source: Sebastien Wiertz

Clutter!  Unorganized!

When you see these words, what comes to mind?  A messy room, piles of paper, disheveled closets and drawers?

Being organized – or not – applies to physical clutter for sure. Another type of clutter:  the “what’s not getting done” clutter.

Those actions to take that aren’t being taken can create a tremendous amount of mind clutter. And this type can be more stressful than all of that physical clutter combined. Left unchecked, mind clutter can harm your job, credit, relationships, self esteem, health and more.

Here are 4 mind clutter culprits + de-clutter actions you can do now:

#1:  Oops! I forgot

Everyone has moments of – Oh, wow, I totally forgot about that. But when it happens more than on occasion, it can be detrimental.

Take action #1: Take time to completely update your to-do list and calendar.  If you don’t have a list, make one on a blank piece of paper. Use headings such as calls, emails, errands, family members’ names, months of the year, days of the week, etc. IMPORTANT!  Create a routine to check in with / update your to-do’s and calendar.

#2:  Too much on plate

Does seeing everything on your plate make you feel even worse? When completely overwhelmed we can find ourselves literally at a stand still. This can be so frustrating because that’s when we feel we need to get moving the most. Before aimlessly stumbling ahead:

Take action #2:  Streamline your list by determining:

• what must get done and when? (prioritize!)
• what can be deleted, delegated or at least simplified? (declutter!)

#3:  Fear

Recognize which need-to-do’s are causing the most fear and anxiety:

• What’s hiding in that stack of papers?
• What’s lurking in that overstuffed email in-box?
• What’s the balance of that on-line account?
• Or are you afraid of  … failing? what others will think? moving out of your comfort zone?

Take action #3:  Make facing those biggest fears (i.e. emotional drains) a priority. Dealing with (vs. avoiding) and at least figuring out a plan of how to handle can be incredibly freeing. Even if you aren’t yet able to cross it off your list completely.

#4:  Perfection

We want to do our very best. But our good intentions can actually be not so good. Perfectionism can bring momentum to a halt, and make an innocent to-do grow scarier by the day. (Speaking of scary: our perfectionistic tendencies are usually brought on by #3 Fear.)

Take Action #4:  Literally!  TAKE ACTION. If  it truly deserves space on your list or calendar, figure out how much effort / time / energy to give it:

• 60%:  Just do it. In the quickest, most efficient, easiest way.
• 35 %:  Designate an amount of time to get it done, then do your best within (not outside of) that time frame.
• 5%:  Do to perfection. There are a few to-do’s / projects that really should be given your best. Reserve your very best for these things.

Now to put my own advice into action!  NEXT WEEK:  I’ll be sharing VIA VIDEO, a simple yet amazing way to organize (design) a life you love.

Take Action BONUS TIP!  Force accountability. Announce something. Make a commitment. Whether to your blog or Facebook audience or simply a friend or family member, there’s nothing like accountability to make things happen.

On that note, I’ll “see you” next week!

xoxo,