Sometimes clutter originates from incomplete tasks and
projects. Often times we leave items or papers out as reminders,
place holders for later. However, piles as reminders clog up your
environment. They also can create a sense of guilt over things you
“should” have done. These piles remind you of money “wasted”
on interests you did not pursue and time you “should” have spent
addressing an issue.
This sense of guilt prevents us from addressing clutter. In essence, our guilt can keep us in the problem. It is difficult to work through stacks of papers or items reminding us of tasks left unfinished, being forced to recall our past “failures”. In spite of the pain, clearing your environment, especially of these visual cues, will create a more peaceful space.
Before you start the sorting process, realize that you don’t have to commit to fulfilling all the unfinished things. If they have been sitting around for a couple years, weigh whether or not the issue is still relevant and if completing it will achieve the desired results. Is it still even of interest to you? If you decide to let it go, you will experience a lift and sense of freedom.
For projects you decide must be kept and completed, prioritize them from most to least important on a piece of paper. Each week schedule time on your calendar to work on the first project until it’s complete. Move on to the next one after the previous project is finished. You can move all the supporting paperwork and items to an area out of sight but keep the list visible as your reminder. With this approach in mind you can overcome guilt AND clutter.
This sense of guilt prevents us from addressing clutter. In essence, our guilt can keep us in the problem. It is difficult to work through stacks of papers or items reminding us of tasks left unfinished, being forced to recall our past “failures”. In spite of the pain, clearing your environment, especially of these visual cues, will create a more peaceful space.
Before you start the sorting process, realize that you don’t have to commit to fulfilling all the unfinished things. If they have been sitting around for a couple years, weigh whether or not the issue is still relevant and if completing it will achieve the desired results. Is it still even of interest to you? If you decide to let it go, you will experience a lift and sense of freedom.
For projects you decide must be kept and completed, prioritize them from most to least important on a piece of paper. Each week schedule time on your calendar to work on the first project until it’s complete. Move on to the next one after the previous project is finished. You can move all the supporting paperwork and items to an area out of sight but keep the list visible as your reminder. With this approach in mind you can overcome guilt AND clutter.
