Albert Einstein once said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results. “Insanity” seems like a pretty strong word to use – “foolishness” might fit better.

I’m not so foolish to think that something in my life will change if I don’t help it along, but I do have a bad habit of putting things off for another day. And then I’m surprised at how much time has passed without making headway.

I’ve known for a long time that I need help remembering to do things. That’s why I have a huge whiteboard in my kitchen with notes circled and starred all over it. If a to-do item is written there, it will get done (eventually). But here we are in a new year, and there are still things on the board left undone – from months and months ago.

Well, I’m finally ready for a change. So lists have been compiled and a plan is in place (with the help of my very organized husband who has been patient with my piles and undone-things for too long). Time will be spent more wisely and goals will be achieved. This is my hope and dream.

And to help organize my life, I’m going to pay attention to the following online resources:

• Marla Cilley is The Fly Lady. “She weaves her way through housecleaning and organizing tips, with homespun humor, daily musings about life and love, and anything else that is in her mind.” If you follow FlyLady, you’ll get FLYmail everyday with FLYing Lessons to help you set up short, manageable routines to get rid of clutter and put your home and life in order. She says “you are not behind – you are just getting started.”
• Kathi Lipp is the queen of projects. Sign up for her newsletter and you’ll get a free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Man Food, plus she’ll keep you up-to-date on projects such as organizing your house and connecting with your kids, and her most recent Christmas Project that shared daily strategies to prepare for the holiday.

There’s an old country saying that goes something like this:

“When is the best time to plant an oak tree? Fifty years ago. When is the second best time? Today.”

Change can be scary, but it’s easiest handled bit by bit (like eating an elephant is easier one bite at a time). One step after another, and soon I’ll have reached a mile marker. Each small goal achieved will bring me closer to my bigger goals – whether it’s to have an ordered house and life or to finish my latest novel.

I’m excited to start this journey of change today. How about you?