Posts

The Psychology Of The To-Do List

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There are many benefits to writing a to-do list.  However, despite the gain, there are some people who will resist them.  Let’s take Mary for example.  Mary is an artist with a very active lifestyle. Her professional and personal life combined has her going in many directions.  Mary told me that she was starting to feel overwhelmed and some of her tasks were falling through the cracks.  When I inquired if she was using a to-do list to help her plan out her day, she informed me that “occasionally” she would scribble a few things down.

Although Mary was made aware of how a list could help manage her stress, she still resisted using one for a very long time.  She said, it stifled her flexibility. She felt that if she kept a list, it would tie her down and restrict her creativity. This is not an unusual response ( at least I found in my practice) with very creative people. They have adopted a belief that putting their thoughts down in order will somehow interfere with their creative flow.

Gradually, though, Mary came around. The busier  her life became, the more crucial it was to have some sort of running agenda on hand. Before long, not only did she embrace her to-do list but Mary even started scheduling some of those items onto a weekly calendar. In other words, she reluctantly become a planner.

Looking back, Mary admits that it wasn’t the actual writing of the list that she found so difficult, as it was the transition of doing so.  She now understands that she had emotional blocks surrounding her beliefs about to-do lists.  Once Mary was able to work through her roadblocks, she had a  different perspective of drawing up a list.  She is now in agreement that planning helps her get things done more efficiently and does not interfere with her creative nature.

Here’s the psychology of the to-do list – studies have shown that people perform better when they have written down what they need to do.  There are three reasons for this:  they dampen anxiety about the chaos of life; they give us a structure, a plan that we can stick to; and they are proof of what we have achieved that day, week or month. (the guardian.com)

Simply put, the brain loves order. That’s why being organized makes us feel so good.

If you’re interested in finding ways to make your life easier and more manageable, you can schedule a consultation with me by CLICKING HERE.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Try This.

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We all feel overwhelmed at times.  And overwhelm is no stranger to lack of follow through.

Don’t beat yourself up and don’t put so much pressure on yourself if you are having difficulty right now completing something.

The mind on overwhelm is complicated.  It’s going to signal you to feel an array of emotions which can leave you feeling anywhere from anxious to exhausted.

But there are things you can do to control the chaos and be productive again.

Here’s how:

First, you need to capture it.Take the ‘overwhelm’ out of your head and put it on paper, where you can distance yourself from it a bit.  Just brain dump everything that is gnawing at you that you would like to get done.

Then I want you to sort it all out.  We refer to this as “Chunking.”  Think of it as categorizing your tasks and to-dos with headings and then sub-headings (keeping like with like).

Here’s an example:

MY LIST

ERRANDS (Category)                                         CALLS (Category)
Post Office (Sub)                                                  Make Eye Dr. Appt. (Sub)
Dry Cleaners (Sub)                                              Dinner Reservations (Sub)
Bank (Sub)                                                             Home repair estimates (Sub)

Next, choose the category that you want to take care of immediately.  Don’t overthink it.

And finally, take Action.  Either do it immediately, schedule it into your calendar, delegate the task, but take action right there and then.

By doing this simple exercise your mind will reward you by feeling uplifted and more positive.

Remember, break things down as much as possible whenever you feel it’s getting too big for your mind to handle.  It’s how you find simplicity in the complicated.

Want To Get Organized Without Going Bonkers?

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Want To Get Organized Without Going Bonkers?

Does the thought of getting organized stress you out?  It doesn’t have to.

There are ways to declutter, sort and organize in ways that actually make you feel good.

The concept behind living an organized life is to have a lifestyle that is conducive to wellness.  It’s for your own well-being so you can breathe easy, feel more relaxed and confident at the same time.

Don’t let worry, fear or procrastination rule your life.  You don’t have to live with clutter and disorganization.

I can give you some really cool tips and valuable lessons on how to start, where to begin, etc., by writing them here, but I think I would serve you best if we spoke directly.  So I want to offer you a complimentary organizing session.

Simply schedule your FREE call with me by clicking here. 

Spring is in the air – and it’s the best time to get started.  So let me help you get it together!

Go ahead – take advantage of my offer now by scheduling a session with me HERE!

How To Get Out Of A Clutter Rut Fast

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The one thing I hear most often from people who have clutter is that they feel like they’re in a rut.

They know they are in a clutter cycle but they don’t know how to get out of it.

They describe a certain heaviness around them, as if they’re buried beneath their stuff.

That’s why the expression, “dig yourself out of a rut” gives such an accurate description of what  people are up against with their clutter.

I explain that a rut is actually a an established habit. A pattern of behavior that becomes unproductive.

I go on to further explain that without the right support it can be very difficult to get out of a clutter rut.

