(Feature image is Picasso’s home)
By: Caitlin
So many of us are walking around each day with our lives in a jumble. How are we supposed to get anything done when there’s so much to do and so little time in the day? Here’s your solution… CLEAR THE CLUTTER!
When I first start working with most of my clients, the lesson that we immediately discuss is almost always about clearing the clutter. Physical clutter, mental clutter, digital clutter. Our lives are surrounded by clutter! Clearing this out and leaving us with space is where we can create true progress.
This lesson first came into my life when I started reading Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Kondo suggests that when we feel overwhelmed, so many of us instantly start to clean our homes because it gives us a sense of control. We can’t control whatever is overwhelming us, so we clean because we can control that mess.
It got me to thinking – how many of us are walking around allowing clutter to drain us of our energy?
So my first question to you is…
What clutter is overwhelming you and taking up some of your energy space?
Some ideas:
- Your house is a mess because the kids are running every which way and you can’t keep up
- Your to-do list is 18 miles long and you cannot figure out where to start
- You’re holding on to framed pictures of your past life because you’re nervous to move on
- Your desktop is packed full of icons, half of which you no longer use
Do any of these sound familiar?
How to start clearing the clutter
Step 1) Take permission to schedule the time
Most of the time, we almost don’t feel like we have the permission to take the time we need to clear the clutter. We have so many things to get done that cleaning up our space consistently continues to drop on the to-do list because we don’t make it a priority.
But the truth is, when we clear out the clutter, we are actually freeing our energy up to tackle those things that we so wish we could get done!
If this sounds familiar to you, then take this as the permission you need to take the time to clear the clutter! Take a few hours, a day, a week, whatever time you need to free up your space. Put that time on the calendar and make clearing the clutter a priority.
Step 2) Decide what clutter you need to clear
Scan your environment to discover what clutter is draining your energy. While physical clutter is typically obvious, the mental clutter is sometimes more difficult to decode.
Is there a phone call that you’ve been avoiding? Is there a relationship issue that’s been weighing on you? Is there a work-related issue and you’ve been avoiding the meeting?
Write that clutter down, along with the steps that you need to take to have it cleared 100%.
Step 3) Pick a support system (sometimes)
If you’re going to be clearing something that has really been weighing on you, bring in a support system to help out and be there for you.
For example, if you’re finally taking down or replacing pictures of your past relationship, maybe ask a friend to be present as someone to talk to throughout the process.
Another example might be that you need a babysitter if you have kids running around the house. Call in a family member or friend to ask for help.
While on the surface, clearing out clutter sounds simple, many times it can bring about a lot of emotions. Do not be afraid to ask your support system for help.
Step 4) Build in a (non-food-related) celebration!
Depending on the clutter you’re clearing, this whole process may not be fun. Either way, celebrate your success once it’s complete!
Personally, I’m not a big fan of food-related rewards, so my celebrations are usually being willing to pay for a boutique workout class or giving myself some time to soak in a nice, warm bath afterwards.
Whatever celebrations you prefer, make sure that you take the time to celebrate your success. This will also keep up your momentum and give you the motivation to keep going!!
What clutter do you need to clear? Give yourself the time to rid yourself of the clutter and get your energy back! Let me know if you need a support system and I’ll make sure that I’m there by your side.
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Create a great life!
