Beyond Folders : resolutions

Not Too Late for a Jan Plan

Community Manager — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:05:00 GMT

Still at loss for resolutions as January slowly slips away? Fear not, it's never too late to get going.

We've rounded up some "Jan Plan" inspiration to get you motivated. And if it slides until February? Hey, better late than never....

House Keeping: Give your house the old spit and polish with the January Cure from leading home site Apartment Therapy. You'll be decluttered and neat and tidy in no time flat.

Weight Loss: Fans of TV show The Biggest Loser know that fitness guru Jillian Michaels can help you drop pounds. Now, lose weight at home with Michael's 30-Day Shred workout, designed to help users shed 30 pounds in 20 days with a 20-minute daily workout. Lose weight, win a healthier body.

Fitter, Flatter Abs: Anyone can do anything for 30 days, even if it's ab-burning crunches. This 30-day regimen from Women's Health Magazine starts slowly and builds as your endurance grows. Ab-flattening eating strategies are part of the equation. Go for it - your jeans will thank you.

Financial Health: Holiday shopping sprees can do major damage to your budget. If you've racked up whopping credit card bills, or wish you had a better handle on your overall financial health, this 30-step path to financial wellness is for you.

Volunteer More: Heartbreaking stories about natural and man-made disasters filled our airwaves and newspapers at the end of 2012. If 2013 is the year you want to make a difference in the lives of others, read 30 Ways in 30 Days for inspiration about how you can help Ronald McDonald House or other similar organizations.

Happier Relationships: Would you be willing to spend 21 days to vastly improve your relationships? Gretchen Rubin of the Happiness Project thinks so and she's crafted a 21-Day Relationship Challenge designed to make your relationships more loving.

New Year, New Notebook: Keep Resolutions on Track with the Versa

Community Manager — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:22:00 GMT

You multitask like nobody's business, juggling work, home and family demands all week long. Now, with 2013 in swing, it's time to add New Year's resolutions to the mix.

Keep all your balls in the air, and all your resolutions on track, by plotting your progress in the new Ampad® Versa™ Crossover Notebook, which offers a crossover design that takes the best of a notebook, binder and dividers and puts it all in one. Want to log your exercise time? Keep track of healthy recipes? Capture inspirational articles on quitting smoking? Get more organized? Whatever your New Year's goals may be, Ampad® Versa&trade can help you keep track of all the moving parts.

Versatility Adds Up to Productivity

Write in it like a notebook; move pages around like a binder.
Built-in dividers provide easy sorting and categorizing.
Dual poly dividers separate and capture loose papers.
Mark key notes with 105 stick-on flags for labeling and highlighting.
Track to-dos with a lined stick-on task pad.

The New Year is a fresh start, so why dive into it with an outdated notebook? Now, Ampad® Versa™ lets you manage multiple projects or subdivide one large project into smaller sections. Plus, the highlighting flags make finding and organizing notes easier than ever. And you can reorder and reorganize your notes, again and again.

Ampad® Versa™ reimagines the notebook; use it for your own 2013 reinvention.

What No One Tells You about Resolutions

Community Manager — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:44:00 GMT

Articles on sticking to resolutions are an inescapable part of the January landscape.

But while experts are everywhere offering tips and tricks for remaining committed to resolutions, few pundits take a "no resolutions" approach to ringing in the New Year. In the spirit of "there's two sides to every story," we take a look at the notion of skipping resolutions altogether. Hey, you still got the champagne!

Don't Make New Year's Resolutions: They're Not Good for Your Health: If you're thinking about adopting a healthier lifestyle, eliminating resolutions may be the first step, according to this article: Don't Make New Year's Resolutions: They're Not Good for Your Health. The article posits that sticking to resolutions can create stress, rack up unnecessary expenses and can cause depression when resolutions are unmet. Rather, the article promotes the notion that the healthiest, happiest, fittest people are those that develop successful patterns in their lives--lives which involve achievement and close relationships. By building on successes, whatever they may be, and by maintaining committed relationships, health and wellness naturally flow as part of their "active, achieving, and dependable lives." So socialize with the healthy and happy - wellness is contagious!

