What I love about new anything is that it immediately creates the expectation that something will be different, better, or possible. Our old perspective has the opportunity to shift and change.

Our dog, Norton, who passed away years ago, was a great teacher of many things, including expectations. He was a conscientious listener. If we talked about going for a walk, Norton, who loved taking walks, would immediately go to the “leash cabinet,” and sit patiently staring at the top drawer that held his leash.  If we mentioned the word “treat,” another one of Norton’s favorites, his ears would perk up, he’d rush to the “treat cabinet,” and fixedly glare at it as strands of drool dangled from his mouth. Norton knew what to expect. He was joyful, enthusiastic, and organized.

These may seem like small things- knowing where to find the leash or the treats. However, consider the possibilities for you. What if you claimed this year to become more organized so that your surroundings supported your daily functioning? What if you were able to find what you needed when you needed it? What would that look like? What would it feel like? What would become possible? Would your days flow better? Would you experience less stress?

Shift your perspective from perpetual frustration to gradual clarity. Think about starting simply. Create a basic expectation like, “My car keys are on the hook next to the front door,” or “ The bills to be paid are in the open bin on my desk.” What small thing is not working? What might make a difference if you made a slight change?

Dogs are incredible teachers. In my book, The Other Side of Organized, I share more about Norton’s wisdom related to organizing and life balance. Each chapter begins with a “Norton” cartoon, like this one called “Norton Knows.”

It's a new year, a new month, a new day. What tiny thing can you alter? What will you expect tomorrow?

“Norton Knows” cartoon by Richard Rockwell and Linda Samuels