So many of my de-cluttering and coaching clients call me and say, "I know what I need to do, I just don't know where to start." My response is usually this, "What are you trying to accomplish?"
Before you can get started on anything, you should be able to envision the final outcome, or your end in mind. When it comes to a cluttered home or a cluttered mind, the same concept applies. What are you trying accomplish? What do you want your life to be like? What do you want that soon to be de-cluttered space to do for you?
Once you have clarity around those questions, where and how to start should be more obvious.
Begin by getting rid of the excess. For a cluttered home that is the junk mail, the broken toys, the happy meal trinkets and anything else that is not useful and takes up your space. For a cluttered mind, that is the unhealthy relationship, the unused gym membership, or the "should" statements. (I should be working out. I should scrapbook these pictures, but...)
The second step is to look at what is left and create order. That includes the "stuff" on the shelf and in your head. Order comes from compartmentalizing. Go get bins for your shelves, then look at your schedule. Are your appointments and tasks within your control scheduled efficiently? When possible, move meetings so they all fall on one day, opening up another day to work on a big project. Change tasks into appointments so you block time on your calendar to complete them, instead of trying to fit them in when you can.
The last step is to find or create a system that allows you to maintain the order. There are lots of great systems out there to help with schedules, meetings and to-do lists. There are also many great people (like me!) who can help you organize your belongings. Find something or someone who can keep you on track and moving forward.
It is never to late to get started. Just take it one step at a time.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
3 Ways to De-Clutter Your Professional Relationships
De-cluttering not only applies to tangible items, but also intangible items such as relationships. Have you ever thought about how much clutter an ineffective relationship creates? Here are three easy ways to de-clutter your relationships at work:
1. Be genuine. Eliminating hidden agendas and motives is equivalent to calling 1-800-got-junk on the TV show Hoarders. By letting go of all the excess stuff, you can see the real relationship and address the needs accordingly. Do you really have time to work your hidden agendas and get your work done?
2. Be vulnerable. Start by admitting to being wrong or needing help. The freedom you will receive from letting go of the pressure to "know it all" is liberating. It also creates a safe environment for your team to take risks. Removing the constant need for approval or fear of taking the initiative from your team, will free up time and increase productivity on your end.
3. Be kind, helpful and polite to everyone. The nice thing about being an adult is that we get to (or are supposed to) act like adults. We should not have to worry about work-place bullies or what the "popular" group thinks and does. Instead, we should be kind and helpful to everyone. You never know who will be assigned to your team next, or who will be moved into your boss' position. All of those transitions are easier if you have positive working relationships with everyone around you.
What about those around you? What if they aren't willing to do the same? That is okay. Start with yourself. Be honest and tell people what you are doing. Encourage them to start fresh with you and improve their relationships for the sake of the organization's productivity. If that doesn't work, keep moving forward. Chances are you will be moving on to something bigger and better anyway.
1. Be genuine. Eliminating hidden agendas and motives is equivalent to calling 1-800-got-junk on the TV show Hoarders. By letting go of all the excess stuff, you can see the real relationship and address the needs accordingly. Do you really have time to work your hidden agendas and get your work done?
2. Be vulnerable. Start by admitting to being wrong or needing help. The freedom you will receive from letting go of the pressure to "know it all" is liberating. It also creates a safe environment for your team to take risks. Removing the constant need for approval or fear of taking the initiative from your team, will free up time and increase productivity on your end.
3. Be kind, helpful and polite to everyone. The nice thing about being an adult is that we get to (or are supposed to) act like adults. We should not have to worry about work-place bullies or what the "popular" group thinks and does. Instead, we should be kind and helpful to everyone. You never know who will be assigned to your team next, or who will be moved into your boss' position. All of those transitions are easier if you have positive working relationships with everyone around you.
What about those around you? What if they aren't willing to do the same? That is okay. Start with yourself. Be honest and tell people what you are doing. Encourage them to start fresh with you and improve their relationships for the sake of the organization's productivity. If that doesn't work, keep moving forward. Chances are you will be moving on to something bigger and better anyway.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Is 2013 your year? Believe it to be true.
I am currently reading "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. (I realize I am about 6 years behind.) If you haven't read it, it is all about the law of attraction: visualizing what you want, and believing you can have and deserve those "wants" until you ultimately have them.
As 2013 begins and many of us are making, working hard to stick to, or already breaking our new year's resolutions, I wonder how many of us are applying these principles to our resolutions. Are you?
Have you visualized what you would look like at that target weight, or what your house would look like once you de-clutter those spaces that drive you crazy? Have you visualized how you will feel when you accomplish your goals?
Do you truly believe that you can accomplish your goals? Do you believe you deserve those great feelings?
I encourage you to give these concepts some thought. Set up an internal system so that every time you fumble or doubt yourself, you shift your thoughts back to what you ultimately want, what you will feel like when you hit your goal, and most importantly that you are worthy of success.
Start the year off right! Visualize what you want for yourself in 2013. Use a list, or a picture board, or just visualize it in your head. Commit to stay focused on those "wants." When you start to get frustrated, go back to your visualizations.
As they say in the book, you are the only one who can create your own joy. Will 2013 be your year?
As 2013 begins and many of us are making, working hard to stick to, or already breaking our new year's resolutions, I wonder how many of us are applying these principles to our resolutions. Are you?
Have you visualized what you would look like at that target weight, or what your house would look like once you de-clutter those spaces that drive you crazy? Have you visualized how you will feel when you accomplish your goals?
Do you truly believe that you can accomplish your goals? Do you believe you deserve those great feelings?
I encourage you to give these concepts some thought. Set up an internal system so that every time you fumble or doubt yourself, you shift your thoughts back to what you ultimately want, what you will feel like when you hit your goal, and most importantly that you are worthy of success.
Start the year off right! Visualize what you want for yourself in 2013. Use a list, or a picture board, or just visualize it in your head. Commit to stay focused on those "wants." When you start to get frustrated, go back to your visualizations.
As they say in the book, you are the only one who can create your own joy. Will 2013 be your year?