The thin end of the wedge
Last week, I wrote about The Broken Windows theory…
…that visible signs of low level crime and anti-social behaviour, like graffiti, broken windows and litter, encourage more serious crimes.
While addressing them makes a safer, happier community.
And I wrote about how the broken window theory applies in our homes.
How, an unmade bed, cluttered surfaces or certain jobs not done make us feel out of control…
…disempower us…
…and start the slippery slope to chaos and disorganisation.
I asked you to tell me what were your “broken windows”…
…and I was inundated with responses!
Dirty dishes, a build-up of plastic bags and/or containers, spider webs, tax returns, someone you live with leaving their clothes lying around…
Last week, I said mine were emails sitting in my inbox, an overflowing laundry bin, cluttered surfaces…
This week, as the broken window theory has been on my mind, I’ve noticed other examples.
Not having meals ready-prepared (I never have time to cook in the evening and I hate to eat takeaways or processed food).
No time to clean the bird feeders and put fresh food out for the birds.
An overflowing worm-bin. (Emptying it isn’t a five minute job).
Why is it helpful to know what are your personal broken windows?
Because they’re also quick wins.
Address them and you’ll feel soooo much more in control.
Even better – put a system in place to keep on top of them.
It’s why I maintain inbox zero, and why I have routines for laundry, food shopping and cooking.
The wormery’s not so predictable, sadly.
But I can notice when it’s getting full and check that I’m likely to have time to do something about it in a week or so.
How do you stop your “windows” getting broken? Comment below.