Seeking Simplicity

Run a Marathon

Posted by SeekingSimplicity on May 18, 2010.

This may seem like an insane goal to some, but nothing will build your confidence more than running a marathon. Almost anyone with a good training plan and a little time each week can accomplish this aspiration. The keys are not to push too hard and do not set a time goal.

Setting an impossible goal will give you the chance to find your limit and then cross it. Even if you have never run before it is possible to grow into marathon distance with some patience and effort.

Side benefits include losing weight and getting into great shape. A race is a huge motivator to stick with a fitness program.

Still think it is impossible? Try some of these resources:

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/ Jeff Galloway created a system of running and walking that has helped thousands achieve a finished marathon. His method also seems to reduce injuries and allow for a faster recovery than most programs.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1570281823 The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer is an incredible and inspiring book filled with information for the beginning runner. The author’s David Whitsett, Forrest Dolgener, and Tanjala Kole present a 16 week program that will get you to the finish line.

http://steverunner.blogspot.com/ Phidippidations is an excellent podcast about running, training, and the sport in general. An inspiring show that will make you realize ordinary people can run marathons. Also make sure to check out other great running podcasts at http://www.runningpodcasts.org/

http://www.marathonguide.com/ This website will help with the selecting of your marathon. The reviews by actual participants in the events are very helpful when trying to choose your goal race.

The physical and mental effort to prepare for a marathon will improve many areas of life. The marathon is a perfect chance to see how planning and persistent effort pay off. Other goals will seem easy and approachable when using the same mindset that brought success to the marathon.

Once you run a marathon, you will feel like you can do anything!

Cleaning Schedules

Posted by SeekingSimplicity on May 4, 2010.

Do you have a cleaning schedule?

Scheduling your housekeeping needs can help keep your home in order by reminding you and your housemates of daily tasks.

The image above shows my cleaning schedule.  Of course I do other things like dishes, wiping surfaces, and taking out the trash whenever necessary and don’t need to be reminded of them.

Everyone’s list will look different depending on your household needs. You can download a template of the schedule below and edit it to fit your needs. Be sure to post it somewhere you can view it easily every day! I put mine on the inside of my kitchen cabinet like this:

» Download Cleaning Template

Some items you may want on your list are:

• Laundry
• Sweeping/Mopping Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Vacuuming
• Trash Collection
• Washing Linens
• Dusting
• Meal Planning
• Lawn Care
• Bill Pay
• Clean Desk
• Project Item – I have project item listed in my schedule twice a week. This is for tasks such as decluttering, cleaning garage, making a repair, or any other projects or chores that will inevitably come up.

The Best Tip for a Clutter-Free Life

Posted by SeekingSimplicity on May 3, 2010.

Own Less.

Okay, easier said than done but owning less is truly the ultimate answer to living a clutter-free life.

The need for storage containers, baskets, and organizing items will just add to your clutter. Getting rid of items that you don’t need eliminates the need to organize them. De-cluttering can be a time consuming and frustrating process. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start with one room
2. Make a pile of everything you do not use, need, or want. This will be the hardest part. Be honest. Have you used this item in the past year? Would you take this item with you if you were moving to your dream house?
3. Go through the room again. A second pass will often lead to another pile of items to get rid of.
4. Throw away the trash and put the usable items you have gathered in your car and take them to the Goodwill or other donation location. Most Goodwill’s make house calls for furniture or other large items that are  hard to transport. Contact your local Goodwill to find out whether or  not pick-up service is available in your community.
5. Stop bringing items in your home to help prevent clutter.
6. De-clutter regularly

Organization containers can help contain visual clutter but before placing an item in the containers consider if you really need it and how often you will use the item.