06 November 2008

There are many reasons behind the clutter in our lives.  It could be lack of time, lack of space or lack of resources. You may not have the knowledge, motivation or energy to attack the piles. Or it could be the guilt of getting rid of items you received from others. I have to admit that I still have a picture of The Last Supper from my great-grandmother's home that is stored in my basement.  I remember looking at that picture as a child and it gives me fond memories of our visits.  But what good does it do me, or anyone else for that matter, if it is hidden away on a basement shelf. Is it really the picture that means so much to me or is the memory of sitting at her kitchen table eating butterscotch candies and talking about our lives?
 
If you have worked with me or attended one of my seminars, you have probably heard me say more than once that clutter is postponed decisions. I am postponing the decision of donating my great-grandmother's picture because I feel it would not be honoring her memory. But the memory is in my mind, not in the picture that is hidden away from view. Similarly, that pile of papers on your desk or the list of emails in your inbox is the result of delayed decisions. Whenever a new piece of information reaches your desk, you need to make a decision on it. What is the next action you need to take with that piece of information? With the appropriate tools and systems in place, you will know what to do with each piece of paper and each email and will no longer end up with piles due to postponed decisions.
 
I challenge each of you to think about a decision you have been postponing that has led to some form of clutter in your life, and take action on it within two days.  Once you realize the freedom and power you feel by making that concious decision, try a few more. Within no time, you will be living a life that is more in control and less cluttered.  And please send me your success stories!