The first step in breaking the clutter cycle is acknowledging that you need help and allowing yourself to receive it.

In the past I’ve shared my Secrets to Cure Clutter with great success for people who are experiencing overwhelm.  I’ve been told that it’s like opening a potion of secret powers because they finally feel relief.  It’s that potent.

Spring is right around the corner and most of you will be looking to declutter and get your surroundings in order.  It’s the perfect time to take advantage of my special offer and get a jump-start on getting organized.

You can find out how to get your SECRET ELIXIR here!

 

CLUTTER; The Great Imposter

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CLUTTER

The Great Imposter

When Mary first contacted me, she told me she was feeling a lack of motivation and extremely overwhelmed due to her excessive clutter.  She was concerned that the clutter was getting out of control and it was making her feel anxious on top of everything else.

I explained to her that clutter is just an outward  manifestation of what a person is feeling.  The clutter can intensify these feelings, but the clutter is not the cause of her lack of motivation and overwhelm.

It’s not unusual for a person to think that their clutter is the cause of their emotional upheaval.

For example:  The clutter simply mirrors back what you are feeling about yourself.  So when Mary says the clutter is making her feel overwhelmed and unmotivated, what she’s really saying is that she’s feeling that way.

The way to overcome Mary’s clutter is to take a deeper look at what is causing her to feel this way.  By doing so, she will eventually get to the underlying reason (root cause) of her physical clutter.

This is a very important step in the process of healing oneself of clutter.  If you just try to “clean-up” the clutter without addressing the root cause, the clutter will come back.  This is why we call it the cycle of clutter.

Usually the clutter gets stronger with each cycle.

Although this can at first feel uneasy, I assured Mary that by showing up and facing her fears, it would lead her to a better understanding of what’s driving her to outwardly manifest. With this new understanding she would be able to gain a fresh perspective and learn how to deal with her emotions in a more positive, healthier way.

Clutter has many faces and can deceive a person into thinking many things – it’s why I refer to it as the Great Imposter.  But don’t be fooled.  Your clutter is just you, trying to get your attention.

If you’re looking for more information on how to resolve your clutter, I suggest you begin with my on-line mindfulness program that will take you through all the steps necessary to living a clutter-free life.

You can get that program HERE!

 

 

 

 

Turn Chaos Into Calm By Reconnecting With The Lighter Side Of Life

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Organically Yours All In One

Sometimes life doesn’t go the way you planned.  A heath setback, career change or end of a relationship can cause mental stress. Stress that may feel unfamiliar and scary at times.

If we are open to it, we can usually find helpful tips that can ease the transition a little more gently while on the bumpy path of life.  Anything that can lighten the heaviness and safeguard your well-being is a plus.

During fragile times, it’s not uncommon however to revert to unhealthy choices.  Unfortunately when we choose this course, we eventually find that all we did was delay our healing and progress.  We come to learn that trying to fill a void with “things” just doesn’t work – and all you’re left with is the burden of excess; too much of this and too much of that.

In my book,  Organically Yours, I give you concrete action oriented steps  and spiritual practices to help you come to terms with some of life’s little challenges.  The idea is to grow and learn from your experience so you’re equipped with the right tools for life’s ups and downs.

It can be life altering when you walk toward the light and make bright healthy choices rather than running with fear and making impulsive, random decisions.

You see, I understand this familiar path.  I’ve been there.  And I can share with you that amidst the chaos it is possible to find the calm by reconnecting with yourself.  Your light is there.

Organically Yours takes a holistic approach to healing utilizing the body, mind and living environment.  I found  all three are equally important for a balanced life, especially in times of turmoil.

I’ve combined the book with training videos and a workbook that walks you through each component of the body, mind and living space.  You also get additional bonus items when you take me up on my special offer that you don’t want to miss! (You’ll have access to my inside secrets I learned when I was going through a difficult time.)

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Go ahead, your brighter self will thank you for it!

YES, I WANT ORGANICALLY YOURS NOW!

 

 

 

 

How to Smash the 3 Deadly P’s

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How to Smash the 3 Deadly P’s

 

Patricia Diesel Creator of the Mindfulness Program shows you how to overcome your clutter.

How to Smash the 3 Deadly P’s

If you’re struggling with excessive clutter, it’s practically a guarantee you’re experiencing one (or all) of the 3 Deadly P’s:

Perfectionism. Procrastination. Paralysis.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks I see for women who are trying desperately to get organized is they over-think “things.”

They have an idea in their head the way “things” are supposed to be that they get caught up in perfectionism and never take action.

Now, why is this deadly?

Because perfectionism actually leads to procrastination and then…

Yes, you go it.

Paralysis. (Overwhelm)

And there you have it…a very vicious cycle.

Sometimes things have to get “messy” before they get better. Decluttering is a perfect (excuse the pun) example of this. There’s going to be some turmoil.

