How to hit the ground running in September

What's slower the week between Christmas and New Year's or the last few weeks of August? No, this isn't a trick question.

I guess it depends on what you do for a living.

No doubt though: The last few weeks of August are very low key for some. If you're in that camp...enjoy! It's important to rest and recharge our batteries.

In fact, if you're on vacation...stop reading.

If you're home sweet home...this post is for you.

I want to share with you a practice I started several years ago that has helped me and countless others hit the ground running come the other 'New Year' -- September.

September is the other January for many people as parents, students and kids settle back into another school year filled with lots of hope, promise and potential. The old, "This school year I will..."

BTW: Come this September my son is starting pre-pre school! So proud! :)

Anyway, in Malcolm Gladwell's book the Tipping Point he brought to light the idea of the broken window theory (although it's been around since the early '80's). The broken window theory is fascinating, and I believe it applies so much to our health and fitness.

It suggests that people on streets with lots of broken windows, graffiti, garbage, etc., are more likely to throw trash on the street, graffiti the walls, and overall have much less respect for the property on that street than if it were gleaming.

Think about it this way...

When you're in a sparkling bathroom you're way more likely to keep it that way, right?

When former Mayor Giuliani first become mayor of New York City, he went after the small infringements like meter skipping for subways, graffiti, and getting rid of the guys that washed car windows whether you asked them to or not.

He felt that if you attack the small nuances, the serious ones like assault, rape and murder would diminish.

He was right.

I've applied this concept to my life.

I find that:

When my office is messy, I'm not nearly as productive, organized and on point.

When my kitchen is messy, I tend to order in food more.

When my laundry is piling up, I'm less likely to exercise because I don't have any clothes to wear.

When I don't have healthy food stocked up, I'm more likely to eat unhealthy.

I try very hard to not let the small things build up.

Seems like common sense but it's certainly not common practice, and it can make a big difference.

Like ----> spending just five minutes every night cleaning and organizing, dealing with unread and undone emails/tasks, and doing laundry every week, as opposed to letting it build up.

THE PROBLEM WITH LETTING THINGS BUILD UP...

Is that they become DAUNTING! As tempting as it is to say, "Alright, I'll do everything once...", it's much more effective and way less daunting to do a little every day.

I find that when I stay on top of these small but impactful tasks, it allows me to do everything better. It makes staying consistent with my diet and exercise a little bit easier.

So, if you're unsure of what to do the rest of the month, why not spend some time cleaning and organizing. This way, come the "New Year" we can hit the ground running.

-Are there any lingering tasks that you keep putting off?

-Is there any physical clutter (messy desk, closet, kitchen, etc.)?

-Do you have any online clutter (unread emails, invites, etc.,)?

Dealing with these small things can make a big difference. It allows us to start the school year off fresh with a clear head.

I hope you decide to try it out. And before you discount the simplicity of it ...TRY IT! :) Then see how you feel.

-Adam