Hi Friends,
Indecision is the root cause of all the clutter in your life—whether it’s physical piles that seem to grow overnight or mental to-do lists that never seem to shrink. Many of us struggle with confronting the emotions tied to our decisions, which is why we often avoid them. If a choice feels too heavy or we don’t trust ourselves to make the right one, it can feel easier to delay or simply sidestep the decision altogether.
This avoidance adds up, literally and figuratively. Physical clutter piles up when we hesitate to decide what to keep or toss, and mental clutter gets tucked away in the back of our minds, contributing to that never-ending list of things we know we need to handle. Even if we’re not actively thinking about these decisions, they weigh us down and create an underlying sense of stress and overwhelm.
I don’t want that for you. Every time I work with clients and we tackle a physical item or a task on their to-do list, I see the relief wash over them as they take decisive action. They often exclaim, “I wish I did that sooner!” No one has ever said to me, “I’m glad I delayed that!” It’s fascinating how our brains can blow a simple decision out of proportion, making it seem more challenging than it really is.
Let’s explore the indecision-clutter cycle with these practical steps to help you break free from it. Let’s reclaim your space and mental clarity together!
1. Understand the Indecision-Clutter Cycle
When you avoid making decisions because of emotional weight—and because you don’t trust yourself to make the “right” choice—it causes both physical and mental clutter to pile up. I have done this countless times; it’s such a human thing to do. We often try to avoid something uncomfortable, and who hasn’t found themselves in this position? It won’t be the last time either. Sometimes, though, you just need to rip the Band-Aid off.
My clients often visibly sag their bodies in relief after making decisions they’ve delayed, saying, “I wish I did that sooner!” They realize it wasn’t as hard as it seemed. Our brains have this funny way of building decisions up into something much bigger than they actually are. Here’s where I want to challenge you to change your mindset a little. We often hold onto things because we’re afraid we’ll regret our choices down the line. But it’s essential to stick up for ourselves. We need to say and believe that we’re making the best decisions possible at this moment with the information we have. If we’re doing our best based on that info, then we’re all good—nothing to regret! If we go against the information we have, that’s a different conversation entirely.
2. Start Small and Make Quick Decisions to Build Momentum
Begin with a manageable area, like a single drawer or a small stack of mail. Focus on immediate action by avoiding delayed decisions—don’t hold onto items just because you haven’t made a choice yet.
Reflect on how you currently live versus how you want to live in the future. Make choices that benefit both your present and future self. With every decision made, you’ll feel lighter and more confident as the weight you’ve been carrying begins to lift, empowering you to tackle even more!
3. Set a Timer for “Clutter-Decision Power Hours”
Make It Fun! Turn decision-making into a challenge. Focus on speed over perfection—just pick it up, decide, and move on. I personally love racing against a timer to see how much I can accomplish. It adds an exciting twist to the process!
Team Up for Accountability: Grab a friend and set a goal for the next hour. Share what you want to tackle, then check in with each other and cheer each other on. It’s amazing how much lighter decisions feel when you have support!
Celebrate the Relief: After just one of these sessions, you’ll likely find yourself thinking, “Why did I put this off for so long?” That feeling of relief is priceless. Just know that I’m right there cheering you on every step of the way!
4. Overcome Sentimental Clutter by Focusing on What You Truly Value
In a recent blog, I discussed the importance of giving yourself permission to let go. When grappling with sentimental items, focus on what brings you true value, meaning, and joy in the present. Remember, it’s not about others’ opinions—it’s about what serves you.
Gentle Decision-Making. Ease into the process by making as many definitive choices as you can and setting aside a “maybe” pile. Instead of ignoring it, revisit that pile regularly and make decisions. Over time, you’ll find your “maybe” pile disappearing, just like flexing a new muscle—the more you practice, the stronger you become!
Experience the Freedom. Once you release the weight of sentimentality, you’ll create space for the memories that truly matter, without the guilt of holding onto things that no longer serve you. Embrace that liberating feeling!
5. Create a Regular Decluttering Ritual
Consider establishing a manageable decluttering routine that recurs monthly or seasonally to prevent clutter from piling up. It can be something as simple as resetting the entryway or pantry or setting a timer to tackle counters and tables. These rituals not only help keep physical clutter in check but also provide you with the mental clarity and relief you need.
Having a regular practice allows you to make clearer decisions and manage your space with confidence, instead of letting clutter accumulate over time.
Quick Recap
The goal here isn’t to be perfect or to implement every single one of these strategies. That’s not what I’m asking you to do. We’re not striving for perfection; we’re testing out small changes that can create a significant positive impact on our days.
Imagine how your day looks and feels with just one of these strategies working well. How does that feel? Better, easier, smoother? Right? I encourage you to pick one tip and give it a try this week. I would love to hear how it goes because you’re not alone in this journey.
Breaking the indecision-clutter cycle is all about taking small steps and making one decision at a time. Each choice creates relief, boosts your confidence, and opens up the freedom to focus on what truly matters to you.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Let’s chat and get you started on your decluttering journey!
If you’re not sure how to implement these strategies – set up a call
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And don’t forget to join the waitlist for the Purposeful Productivity Program! I’ll be sharing a sneak peek soon, and trust me—you won’t want to miss what’s coming!
Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
