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If you want a fresh start, you need to prepare yourself for change. Because the old cliche is true, if nothing changes, everything will just stay the same! For lasting change to really take hold, I recommend holding a Reset Meeting with your family before you start the Organizing Boot Camp or any of my other challenges.

Maybe you’ve tried to get organized before and it didn’t work out. Maybe you aren’t getting the support you need because your family doesn’t believe the changes will be permanent because you’ve tried getting organized before and not followed through. Maybe you’re feeling like you’ve failed before you’ve even begun. It is time to stop letting past mistakes haunt you. To move on, you are going to have to forgive yourself and others, and be willing to try again. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is have the courage to try again after we’ve failed before. It’s an important example to set for our families and those around us: to keep trying to get the important things right. And creating an orderly and peaceful home is important.

The Reset Meeting is all about getting the support and help you need to be successful. Another term for a Reset Meeting is “Family Meeting.” Gather everyone in your home together around your table, if possible. Everyone living in your household should be at this meeting.

First, before you say anything else, apologize sincerely for your part of the problem. Absolutely do not point fingers and blame anyone else, especially your children. Nothing will ruin a family meeting faster than everyone feeling defensive and putting up walls. Be humble and real, then ask for the help and support you need as you complete this program. We all have talents and we all have weaknesses. Families rally and support each other through our best and worst. Tell your family that you are still learning new things and always trying to improve.

My husband does this thing with our kids that I think is genius. When there has been a fight or an incident that leads to lots of ruffled feathers, he has everyone explain what happened, but they are only allowed to say their part and only what they did or said, including what they could’ve done differently. If they start to say “because so-and-so …” he will stop them and redirect them to only tell their part so they can learn the importance of accountability.

Say your part in your home’s disorganization and nothing else. This isn’t because no one else has anything to do with it, this is because it reminds us to work on ourselves first. Our effort is all we can truly control. It is important that we ask for the help and support we need, but we should be focusing on what we can do. Lead by example that you are serious about making this change and improving your home! Let your actions teach and convince more powerfully than any lecture could, and there’s a good chance they’ll follow along with you.

You may be tempted to skip this initial Reset Meeting, but don’t. Even if you live alone, take some quiet time to think about what’s brought you to this place. Instead of asking your family for forgiveness, ask yourself.

If you’re participating in the Organizing Boot Camp or any challenge, holding a Reset Meeting is a powerful way to get the help of those who can be the most helpful in your home, your family. You may be nervous to hold this Reset Meeting and confess to everyone you’re trying to make a change. You’ve lost motivation and quit before, right? Well, don’t depend on motivation. Depend on your commitment.

Make a commitment, trust the process, and hold the meeting.

From my home to yours,
Mary

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