Are You Experiencing Decision Fatigue?

POP QUIZ:

Would you AGREE or DISAGREE?

“When the exterior of my life reflects the intentions of my internal life…

I find myself whole, complete and content. [conversely] …

possessions that have outlived their usefulness contribute to stress,

clutter and decision fatigue.”           (Lisa Avellan of Simple and Soul)

WHY did you answer as you did?

Although we can give our homes a speedy green cleaning as a result of external motivation (company’s coming!), it is more challenging to follow through with decluttering and organizing our homes/offices simply by external motivations.

External motivations, such as company coming, can be an initial kickstart in decluttering/organizing, but to KEEP our homes/offices organized and tidy that is the work of internal motivation!

Why is there today such a drive for decluttering our homes?

Why has minimalism taken off as the new way of living?

Have we overextended ourselves with possessions in a quest for the latest?

Is it because we live in a disposable society where the shelf life of our possessions is two years and then we need a new__________?  But when we purchased the new_______ we never got around to pitching what the new item was replacing, resulting in closets and garages filled with old stuff.

Are we consumed with the if only’s?

If only I had this workout equipment, then I would get physically fit!

If only I had a new living room ensemble, then I would invite more friends over!

If only I had a new _______ then I would ________! 

The “if only’s” can be endless!

One of my all-time favorite scenes in the movie “The Fellowship of the Ring,” directed by Peter Jackson and based on the book, “The Lord of the Rings,” by J.R.R Tolkien; is when Gandalf is leading a small band consisting of hobbits, dwarfs, elves and a couple of men through a mountain.  This little group of travelers is being hotly pursued by an evil beast.  Gandalf stops on a bridge, (one the travelers just crossed) turns, thrusts his staff into the stone bridge and basically says-- enough, no farther!  With that act, Gandalf falls into a deep cavern (the bridge broke under him) and seems to have been engulfed by this wicked creature.  Though his life appears to be lost, he has valiantly saved the lives of the small band of travelers who were accompanying him.

His act of stopping and ending the pursuit of the evil beast is a defining moment in the movie.  There are moments in life when we need to take a definitive move. We need to STOP and END our habits of clutter.  We need to say ENOUGH!

Maybe your “ENOUGH” is NOW!

Have you lived the past several months (or years) in a state of clutter and disorganization?  

Maybe it is time to say “enough” to the clutter that is causing you decision fatigue.

Maybe it is time to say “enough” to the clutter that is keeping you from a green clean home.

Maybe it is time to say “enough” to the clutter that is tying up your weekends from personal rest and family bonding.

Maybe is it time to say “enough” to the constant searching for keys and chargers.

Maybe is it time to say “enough” to the never-ending pile of stuff lying around everywhere!

If Enough IS Enough--then specifically decide what needs to change. How you are going to get to your end goal!

A helpful tool when setting goals is to be S.M.A.R.T.

S= specific

M= measurable

A= attainable

R=relevant

T=time limited

The goal:  I desire to have a decluttered, organized home.  -is too vague and broad. 

A -S.M.A.R.T. goal- may look like this: 

By the last day of September, I will have my home office organized in such a way so that I can easily access all that I need and every paper/folder will have a designated home. 

Does my goal incorporate the S.M.A.R.T. tool?   I think so.

When planning your decluttering/organizing goal-- let the S.M.A.R.T. method be your guide!

By the way, the S.M.A.R.T. tool for goal setting works on any goal you may need to create!

END decision fatigue NOW! 

May your home reflect the intentions you have within.

May your home be a place of rest and retreat.

It can!

More encouraging tips on decluttering and organizing ahead!  Stay tuned!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!