The Merriam-Webster definition of clutter is “to fill or cover with scattered or disordered things that impede movement or reduce effectiveness”.
The reason I like this definition is because it works for physical AND mental clutter (aka: overwhelm!).
Why is clutter a problem you ask? Well, it depletes our valuable resources of time, money and energy which reduces the effectiveness of our physical and mental spaces.
Gretchen Ruben said, “Outer order creates inner calm.” Your outer environment is a reflection of your inner environment. The two want to be in alignment. If you have physical clutter, try to become aware of what is going on internally. How are you feeling? What do you need?
What might be going on:
- unquestioned decisions (an item you bought but don’t use)
- sunk cost (I spent time/money on it so I should make it work or it’s a waste)
- scarcity mindset (I might need this later, what if I don’t have enough?)
- delayed decisions (a pile of things you might want to get rid of)
- procrastination (maybe a decision is made but you’ll take care of it later)
- lack of belief in self (haven’t used it in years but doubt your ability to replace it IF you need or want it later)
Tips to declutter your space: (taken from a workshop by life coach Jody Moore)
- Pick one spot
- Remove EVERYTHING
- Decide how many/what you need. Keep the best and set the rest aside.
- Donate or trash what you don’t keep
- Style and organize what you keep with intention
- Spend about 30 minutes a week maintaining the area
Decluttering your mind (aka: overwhelm) is much the same!
- Choose a topic (money, marriage, parenting, business, health)
- Remove EVERYTHING (do a brain dump on paper or in a word document, schedule events/tasks in a calendar)
- Only take back the thoughts that will give you a result you want (you might enjoy shredding or burning the rest )
- Spend time maintaining the space you gained (do more brain dumps as needed)
Rinse and repeat on a new area or topic. This isn’t a one and done type of thing.
I hope you find this helpful! Have a great week!
P.S. If you can relate and want help removing some clutter from your life sign up for a FREE, no pressure and no obligation call to experience how coaching might be the answer! Click the button in the lower right corner to access my schedule:
You will leave this call feeling empowered that the change you seek is within reach! At the end of the call if you are curious about working with me, I will be happy to answer your questions and give you more information. Having a private coach makes your transformation FASTER, EASIER and WAY MORE FUN!
For more inspiration you can also follow me on Instagram @tarabillmancoaching!