Yet, what most don’t realize is that it doesn’t have to be pure chaos.

If you follow a system with step-by-step strategies, everything will fall into place neatly and orderly.

One of the strategies that I noticed resulted in making the MOST progress for my clients is imposing deadlines.

Now I can hear some backlash …

“I don’t do well with set time frames. It feels to restrictive.”

Yes, but here’s the thing.

Clutter loves the fact that you’re a free-bird with no routine, schedule or plan.

Case in point…

Without a time management system to follow you can expect the clutter to be hanging around. GUARANTEED.

That’s why I developed 7 Simple Steps to Cure Clutter inside of my Mindfulness Program. It’s a process that if followed as instructed will stop the 3 Deadly P’s in their tracks.

What makes it so successful?

Having effective time management skills is important in just about any area of your life. But for clutter control purposes…

You get to rely on a process where you exercise conscious control of your time spent on specific tasks without the worry, fear or overwhelm of over-thinking.

This is how you overcome clutter.

For now, I challenge you to set a workable deadline at a pace that stretches your comfort zone. This may include using tools that you are not familiar working with; a timer, calendar, planner.

NOT at a pace that’s going to burn you out or cause anxiety. You want to begin in a way that gives you a good experience so you can build your momentum.

Only you can determine what a reasonable yet challenging deadline is.

However, a deadline can be one of the Golden Rules of Organizing. For example, “I’ll spend 15/20 minutes per day tidying up.”

Deadlines can also be for an overall project. Such as “I’ll give myself 30 days to declutter all my closets.”

When you see how well this works for you, in no time you’ll feel more inspired and confident to tackle the bigger elephant in the room (Um, that would be the rest of the clutter) and smash the Deadly P’s for good!

Please Don’t Wait…Until Your Life Depends Upon It

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I believe people really want to improve the quality of their life and eliminate the chaos and clutter. Unfortunately, for most, it takes some sort of crisis to get things moving along.
I hear all types of reasons why people put off getting organized – until critical conditions force them to take action as if their life depends upon it. 
So ask yourself, ‘Is that what you really want?’ To wait for a crisis to occur before you begin to live the life you really deserve? Is it really?
I’m going to be brutally honest here. It’s hard enough to clear out your things and get your life back on track when everything is out of sorts.  I understand this. But compound that under panic conditions and well, that’s a whole different story.
So if in your quiet moments you hear your inner voice saying:
  • I need to change my life
  • I can’t take this anymore
  • I want to be free of this stuff

 

Please Listen To Yourself – Pay Attention To Your Voice.

 

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY

If you are ready to create change in your life, then you MUST register for this special opportunity to participate in a Virtual Assessment and Consultation with me. This is where I will take an inside look at your environment and consult with you – it’s just as if I was there in person.  Your session will last 1.5 hours with me.

In your personal Virtual Assessment and Consultation you will learn:

  • How to uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your organizing efforts and keep you cluttered.
  • How to gain perspective by sharing your struggles without worry, shame or guilt.
  • How to create a crystal clear vision for the ideal life you deserve to have.
  • How to develop an inspired action plan and immediately put it into working order.
  • How to transform your thoughts of “I can’t’ to “I CAN and I WILL BE ORGANIZED.”
  • How to set up a maintenance program for optimum success.

If you no longer want to operate from a place of fear, and you do not want to wait until a crisis occurs before you make a choice to  get organized, then please take advantage of this special opportunity I am offering you.

I know the pain clutter brings – I understand how it creeps up and robs you like a thief in the night.  You can do something about this – please don’t wait until your life depends upon it.  Act Now!

  

YES REGISTER ME  

 P.S. – Once you register, you will receive your Welcome Package and detailed information to schedule your session.

Facing Our Clutter Fears

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Facing Our Clutter Fears

Life Recovery

Life Recovery for the Cluttered Soul; how to face your fears and transform your life –
© artwork by Leigha Diesel

When it comes to clutter, there can be many reasons why someone is fearful. They may be afraid if they let something go they may need it again or they won’t be able to replace it. 

You see, although in some respects the clutter represents chaos and being out of control, it can also for some, be a source of comfort.  Comfort in a way where one’s things replace or substitute areas of one’s life where they may be experiencing a sense of lack.

It is understandable one may “think” this, especially when the reason they held onto their stuff for so long was because it helped them through some difficult times.  So hence, letting go, may trigger other emotions that can create a sense of loss.

Fear are stories we tell ourselves and there can be many layers of fear.  Underneath these layers is usually something we are terribly afraid of. 

So how do we fight fear?  By facing it head on.

