How Decluttering Will Impact Positive Life Changes

When I have the sudden urge to pull everything out of the closet to declutter I drop everything and get to work!

New beginnings

It took a while for me to realize the correlation between decluttering and the beginning of something new coming into my life. A closer look revealed I am unconsciously making way for the new – whatever the new may be. I am usually the last to know!

For me it is key to use decluttering as a catalyst for positive change and transformation in different areas of my life.

Mindset

No matter what I set out to do, from the smallest task to the largest goal, I have to get my head ‘all in’ the game first. I won’t waste a minute starting anything until my head is in 105%.

A can do attitude is key. Leave the negativity behind.

Positive thinking

I have enjoyed a few different careers over the years, some more than others. What my history shows me is unless my mind is positive about the course I am charting, success will remain elusive. I know this is my makeup. Therefore it is futile for me to start something I am not completely sold on.

If it don’t come easy let it go

These words are lyrics from a country song Tanya Tucker sings. As a life long artist I have proven repeatedly it is useless trying to pound square pegs into round holes. Changing the design or your plan is the more practical solution.

Never give up on your dreams

Letting go of the current plan and path path may be needed. Sometimes just tweaking the plan along the way is all that is necessary.

Being open to change is important. You will get there. When on the right path expect the pieces to fall in place easily.

Fresh starts begins with a clean space

If I am starting an online project I start with a new clean folder. A new recipe calls for starting with a clean kitchen and fresh ingredients. If I am designing a piece of art I start with the equivalent of a new clean canvas. 

To change direction in life I start with a decluttered mind. I need a clean slate for fresh ideas to grow.

Decluttered mind

So many of us are pulled into so many different directions on a daily basis it is amazing we can focus on any one thing at a time. Throw in all the social media content thrown at us 24/7 and this makes focusing even more challenging. 

Change is hard

Some folks find big changes, or any change at all hard. Some look at change like an adventure. I fall somewhere in the middle. Making lifestyle, career, self care or relocation changes require a well thought out plan. 

Mental decluttering is crucial

Start with Awareness

Recognize the areas of your life that feel mentally cluttered. Is it your emotional health? It could be excessive worry, negative thought patterns, self-doubt, or overwhelming to-do lists.

Bring awareness to the thoughts, emotions, and mental habits that drain your energy and have a negative effect in different areas of your life..

Prioritize Self-Care

Make a form of self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Make time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to engage in activities that recharge you mentally and emotionally.

Have routines in place that may include meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, going for a walk, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.

Time management

Prioritizing self-care helps create a mental space for clarity and rejuvenation. Just taking a few deep breaths is magical for me

If you are thinking you don’t have the time, this can be done utilizing time management techniques. Schedule your self care time as you would a dental appointment. The time spent will pay you back tenfold.

Identify Resistance

Pay attention to the tasks, commitments, or responsibilities that you consistently resist or avoid. These are often the areas of life that contribute most to mental clutter. Acknowledge the resistance and explore why you might be avoiding them. 

Is it fear of failure, perfectionism, or feeling overwhelmed? Understanding the root causes of resistance is essential for addressing mental clutter effectively. Journaling is a powerful tool to use to explore and identify what you are resistant to.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps

Instead of tackling a daunting task all at once, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Baby steps gets the job done and the added bonus is the tasks are less stressful.

This approach reduces the feeling of overwhelm and makes the task more manageable. Dedicate small pockets of time throughout your day to work on these steps, gradually making progress. This way, you can address the things you resist while still managing your other commitments.

Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. Mindfulness involves bringing your attention to the present moment without judgment. It helps you become aware of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns of thinking. By observing your mental clutter without attaching to it, you can gain perspective and make conscious choices about what deserves your attention and what can be let go.

Let Go of Perfectionism

Perfectionism can contribute significantly to mental clutter. Practicing letting go of the need for everything to be perfect in our daily lives will have positive outcomes.

I am a recovering perfectionist. As a life long artist I learned ages ago I had to make a whole of bad, imperfect, art before I found my groove. My yucky creative attempts were not failures they were practice.

Progress not perfection

Today I embrace that mistakes and imperfections are a natural part of life. Focus on progress rather than perfection. Striving for an unattainable standard is far too stressful. This shift in mindset reduces self-imposed mental pressure and frees up mental space.

