5. Organize. Don’t Agonize

“Once you have a clear picture of your priorities—that is values, goals, and high-leverage activities—organize around them.”

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Why do I invest so much time and money at the Container Store? Why do I feel like I “need” a Lazy Susan turntable and another shoe rack? As a society, many of us strive to get our lives neatly organized, as evidenced by our spice racks, DVD shelves, and tax folders. Spring cleaning in the winter? I’m so there. But does all this organization really create Zen?

Well, have you ever been to the Container Store? For me, I can honestly say it’s a form of heaven on earth. I can (and have) spent hours cruising through the chain store’s glorious ...

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