Look what I found while cleaning out my basement
LOOK WHAT I FOUND WHILE CLEANING OUT MY BASEMENT:
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Are You Accountable For Your Clutter?
Are You Accountable For Your Clutter?
One morning I was in the office before usual business hours getting ready for my day ahead, when my telephone rang. Detecting a sense of worry from the caller, I listened to her until her anxiety subsided.
I then asked her a question, which I believe became the turning point for her, which was;
“What part of the clutter are you willing to take ownership of ?”
It is not uncommon when someone is faced with insurmountable amounts of clutter to place blame on everyone or anything, as long as it isn’t them. The reason being, I believe, is it can be very painful to accept (until we are ready) that we could be the source of own downfall.
From my experience, I have witnessed countless times, clients who try to maintain control over their clutter, failing to recognize that they are powerless over something that is virtually bigger than them. Until their level of denial is penetrated, excuses will continue. It is when a person can accept the reality of what their clutter is about; a by-product or symptom of something else, the clutter will then cease.
There have been critical times, right before work will commence or a contract needs to be signed, that a person will reject or find fault with something in order to stay still in there mess. The manifestation of their clutter is far more comforting then the prospect of clearing out the chaos.
This is the time that understanding and patience is required. It is not always easy, if I do say so myself, especially when hours of time have been invested before hand, but never the less, it is in the client’s best interest not to pursue action, since it will only lead to unsuccessful attempts.
One of the ways to break this cycle is to participate in support groups, sign up for workshops and engage in coaching programs that have an emphasis on clutter education. This way, a foundation has been set and groundwork is complete before entering into a formal commitment of the de-cluttering process.
As I have always maintained, baby steps are the way to changing behavioral patterns. It is also important to recognize that celebrating your victories, no matter how small, is key for success.
In the end, the person who can maintain accountability for their actions will triumph over the clutter.
5 Questions to Ask Yourself About Clearing Your Clutter
So often I hear clients say they would do just about anything to stop the harassing effects of their clutter.
After countless attempts trying to purge and being defeated, some people associate their lost battles with a feeling of being assaulted. All they know at this point is they want the chaos of the clutter to stop.
Introducing a list of questions at this point helps put things into perspective about not only their current circumstances but also about how the clutter came to be and what is needed to make it go away.
It’s more appealing to look at de-cluttering as a fun and enlightening concept rather than another grueling task. The goal is to de-clutter in a fashion that feels comfortable and natural.
If your clutter is having an emotional impact on you, begin by asking yourself the following questions. Allow yourself the luxury of taking the necessary time to answer completely and honestly, you may be surprised what your answers reveal.
What has prevented me from de-cluttering in the past?
- Time
- Motivation
- Energy
- A plan
- Commitment
- Distractions
- Other
What do I find is the hardest thing about de-cluttering?
- I don’t trust myself
- Insecure with my decisions
- I double-check myself
- I remember what I like
- Fear of letting go
- Afraid I can’t get it back
- I may need it
- Don’t want to deal with it
- Other
What would make it easier for me to de-clutter?
- To know it’s OK to let it go
- The idea that I can find it again
- Someone to help me
- A reward system
- A plan I can follow
- Thoughts of being clutter free
- Other
How much time am I willing to commit to de-cluttering?
- One day
- One week
- One month
- Six months
- One year
- However long it takes
- Other
What does de-cluttering represent to me?
- Freedom
- Simplicity
- Excitement
- Work
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Other
After reviewing the answers to the questions above, you can easily begin to see what you need to put into action in order to begin taking action toward living an organized life. The easiest way to begin making organization part of your routine is to begin incorporating changes slowly. Create small wins for yourself so you can easily feel a sense of accomplishment and treat yourself to celebrate your win. This will begin creating a positive behavior pattern. In time, organization will become a part of your life, not something that overwhelms you.
-Patricia Diesel
Keep It Simple Now