If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success. - Ecclesiastes 10:10 NKJV

There once was a woodsman who had a new ax. He was able to fell many trees the first day. With each day that passed, however, the number of trees he was able to fell grew fewer and fewer. His wife watched him work longer and harder yet achieve less and less each day so she suggested that he stop and sharpen his ax.

“I have trees to fell!” replied the woodsman. “I don’t have time to stop!”

The lesson here? Working harder and longer will not necessarily make you more productive or help you to find more time.

Want to be more productive so you can reach your goals and fulfill your dreams? Get organized so you work smarter not harder!

Want to find more time? Get organized so you waste less time!

And speaking of goals…as 2010 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to evaluate which goals you have accomplished this year and which ones you still want to work on in 2011. It’s also a good time to let go of projects, commitments or relationships that are not adding value to your life so you can head into the new year with a lighter load.

May good health, happiness that multiplies, peace of mind, prosperity and the joy of living organized be yours throughout the New Year and beyond.

Do you feel overwhelmed by the possessions, paper and piles that have taken over your life and space? Don’t know how or where to start to make changes? You’re not alone.

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is pleased to announce the formation of a free, educational support group for individuals who are struggling with clutter and disorganization. The NYPL Clutter Support Group will be a member-based group facilitated by organizing expert A. J. Miller. It will meet on an ongoing basis to address clutter and disorganization related issues and offer support, information, tips and techniques to combat clutter and become better organized.

The NYPL Clutter Support Group is open to people of all ages with any degree of disorganization. Whether you’ve had a life long struggle with being organized or your problem is more recent; whether you’re just a little overloaded, a hoarder, have ADHD or are living with someone who is one of these, please join us.

We look forward to seeing you at our introductory meeting on February 4, 2009 from 6:00 – 6:45PM at The New York Public Library, Grand Central Branch, 135 E. 46th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues.

If you – or any woman you know – is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation (C4R) provides FREE housecleaning and maid services one time a month for four months while you’re in treatment. C4R believes that “fighting cancer is difficult enough, but living with it is even tougher.” Because they want to make sure that you have “one less thing to worry about”, they’ve partnered with professional, residential cleaning companies who are successful enough to be in a position to offer their services for free to those in need their communities.

C4R partners carry insurance, bonding and do criminal background checks. All you have to do is go to the C4R website, sign up and have your doctor fax them a note confirming your treatment. C4R will have a participating maid service in your zip code area arrange for the service.

Click here to see what Oprah has to say about C4R.

To help support or make an “In Memory of” Donation to C4R, please click here.