What if I told you that the whole “New Year, New You” idea is a total myth?
Every January, we’re bombarded with the idea of starting fresh, yet for so many high-achieving women, the new year feels like dragging last year’s mess into a shiny new calendar. Why? Because unfinished tasks, messy spaces, and unfulfilled goals don’t magically disappear at midnight.
I get it. I used to believe in the whole “fresh start” thing too—until I came across Jack Canfield’s book The Success Principles, where he introduced the concept of “Clean Up Your Messes and Your Incompletes.” Let me tell you, this principle hit me hard. I was blown away by how many messes and incompletes I was tolerating in my life. I call this being “house blind.” You know, when you stop noticing the loose doorknobs, the pile of papers that’s become part of the furniture, or the lightbulb that’s been out since the Reagan Administration.
So, I decided to challenge myself—first, by admitting the mess exists (ouch), and second, by seeing how many I could tackle in a single day.
Armed with a clipboard, I marched through my house, room by room, writing down anything that annoyed me. Spoiler alert: the list was VERY long. But here’s the kicker—once I started highlighting the quick wins, I was amazed at how fast I could knock things out.
- The loose doorknob? 2 minutes.
- Replacing burnt-out lightbulbs? 5 minutes.
- Hanging up a towel rack? 20 minutes.
- Cleaning out the junk drawer (aka the black hole)? 30 minutes.
I was on fire! Each little win gave me a rush of empowerment, and for the first time in a long time, I felt in charge. I couldn’t believe what I accomplished in just one day.
But then… full transparency here… I hit the wall.
The projects that required actual skills (like, beyond my YouTube DIY knowledge). The bathrooms needed a major overhaul. The garage? Let’s just say it looked like a storage unit gone rogue. And the kitchen? A total gut job.
Did I give up? No way. I was on a roll, and I was committed to seeing this through. That meant having a serious heart-to-heart with my other half to get him on board. Once we teamed up, we made a plan to tackle the big projects—some to be done by the end of the year and others scheduled for a reasonable timeline.
And you know what? It felt amazing to finally have a plan instead of just tolerating the mess.
Here’s how you can reclaim your momentum today:
- Make a list of your incompletes: Write down every lingering task, unfinished project, or unresolved issue—big or small. Seeing it all in one place helps you prioritize what to tackle first.
- Start with a small win: Choose one easy task from your list and complete it today. Crossing it off creates instant momentum and motivation.
- Declutter one space at a time: Whether it’s your desk, closet, or inbox, clearing physical messes can do wonders for your mental clarity.
As a Success Principles Certified Coach, I know firsthand how transformational this process can be. That’s why I’m offering you a free “Clean Up Your Messes and Your Incompletes” Workbook, the same tool I use with my clients to help them clear their clutter—both physically and mentally.
Ready to take control and finally clear your messes? Download your free workbook now and take the first step toward a clutter-free, stress-free you.
[Get Your Free Workbook Now!]
And if you're ready to take it even further, let's work together to create a personalized action plan. Schedule your Clarity Strategy Session today, and let’s make this the year you finally clear the chaos and move forward with confidence.
[Schedule Your Clarity Strategy Session Now!]