“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle (as paraphrased by Will Durant)
As we step into the new year, the buzz around resolutions and goal-setting is in full swing. Whether you’re the type to craft detailed plans with measurable KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) or someone who feels goals are arbitrary, this time of year naturally invites reflection. For me, this year’s guiding principle is margin—a concept that applies beautifully to both our physical spaces and our lives.
Why Margin Matters
Margin is the intentional creation of space: space in your schedule, your home, and your mind. It’s the buffer that allows creativity, calm, and intentionality to flourish. Without margin, we find ourselves overwhelmed, disorganized, and running on empty. But when we make room—literally and figuratively—magic happens.
The Magic of Margins
1. Physical Margin: Creating Calm at Home
Decluttering is the first step to creating margin in your physical spaces. A little white space in a drawer or on a shelf doesn’t just make your home look tidier—it creates a sense of calm. When everything has a place and there’s room to breathe, bringing new items into your home feels exciting instead of stressful.
If you’re ready to tackle this, check out my free 80 Days to a Decluttered Home checklist. It’s a step-by-step guide to transforming your space into one that supports your life, rather than adding to its chaos.
2. Mental Margin: Sparking Creativity
Donald Miller says, “Good ideas come to you in the margins.” When our days are packed to the brim, there’s no room for inspiration. Scheduling downtime—whether it’s a leisurely walk, a quiet morning, or an afternoon off—gives your mind the space it needs to wander and dream. Some of my best ideas for Reset Your Nest have come during moments of intentional rest.
3. Schedule Margin: Building Realistic Timeframes
As a business owner, I’ve fallen into the trap of trying to do too much. Every morning, I’d optimistically plan to tackle 100 tasks, attend multiple meetings, exercise, and cook dinner for my family. The result? I’d end the day with a longer to-do list than I started and a sense of overwhelm.
This year, I’m committing to scheduling margin. That means:
Adding buffer time: Schedule travel and prep time before meetings, as well as follow-up time afterward to process notes and assign tasks.
Planning self-care: Block out time for meals, exercise, and reflection.
Being realistic: Recognize how long tasks truly take and plan accordingly.
Creating New Year Goals with Margins
1. Start with Quiet Time
Build moments of stillness into your daily routine:
Slow mornings: Meditate or use red light therapy to ease into the day.
Intentional showers: Use this time to reflect or simply enjoy the quiet.
Evening reflection: Spend 10 minutes reviewing your day and setting intentions for tomorrow.
Daily walks: Move your body and clear your mind (bonus points if you use a weighted vest!).
2. Declutter Your Spaces
Start small: a single drawer, a shelf, or a closet. Removing excess items creates physical margin and a sense of calm. When you’re ready for more, my Declutter Guide is here to help.
3. Embrace the 75% Capacity Rule
Leave room in your schedule and your home. Operating at 75% capacity allows you to handle unexpected challenges and opportunities with grace, instead of scrambling to fit them in.
Decluttering and organizing aren’t just about having a tidy home—they’re about creating a life that feels intentional, full, and manageable. By embracing margin, we can build spaces and schedules that support our goals and dreams rather than hindering them. This year, let’s create new year goals to live with intention by committing to prioritizing our margins.
Here’s to a year of calm, creativity, and intentional living. Let’s reset our nests and make this year our most fulfilling one yet.
Jen is the founder of Reset Your Nest, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Utah (servicing Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, Alpine, Highland, Mapleton, and St. George). She loves creating order and systems out of chaos and is known for bringing a beautiful aesthetic as well as easy to maintain function to any space. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @reset_your_nest.