New Year's Resolutions Don't Work - Here's Why: Did you ever stop to think that goal setting is akin to declaring that your life isn't good enough, that happiness is always around the corner and is missing and absent from your life right now? The article New Year's Resolutions Don't Work - Here's Why, makes the case that when we constantly resolve to make changes, that when we look ahead to a goal, rather than focusing on, and enjoying the present, that we miss the chance to focus on the happiness and success that is currently in hand. Food for thought, no?

Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work: This article suggests that many resolutions are made with pie-eyed optimism that generally doesn't translate into success. But rather than truly eschewing the notion of New Year's goal setting, the author does in fact make the case for something quite similar: planning. The article advocates making time for an annual (or better yet, quarterly) planning session(s) to lay out goals and concrete strategies for moving the ball forward. Read on for more about why taking stocking of your life or business, and planning for growth or change should be a part of your 2013: Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work.

Appy New Year!

Community Manager — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:16:00 GMT

No excuses this year: we have fantastic apps to keep your New Year's resolutions on track.

Add Exercise: Put your money where your mouth is and link your fitness goals to a monetary incentive (or penalty) with the GymPact app. Users commit to a number of workouts and tie each to a monetary sum, when you show up, it adds up. Skip a workout and cough up. Users can even join in a group and challenge friends/family/coworkers. Other helpful exercise tracking apps include MapMyRun's app and the Nike Training app. Or use the mobile companion to the monster exercise hit p90X with this app. Get up and get going!

Quit Smoking for Good: Dump those cancer sticks once and for all with the iQuit app, which lets you track your decreasing cigarette schedule and plot your progress on social media. The social element enlists positive peer pressure: your social network can cheer successes and rally support if you stumble.

Watch Your Money: Whip your finances into shape with the Expenditure app, which tracks spending across categories as well as one-time only expenses. The user-friendly interface shows where the money is flowing. Or check out award-winning app Mint.com,which lets users track, budget and manage money in both checking and savings accounts, as well as credit card accounts, investments and retirement funds. Reminders also help prevent late fees. You'll love the price tag: free!

Be More Organized: Ready for a more organized 2013? Productivity app Evernote,lets users create and save notes, pictures and voice memos and sync them across your phone, computer and the Web. Never lose track of a to-do list again. When you team Evernote with a time-management tool such as OmniFocus, which lets users track tasks by date, person, place or project, you're on your way to an organized day. Still procrastinating? RescueTime, not only tracks all your time, it'll block you from visiting distracting websites when you work.

Get Up Earlier: No time for resolutions? Wake up earlier each day with the Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock, http://bit.ly/Vw6Jzr an intelligent alarm clock that analyzes your sleep and wakes you in the lightest sleep phase of a set period so you wake up feeling rested and relaxed. The app offers lots of customization such as 15 alarm options, sleep cycle monitoring and wake-up options. Use your extra morning hours to keep your resolutions on track.

Finally, if the thought of tracking all your resolutions across various apps makes you overwhelmed, this one-stop-shopping app is for you. Centralize all your goals in one spot with the All My New Year's Resolutions 2012 app. http://bit.ly/YoTDYf

Happy New Year!

Reboot those Flagging Resolutions

Community Manager — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:39:00 GMT

Well, we're a month into the New Year. How are those resolutions holding up? Odds are your willpower and resolve is flagging. After all many of us quit on resolutions by February and all but a few have thrown in the towel by spring.

Looking to reboot those resolutions? We hear you. We're giving our own resolutions a shot in the arm with the ideas we picked up from these great sources. Onwards and upwards!

There's an App for That: Well, there isn't technically a willpower app, but these 25 apps can certainly help you manage resolutions to be more productive, organized and fit. Every little bit helps right?

