“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle (as paraphrased by Will Durant)
As professional home organizers and small business owners, we often find ourselves juggling numerous priorities. The dawn of a new year is a natural time to reassess, recalibrate, and set intentions that align with our values and aspirations. Whether you eagerly craft detailed goals or prefer a more intuitive approach to growth, there’s one concept that can help us all start the year with intention in 2025: margin.
Why Margin Matters
Margin is the space—physical, mental, and temporal—that allows for creativity, calm, and connection. It’s the white space in your schedule that fosters inspiration, the empty drawer that welcomes new things, and the moments of stillness where clarity emerges. Margin isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about creating opportunities to thrive.
The Magic of Margins
Margin Sparks Creativity. “Good ideas come to you in the margins.” This insight from Donald Miller resonates deeply. When we cram every moment with tasks, we stifle our ability to innovate and dream. Scheduling downtime isn’t indulgent; it’s essential for uncovering your next big idea.
Margin Creates Calm. Physical margin—whether it’s a decluttered drawer, an organized pantry, or a serene workspace—reduces stress. When you’ve already carved out space, adding something new becomes exciting rather than overwhelming.
Margin Enhances Productivity. Operating at 75% capacity rather than 100% allows you to show up prepared, focused, and intentional. It’s a shift from survival mode to thriving mode.
Start the Year with Intention
Building Margin into Your Life and Business
As we prepare to thrive in 2025, consider adopting margin as your guiding principle. Here are practical ways to implement it:
1. Quiet Time for Yourself
Start and end your day with intention:
Slow Mornings: Incorporate meditation or light therapy to gently wake up and set a positive tone.
Intentional Showers: Use this time for reflection or to simply be present.
Daily Walks: Combine movement and mindfulness to recharge.
Evening Reflection: Take 10 minutes each night to review the day’s wins and set intentions for tomorrow.
2. Scheduling Margin
Stop overpacking your calendar and start building in buffer time:
Prep and Follow-Up: Schedule time before and after meetings to gather your thoughts, take notes, and follow through on action items.
Realistic Timeframes: Acknowledge how long tasks take and commit to fewer, more focused priorities each day.
Meal and Workout Time: Treat self-care as non-negotiable by blocking out time for meals, exercise, and recovery.
3. Margin in Physical Spaces
Declutter with Purpose: Use my 80 Days to a Decluttered Home checklist to create calm in your environment.
Plan for White Space: Leave room in closets, shelves, and drawers for future needs to avoid the stress of overcrowding.
Reflecting on 2024
Before diving into 2025, take time to celebrate your wins and growth from the past year. What worked well? What could improve? This reflection creates a foundation for intentional planning. If you’re in vacation mode during the holidays, jot down a few key thoughts to revisit when you’re ready.
Thriving in 2025
Thriving doesn’t mean doing more; it means doing what matters with clarity and intention. Let’s embrace margin—in our schedules, our homes, and our minds—to create space for what truly matters. By prioritizing white space, we’re not only improving our lives but also modeling a sustainable approach for our clients.
Here’s to thriving in 2025—with excellence, calm, and a little magic in the margins.
Jen Martin
From a young age, Jen Martin, always loved organizing. As she grew older and had a family of her own, her love and value of an organized home just continued to grow. With four kids of her own, she knows how important organizational systems are to the foundation and well-being of a family's day-to-day life. Jen started Reset Your Nest in 2020 to bring her organizational skills to the rest of Utah. Her team of trained organizers has carefully and lovingly transformed the homes of over 500 homes. Jen has been featured on numerous television shows, podcasts, blogs, and books including Organized Living by Shira Gill, KSL Studio 5, AG Clever, and more.
コメント