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It’s tempting, of course, to turn this type of manageable task into an existential undertaking. “Instead of thinking, I’m going to spend an hour this week on paperwork, it becomes, I’m going to be an organized person,” said Stephanie Preston, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. She emphasized that for some people, “rage cleaning” every room over a long weekend works. Certain personalities are wired for that kind of stimulation, in the same way that some people like the cold-turkey challenge of Dry January to jump-start healthier drinking habits.
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“Do some introspection before you start,” said Elliot Berkman, a professor of psychology at the University of Oregon who studies motivation. “What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want your house to look nice for guests? Maybe you stash stuff in drawers but don’t organize them.” Want your kids to feed the dog? Keep supplies in bins on a low shelf.