Back to Basics: While most of us make resolutions, few of us stick to them. Studies show that successful resolution makers generally follow the steps outlined in this useful article. By reviewing the basics, such as pick a partner, be realistic and break your resolution down into discrete, do-able steps, you arm yourself with a solid foundation for success.

Create Meaning: If you knew that for every mile clocked on the treadmill or for every cigarette not smoked, you were helping a needy child, wouldn't it make is easier to forge ahead during moments of weakness? Website 1purpose.com lets you link your resolutions to specific charities; when you log hours spent working on your resolutions, donations are made to charities of your choice. Now that's motivating!

Are your resolutions flagging? What helps you recommit and regroup when it comes to resolutions? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

When You Can’t Do It All: Picking One Major Reorg Project for 2012

Community Manager — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:11:00 GMT

January is the month for making resolutions that are too often abandoned by February. This year be realistic and pick just one outstanding organization project that you never seem to find time for and get it done.

Does your messy garage drive you crazy? Or is it the piles of paperwork that have taken over your desk? Are your closets stuffed past capacity? Everyone has a project they really wish they could get to: make 2012 the year you move that back-burner project front and center.

Getting Started

Go for gratification: Pick a project that will really and truly provide a sense of accomplishment. If you feel like you ought to tackle your overflowing attic but would prefer to spend time sorting photos, go with the photos.

Limit chaos: Start with spaces that won't limit your ability to function such as the spare room or attic. Once you have those spaces in better shape, you can tackle future projects in high-traffic zones such as the kitchen or home office. Use the newly organized rooms in your home as staging ground for sorting through paperwork or warehousing kitchen items as you tackle bigger projects in high-traffic zones.

Break down a big project: Determine what steps you need to take to get from the starting line to your end goal. If you want to empty an attic, the first step might be tossing broken and outdated items, next, giving unneeded items to family members and then finally donating the rest to charity. Defining success before you begin allows you to know when a project is successfully completed.

Get equipped: Filing projects require files, moving projects require boxes. Don't overlook the basics when getting started. Carefully consider all your needs before launching a project and then stock up on the tools you need.

Enlist helpers: Many hands make for light work so enlist family and friends. Make the project fun (filing while listening to music! a family reunion garage cleaning!) and you better your odds of getting helpers to pitch in.

Reward yourself: Reward yourself for getting through your project and link your reward to your project if you can. Did you tame a cluttered guest room? Treat yourself to new throw pillows or a duvet cover. Did you tackle a mountain of paperwork? Reward yourself with new desk accessories. Print and frame all those family pictures? Have a party to show off your new home décor.

Making 2012 all about one major project betters your odds of getting it done. Who knows? The glow of accomplishment may even carry you through another project or two.

Good luck!

Do you have a major project in mind? What is the one area of the house you never seem to get to? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook.

This Time I Mean It: Sticking to Resolutions

Community Manager — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:08:00 GMT

Ah, New Year's Resolutions; easy to make, and even easier to break. This year better your odds of sticking to your goals with our this-time-I-mean-it tips.

Resolve Consciously: Just as impulse purchases lead to buyer's remorse, so too does impulsive resolution-making. Spend time evaluating your priorities for 2012 honestly and then make resolutions that fit in with your objectives. Brainstorm with friends and family and vet your choices by asking trusted friends, "Can you see me meeting this goal this year?"

Say Good-bye to Failed Resolutions: January 1^st is a clean slate so leave the ghosts of failed resolutions firmly in the past. Instead, reframe your resolutions for a fresh start. If last year's "lose weight" resolution never got off the ground, commit instead to "add fruits and veggies to daily diet" and "20-minutes of cardio a day."

Be Positive: Scolding young children doesn't work as well as recognizing and rewarding positive behavior. So turn "stop biting my nails" into "take better care of my hands" and treat yourself to a manicure each week if you stick to a regimen of tender loving care of your hands.

