2 TIPS FOR CLUTTER-FREE LIVING
“God is not a God of disorder…everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” 1 Corinthians 14: 33, 40
Summer is barely here and I’m already overwhelmed by the need to get my house and office space in order. When the apostle Paul addressed the many problems of the Corinthian church, he told them to do things “in a fitting and orderly way.” His message clearly holds a principle for today’s crazy, busy lives that many live. I know I’m hearing the message: Poppy, slow down and focus on getting organized!
How about you? Has the Declutter, Simplify, Organize, Toss and Sort bug got hold of you?
During my time with the Lord a few days ago, I found myself mentally whining about how much I have to do simply to get my desk and file drawers clutter-free. The kitchen cabinets, closets and various other storage areas can stay hidden a little longer—but my piles of papers and bulging folders need attention NOW!If you’re super organized, tidy, and a perfectionist, you won’t relate to my whining. In fact, you might want to send me emails about how to do better. Go ahead—I need all the help I can get!
But if you do share my sense of being a bit OVERWHELMED, here are 2 tips for clutter-free living. I’ll share more in the next blogs.
Change your inner dialog.
Instead of wasting time rehearsing what is making you feel overwhelmed: 1. Pray for insight. 2. Identify the problem. 3. List possible solutions. These 3 steps can be applied to whatever overwhelms you: the state of your bedroom, closet, car, kid’s room, schedule etc.
Pray: God I need help to bring order into my life.
Identify the problem: I identified mine as: My desk is covered with stacks of files stuffed with talks, articles, and book chapters that were never sent to an editor.
What is yours? Label it.
List possible solutions:
Should you:
Throw the clutter away or keep it?
Rearrange it in yet more file folders or scan every paper into your computer?
Be realistic and ask: Am I really going to look at them again?
Throw them in the trash—but only after looking at each one?
Simply dump them into the recycling bin with wild abandon?
Invest hours figuring out which to keep and which to toss?
Be looking for practical tips.
I’m still working through which solution is best for me, but in the meantime I found a tip from MichaelHyatt.com/blog to share with you. He says: “When you set a goal, don't get caught up in "everything" you'll have to do to accomplish it. Instead, remember this acronym:
S.T.A.R.T. = Schedule The Action Required Today
Too often, most people overthink their goals. They don't want to start until they have the entire thing mapped out! Usually, this is just a fancy way of procrastinating.The best way to begin building momentum is to do the following:
Identify the next action
Schedule it by putting it on your calendar
Do it! One step at a time.
This is the exact system I use to get things done. I know that once I begin, I will figure things out as I go along without overthinking the whole process." Michael Hyatt
I’m taking Michael’s advice, but I won’t apply it for a week as I’m off on vacation. But, I will get to it. I Promise! In the next few editions of THRIVE, watch for more organizing tips and links to websites that will help you tackle what’s cluttering up your space and schedule.
Qu: Got any tips you’ve used that help you keep things in order? Let us know by email or FB.
Joy (and freedom) to you,
Poppy
Photo credit: GraphicStock