Here is where knowledge about one’s self becomes your best strategy to fight your fear.  Why?  Because it’s impossible to control something you know nothing about.  But you can control your outcome from what you understand.  Therefore, understanding what is driving your fear helps you not only confront what you are afraid of but helps you fight back and change it. 

Let’s take a hypothetical situation and use this as a case in point.  Let’s say you have a house full of clutter.  Your desire is to be organized and orderly.  However, you have much fear when it comes to releasing your stuff.  Yet, you feel equally fearful that if you don’t do something about it, it will really get out of control. 

One approach to overcoming your fear is to create a vision of what you would like to see happen for yourself.  An example would be, “I would like to have more open space in my home and have everything in its place.”  Then take a moment to visualize what that may actually look like in your home.

Next, ask yourself, “Why is this vision important to me?”  A simple answer may be, “I am tired of not being able to find my things and spending too much time looking for them.”

Another question from there may be, “How would this vision affect the quality of your life?” And an answer may be, “It would make my life more manageable, reduce stress and give me peace of mind.”

 Now let’s look at this together.  You have a house full of clutter.  You want to be clutter-free.  You want to be clutter free because you understand that it will provide you with a better quality of life.  This much we know so far.  Yes?

Okay, now we get to the good part.  Facing the fear head on…

So let me ask you something, “If you want all these things that you say you do, what’s stopping you?”  And you may answer with something like this, “Well, I’ve tried many times before but I never succeeded.  And I guess in truth, I’m “afraid” that I may need my things one day if I get rid of them I won’t be able to get them back.”

Aha!  There it is.  The thought that you planted in your head that you will never be able to recover something is so ingrained, that it paralyzes you from moving forward with your vision.  And the truth of the matter is that the chances of you never really being able to  find, obtain or purchase those “things” again is pretty slim.  So it’s an un-truth you told yourself that you “bought” into.  Hence, causing you to feel terribly afraid.

So here it is.  The story of fear and underneath all those layers is an untruth.  In part, it’s been the story you may have been telling yourself all this time because in some way it was helping you cope with something that may have been causing you distress.  Therefore, “letting go” may symbolize for you a loss of not having something important in your life when times get tough.  “For, if not for your clutter, what would you cling to?”

It’s fascinating, isn’t it?

But the good news is that today, you know better.  By facing what you are truly afraid of you have the power to change it.  You know this is just an old story that keeps replaying, over and over.  All you have to ask yourself now is “How would your life be different if you were able to overcome this?”  Just imagine the possibilities for you!

Note:

This is an excerpt of Patricia’s new book – Life Recovery for the Cluttered Soul; how to face your fears and transform your life which will be available this Spring. 

 

Get Organized Like Your Life Depends Upon It

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If you had to organize your life, I mean really organize it,

LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS UPON IT

 

  • What would that look like for you?
  • What would be the first thing you would do? 
  • How would you go about making those changes?
Deep down, I believe people really want to improve the quality of their lives and eliminate the chaos and clutter. Unfortunately, for most, it takes some sort of crisis to get things moving along.
I hear all types of excuses why people can’t seem to get organized under “normal” conditions, but then I hear a new set of reasons why they “must” get organized under critical conditions.
So ask yourself, “Is that what you really want?” To wait for a crisis to occur before you begin to live the life you really deserve? Is it really?
Look, I’m going to be brutally honest here with you.  It’s hard enough as it is to clear out your things and get your life back on track when everything is out of sorts.  It takes a lot of determination and support.  But compound that under panic conditions and well, that’s a whole different ball game.
So if in your quiet moments you hear your inner voice saying:
  • “I’m ready”
  • “I can’t take this anymore”
  • “I want to get on with my life and be free of this stuff” 
Please Listen To Yourself!
If you are ready to create change in your life and want to hear the truth about how to go about it then you
MUST register for this tel-class.  In this class, I will be explaining the details of my upcoming on-line workshop.
“GET ORGANIZED LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS UPON IT”
Details such as:
  • How to create a crystal clear vision for the ideal life you’ll be living in your neat, tidy & organized environment.
  • How to uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your organizing efforts and keeping you cluttered.
  • How to gain outside perspective by sharing your struggles without worry, shame or guilt.
  • How to access support so you don’t have go it alone and feel isolated or overwhelmed.
This is going to be an awesome workshop that will provide you with extraordinary tools to help keep you clutter free once and for all.
So if you are truly ready to hear the truth and don’t want to wait for a crisis to happen before you do so, then don’t delay and register now for this tel-class!
 
Get more information
Register Now!
I can’t make it
Facing the truth is the first step to creating change.  We simply cannot change anything without a deeper understanding.As an added bonus, we will be hearing from a few clients that I have worked with that will share with you their experience.

Here’s your chance to learn from others – I hope you will take it! 
I look forward to you being on the call.
Always My Best,
Patricia Diesel, CPC
(908) 642-1226