Months, Not Years: A year looms long when you're looking at sticking to a tough commitment. Break the time into shorter chunks and strive to stay committed for a month, than a quarter, working up to the full year. Reward yourself along the way for remaining committed. When you run a marathon one-mile at a time, eventually you cross the finish line at mile 26.

Plan for Speed Bumps: The road to resolution success is never a straight path. Identify possible speed bumps and plan for them. Work travel throwing off your gym schedule? Pack sneakers for a jog. Is a busy party schedule making dieting a challenge? Plan to fill up on healthy eats at home before arriving at the buffet table. Sick kids and the demands of work keeping you from tackling that clutter? Treat yourself to a few sessions with a professional organizer. Identifying possible pitfalls, and working proactively on a Plan B, can prevent challenges from derailing your progress.

Positive Peer Pressure: Trumpet your resolutions far and wide. The more public you make your commitment to friends, family and coworkers, they more pressure you will feel to stick to those resolutions. Positive peer pressure works!

Looking for more advice on keeping your resolutions well into 2012? Read our past posts Sticking to Resolutions with the Buddy System and Turn Resolutions into Reality.

Good luck!

How do you stick to resolutions? Does the buddy system help? Or do you reward yourself for commitments kept? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Spring Fever: Time to Renew Those Resolutions

Community Manager — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 22:37:00 GMT

If you are like most Americans, you went into the New Year armed with well-intentioned resolutions only to have your motivation fizzle out during the winter doldrums. Now, it's time to renew those resolutions. After all, spring is the perfect season for succeeding at many of the most popular resolutions.

Lose Weight: Whether it's dropping a few pounds or dropping several dress sizes, losing weight consistently ranks among the top New Year's resolutions. Take advantage of fresh spring produce to whittle your waistline. Healthy eats such as asparagus and beets are front and center this time of year along with delicious treats such as tangerines and strawberries. For more low cal, high nutrient dishes visit Fitness.com.

Exercise: Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather to walk, run, swim or bike your way to better health. The user-friendly advice from Prevention.com, arms you with everything from tips on stretching to gear to workouts; you'll be out and about and fitter in no time.

Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle: Whether it's the desire to kick cigarettes or alcohol or merely to adopt healthier habits such as an "early to bed, early to rise" lifestyle, spring is a time of rejuvenation. Reboot your circadian rhythms to promote energy and decrease stress and replace unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption with healthy alternatives. Think about reaching for a picnic basket for al fresco dining after a tough day of work, rather than a cigarette. Replace unhealthy habits with healthy stress busters. Read on for healthy, fun spring activities that can help give bad habits the boot. C'mon, you can do it!

Save Money: Who doesn't want to squeeze value out of every dollar? Spring is the perfect time to get more bang for your buck. Vacation getaways are more wallet-friendly as the end of Easter marks the start of discounted vacation packages in warm weather getaways like the Caribbean. And think long-term: refinance your mortgage before rates head up this summer and if you received a tax refund, adjust tax withholding to ensure that more money is in your paycheck each month, rather than going to Uncle Sam.

Get Organized: At Pendaflex, we are advocates of year-round spring cleaning but spring is a great time to double your efforts. Swap out winter clothes and gear for warm weather goods and be sure to donate or recycle items no longer in use. Purge your paperwork and piles while you're at it. A lighter load around the house translates to a freer mind. Declutter to destress!

How are your New Year's resolutions holding up? Will spring's season of renewal restore your resolution motivation? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

by Candie Harris

Sticking to Resolutions with the Buddy System

Community Manager — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:53:00 GMT

How have your resolutions fared this month? The first few weeks back to work after the holiday break can be tough, but if you found your resolve faltering, you are not alone. Statistically, most people don't stick to their resolutions.

Want to beat the odds? If you've already fallen off the wagon, or are afraid you might do so, increase your chances of sticking to your resolutions with a buddy.

Why a Buddy?

