FlyLady’s 11 Commandments
Who is FlyLady?
FlyLady, also known as Marla Cilley, is the creator of the FlyLady system, a practical approach to home organisation and self-care. Her method helps people take control of their homes and lives by building simple daily routines and breaking tasks into manageable steps. With a focus on progress over perfection, FlyLady’s system has helped countless individuals turn chaos into calm. To learn more about FlyLady and her system, visit her official website: FlyLady.net.
What are FlyLady’s 11 Commandments
FlyLady’s 11 Commandments are practical principles designed to help you maintain a clean, organised, and peaceful home. They are meant to guide your daily routines and promote a positive mindset. Here’s the list:
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Keep your sink clean and shiny.
This is the foundational habit in the FlyLady system. A clean sink symbolises a fresh start and helps maintain momentum. -
Get dressed to lace-up shoes every morning, even if you don’t feel like it.
Being fully dressed, including wearing shoes, sets the tone for productivity. -
Do your morning and before-bed routines every day.
These routines help you stay consistent and organised. -
Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked by your mobile phone or the computer.
Stay focused on your tasks rather than getting lost online. When you do have some screen time, use it as a reward, and set a timer so you don't lose track of time. -
Pick up after yourself. If you get it out, put it away.
A simple habit that prevents visible clutter and hotspots from accumulating. -
Don’t try to do two projects at once. ONE JOB AT A TIME.
Multitasking often leads to chaos. Focus on one thing and complete it. remember Flyladys mantra Focus makes me fabulous -
Don’t pull out more than you can put back in one hour.
Avoid overwhelming yourself by tackling decluttering or cleaning in manageable chunks. Work 15 minutes at a time and use a timer to declutter. This stops you becoming overwhelmed and giving up. Keep the tasks manageable and remember Progress not perfection. -
Do something for yourself every day, maybe even every morning and night.
Self-care is crucial. Take time to nurture your physical and mental health. -
Work as fast as you can to get the job done. This will give you more time to play later.
Efficient work frees up time for leisure and relaxation. -
Smile even when you don’t feel like it. It’s contagious.
A positive attitude can transform your day and uplift those around you. -
Make your bed every morning.
A made bed sets the tone for an organised and productive day.
The 11 Commandments of FlyLady form the backbone of the Flylady 31 BabySteps, guiding you as you build small, sustainable habits to create a more organised and peaceful home. Each commandment aligns with the BabySteps to establish routines, such as shining your sink (Step 1), getting dressed to lace-up shoes (Step 2), and following morning and evening routines (Steps 3 and beyond). The BabySteps encourage working on tasks in manageable chunks, avoiding overwhelm (Commandments 6 and 7), and integrating self-care (Commandment 8). Smiling (Commandment 10) and making your bed (Commandment 11) are woven into the positive mindset FlyLady promotes throughout the process. By incorporating these principles daily, the 31 BabySteps gradually transform chaos into calm and help you maintain your routines effortlessly.
These commandments are all about building simple, consistent habits that keep your home and life running smoothly.