Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobindy1  I really DO value a tidy environment - but I don't create a tidy environment. How do I make the leap to actually DOING what I prefer? |
I am just like you; I value organization and cleanliness, but I haven't done a good job of being organized or tidy.
I think it boils down to habits. You are just not in the habit of being tidy. Form a new habit. Do the 30-day thing.
I am on day 4 of a new habit: every evening at 9:30pm I:
-Do the remaining dishes in the sink
-Pick up and put away everything off the floor, kitchen table, kitchen counters and coffee table
That's it! And it's made a huge difference already to my apartment and my mindset.
It is already becoming a comforting ritual, and now my apartment is always presentable. You'll have to adjust it to account for contingencies (for example I do this before I go out if I won't be home at 9:30pm) but it really just takes a little planning and a little initiative to get into a habit that better reflects your values.
As for why your actions don't appear to reflect your values... I think they do. Someone else touched on this. You have values you don't know you have, and they can conflict with others.
Others have explained that point better so I won't elaborate here.