face with the bleak reality that there wasn't one thing on my list I felt positive about. I had ended up with a pile of things I didn't really want to-do, but all the same had to be done.

Just before drifting off to sleep that Sunday night, I had an idea. I would make the upcoming week an "Ugly Week." Since I knew Monday contained three tasks I was dreading, I would find every other task I dreaded and fill the rest of the day. I would do the same thing for Tuesday and each other day that week. Every morning I would start with the task I least wanted to-do. The more annoying the task, the higher it would move on the priority list.

Monday morning came and I arose, determined to have my "Ugly Day." When the mail came, I didn't look at the fun stuff - just the bills. As I went throughout the day, I chose the tasks that went "against my grain." I worked through the backlog of unattractive to-dos.

By the end of the week, something interesting had happened. I had marked off so many of those "weigh one down" tasks that I was in an incredibly good mood and felt so much lighter.

When you find yourself in a backlog of to-dos that you don't want to-do, try this "ugly-week" tactic. Too often, we let these tasks remain undone and drain our energy for other tasks. When we incorporate just one "unattractive" task into our day, it can weigh us down the whole day. If we have twenty unattractive to-dos, we schedule ourselves for a month of "feeling under par." Having an "ugly week" allows us not only to consolidate those unattractive tasks, but also to feel good as we wipe the slate clean with "done" marks.

Brook Noel is the author of The Change Your Life Challenge: A 70 Day Life Makeover Program for Women. Her unique program has helped thousands of women "makeover" all aspects of their lives. Learn more at http://www.changeyourlifechallenge.com

---

Technology...The Culprit and the Tool

Technology has given us the tools to reduce routine tasking,... Read More

50 Ideas to Organize Your Home

"Organize" is a familiar word heard on many of today's... Read More

Organize (and Decorate) Your Home on a Budget with Baskets

What's an item that can help you organize every room... Read More

The Magnificent 7: Tips for Cleaning Up Clutter

Clutter is postponed decisions®. Here are some suggestions to simplify... Read More

Introducing the Power Hour Concept to Plough Through Mountainous Tasks

Have you ever been totally overwhelmed by a massive task... Read More

Clutters Side Effects: How the State of Your Home Affects Your Life

Each area of your home has a symbolic meaning with... Read More

The Balance of Balance

Life is about maintaining a balance of all aspects. At... Read More

Spring Clean Your Life

Spring is here and its time to sweep away the... Read More

Organize Yourself Otherwise Your Work Could Kill You

We are in a society where people are applauded for... Read More

Clear Your Clutter and Free Your Life

Whatever your clutter problem the answer is the same: make... Read More

Creative Storage Solutions

When the things in your home start crowding in around... Read More

Spring Cleaning

Spring is such a refreshing time- we are filled with... Read More

10 Easy Maintenance Tips vs Piling on the Chaos

Whether you are in your own business or an employee... Read More

Dont Get Lost In The Shuffle

I have a good friend whom (also being in the... Read More

After the Clutter: 5 Steps to a New Daily Routine

I've noticed that in the two years since the major... Read More

Declutter Your Home in 11 Easy Steps

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing your home? Start... Read More

What Clutter Clearing Can Do For You

You can get a pretty good idea of the benefits... Read More

Essential Tips for the Kitchen

* Cupboards and drawers should contain items that are grouped... Read More

Files vs Piles

I recently read an article that had some interesting but... Read More

Improve Your Workplace to Make Your Life Better

What does "quality of life" mean to you? If you... Read More

Stress Management: 10 Universal Laws to Get and Stay Organized

1. The Law of the 1st StepA good first step... Read More

Home Organizing Tips & Gizmos

Staying organized can be a constant battle. The following organizing... Read More

Quick Organizing Tips From Assistance For You

Keeping on task and getting organized starts with a basic... Read More

Mental Clutter- Is It Taking Over Your Life?

Chances are, most of you have a lot you need... Read More

Making Life Easier, with NLP Chunking!

You know, in psychology there is a rule, especially within... Read More

The Top 10 Habits of Organized People

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to have... Read More

Making Space - Letting Go of Clutter

To make room for new things to come into you... Read More

Get Organized -- Every Home Needs An Office

EVERY HOME NEEDS AN OFFICEYes, it is true that every... Read More

Kids Clutter: Organizing at Every Age

Our children are probably the biggest clutter creators we have... Read More

3-Step Clean Sweep Program to Organize

3-Step Clean Sweep Program 1 -... Read More

Its Time To Clear Out! Clutter Busting For Every Aspect Of Your Life

'A well-ordered life is like climbing a tower; the view... Read More

25 Tips and Tricks for an Organized Move

Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to... Read More

How Can I Deal With It All?

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have a to-do list a mile... Read More