Make the bed, be on time

Kaity Holtman

Is your motto this week, “new year, new you,” or “nah, I’ll just be me?”

Some people are very much into New Year’s resolutions, while others have no interest. Some start them and last a few weeks, others really change their ways.

While I’m not big on the workout plan or changing my eating habits (I know I probably should be), I have made a couple resolutions.

While Friday was Jan. 1, I feel like the first day of the year is the first day back at work. So today is the start of my attempt at two small things — making my bed every morning and being on time.

I know, they’re pretty miniscule. But I’m also growing a kid here, so I went light (and realistic) on New Year’s resolutions.

But it’s my hope that these two tiny goals will make a bigger goal happen by default: increase motivation, productivity, and sense of accomplishment.

Making the bed probably seems like common sense to some people and pointless to others.

I do make my bed most days, but oftentimes it’s right before I go to bed so that my sheets lie flat like I like them.

I remember my mom telling me that making the bed makes the rest of the room look clean, even if it really isn’t. (I think she was just tricking me into making my bed.)

Either way, I do notice an early sense of accomplishment just for seeing a neat, tidy bed. I don’t think I realized that something that takes maybe one minute could make me want to accomplish more.

Plus, this way, when I get home, it’s one less thing to do, and it makes me want to make the rest of my house match the nicely made bed.

The same is the sense with being on time. Not just to work, but to church, to meetings, to dinners. We’re never really late, but we do often cut it pretty close.

Even getting up when my alarm actually goes off the first time would fit into the “being on time” category. And that sets me up to be more productive throughout my day, just by fitting more minutes into it.

For me, choosing two very manageable goals makes them measurable. And measurable goals keep me more accountable. Small details make the big picture happen — just like a puzzle.

Speaking of puzzles — maybe finishing a puzzle should be one of my goals, since we’ve had a 1,000-piece Kauffman Stadium puzzle in progress for more than a month now.

Anyway, goals are always a good thing, from taking baby steps to thinking big picture. Goals are what keep us moving forward and accomplishing task after task.

Even if we don’t call them resolutions, or start them on Jan. 1, a goal gives us something to work toward, and productivity is what makes an impact in our workplaces, our communities, our homes, and every aspect of our lives.

We can talk all we want. Yes, going to meetings and brainstorming can help, but actually getting the job done is what moves us forward.

That’s why I’m a huge proponent of to-do lists. I put small details on my to-do list so I can feel accomplished as I cross them off.

Sometimes I even write them down and cross them off after I’ve done them, just to show myself what I’ve done at the end of the day.

Make the bed.

Get up on time.

Be on time.

Those turn into …

Be reliable.

Be productive.

Accomplish.

Move forward.

I’m putting a lot of weight on how placing the decorative pillows on my bed will increase what I can accomplish in 2016, aren’t I?

Wish me luck, and best of luck with yours.