Think of the buddy system as positive peer pressure. When you team up with a spouse, friend or even a group of co-workers, you make your goals public and build in accountability. Hitting the snooze button in the morning is harder when you know your work-out buddy is waiting at the gym.

Get creative in working with a buddy on your resolutions. If financial organizing is a goal, schedule a monthly wine and cheese session with two to three friends and deal with paperwork, filing and bill-paying while you catch-up. Is finding time for fitness a challenge? Enlist a friend or spouse for hikes or gym visits rather than your usual dinner/drinks get-together.

Outside the Box Buddies

Think outside the box in setting up a buddy system. Buddies don't need to be a one-on-one duo. They can even be pets. Yes, pets!

Animal lovers may want to team up with a beloved pooch on a fitness campaign. For more on this idea read A New Year's Resolution for You and Your Pooch: Get Fit with Your Dog .

Family members are natural resolution buddies. Many popular resolutions such as saving money, exercising, or taking up a new hobby, are easily tackled when a family agrees to work as a team. Kids can be especially enthusiastic participants and they're buy-in will help make family budget cuts workable. Read 8 Tips for Making Family New Year's Resolutions.

Or consider enlisting a "virtual" support group. Start a Facebook page or blog about your weight loss/decluttering/exercise goals. Posting about your progress will encourage you to stay on track, and charting your progress will give you a needed boost if your resolve flags.

Making lifestyle changes is not easy; working with a buddy or support group can provide the boost you need when your willpower falters. And who doesn't want a cheering squad when there are successes to savor!

Have you made use of the buddy-system for resolutions? How do you and your buddy inspire each other? Share your thoughts here by posting a comment!

by Bradley Eggers

Turn Resolutions into Reality

Community Manager — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:10:00 GMT

If you are like most of America, you make the same resolutions year in and year out. Tired of making and breaking the same resolutions year after year? Don't give up: turn resolutions into reality with our round-up of expert advice from across the web.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Author of the best-selling book The Happiness Project Gretchin Rubin knows a thing or two about sticking to resolutions. Rubin spent an entire year adhering to a self-designed program to boost her overall happiness. Top tips for stick-to-it-ness from the happiness guru include holding yourself accountable (by publically sharing your resolutions with others) and only making pleasant resolutions, aka, commit to doing what you love and are passionate about. For more of Rubin's resolution tips read How to stick to your New Year's resolutions - 12 tips.

Plan to Succeed

Oprah.com contributing health writer and author of Smoke Free in 30 Days Dr. Daniel Seidman turns the art of resolution making into a science, with four concrete steps for smoking cessation that can be applied to goal setting generally. Resolutions that require lifestyle overhauls need a concrete plan, not merely wishful thinking. For Seidman's four steps read Putting More Resolve into New Year's Resolutions.

Planning, Take Two

Financial writer and Wall Street Journal reporter Brett Arrends echoes the notion that achieving resolution success requires planning in his recent article How to Get Financially Fit in the New Year. Arrends lays out a 12-month plan that requires equal parts big picture thinking and small bore tweaks. While Arrends concentrates on finances, the overall organizational model could apply to other goals.

The Psychology of Success

Why is it that some people can make resolutions stick and other can't? NPR host of Talk of the Nation Ira Flatow sat down with clinical psychologist Dr. John Norcross to learn how some people make resolutions work year after year. Norcross cites realistic goal setting as one criterion for success, another is using the buddy system. For more tips, listen to their conversation at the hyperlink How To Make New Year's Resolutions Stick.

Looking for Inspiration?

Still feeling ho hum about your chances of sticking to your resolutions? Perhaps you need some resolution inspiration to get you fired up. Inc.com takes an interesting look at the resolutions of seven CEOs running cutting edge companies and brands. Read on for resolution inspiration: 7 CEOs Share Their New Year's Resolutions for 2010 .

Best of luck with your resolutions in 2011!

by Carly Fadako