Establish Boundaries

Set boundaries around your time, energy and personal style to prevent feelings of overwhelm and mental clutter. Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities or values.

Delegate tasks and then let them go. Micro managing that which you have delegated is perfectionism in disguise. Ask for support when needed. By protecting your mental and emotional well-being, you create space for clarity and focus.

​Digital life

Limit your exposure to digital devices and social media. Constant connectivity can contribute to information overload and mental clutter.

Designate specific times for checking emails and social media, and consider scheduling regular digital detox periods. Disconnecting from technology allows for mental rejuvenation and encourages present-moment awareness.

Practice Gratitude

Cultivate a daily gratitude practice to shift your focus toward positive aspects of life. Reflect on the things you appreciate and are grateful for. This practice helps reframe your mindset and reduces mental clutter caused by negativity and dissatisfaction.

Mental decluttering is an ongoing process, and it requires consistency and self-compassion. By integrating these realistic strategies into your daily life, you can gradually declutter your mind and create a space for greater clarity, peace, and living an intentional life.

Benefits of decluttering

Enhanced Emotional Awareness

Emotional decluttering involves consciously examining and processing your emotions. It allows you to develop a deeper understanding of your feelings, their triggers, and their impact on your life.

By acknowledging and accepting the emotional attachment you have to things, you gain greater emotional awareness, which promotes self-reflection and personal growth.

Let go of resentments

A cluttered mind often stems from unresolved past experiences, negative beliefs, or lingering resentments. Engaging in the process of emotional decluttering enables you to release this emotional baggage and allows for an environment of peace.

By letting go of old wounds, forgiving yourself and others, and healing emotional scars, you experience a lightness and freedom that can positively impact your mental health.

Improved Emotional Resilience

Declutter negativity. This allows you to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. When you declutter negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs, and self-defeating behaviors, you cultivate a more positive and empowering mindset.

This resilience helps you bounce back from setbacks, cope with stress more effectively, and has a positive impact on your emotional well-being.

Heightened Self-Awareness

Decluttering your mind involves deep self-reflection and introspection. Through this process, you gain a clearer understanding of your values, strengths, and weaknesses.

This self-awareness allows you to make intentional choices aligned with your authentic self. It empowers you to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life, enhancing your overall mental well-being.

Increased Emotional Intelligence

Decluttering nurtures the development of emotional intelligence, which is the ability to recognize, understand, and managing your emotions. I used to feel terrible after an explosive reaction to an unsuspecting soul. Then I would have to apologize for the outburst.

It is so much easier to maintain a balance and to know the world does not revolve around me. When our minds aren’t cluttered with a bazillion other things we enjoy improved communications, better relationships, and greater empathy towards others.

Greater Clarity and Focus

A cluttered mind will distract you from your goals and aspirations. By decluttering and releasing negative emotions, you create mental space for clarity and focus.

This mental clarity enables you to set meaningful goals, make informed decisions, and pursue a path aligned with your values and purpose, to be your best self. It also enhances your ability to stay present and engage fully in your daily activities.

Improved Relationships

Other positive impacts include your relationships with family members and others. As you let go of emotional baggage, you approach relationships with a lighter heart and a greater capacity for empathy and understanding.

You become more open and receptive to building deeper connections, resolving conflicts constructively, and cultivating healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

Enhanced Self-Care

Engaging in self-care and self-nurturing encourages you to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. This leads to establishing healthy boundaries, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

By taking care of your emotional needs, you foster a stronger sense of self-worth and overall well-being.

Increased Happiness and Contentment

You will find a greater sense of happiness and contentment when your head is not always jammed up with extraneous stuff.. By getting rid of emotional burdens, resolving conflicts, and embracing self-acceptance, you cultivate a positive emotional state.

If you want to experience inner peace and the ability to focus declutter both your physical space and mind. Whether you choose to start the decluttering process focusing on your mind or living space writing about this or journaling is great way to start.

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutterer and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

For more Declutter Buzz & Freebies check out our safe and private Decluttering community on our Facebook page. We are a safe and private space of like minded folks tackling this all encompassing clutter thing once and for all. No shame allowed! We will have a few laughs too!

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