Minimize – Prioritize – Focus – Let Go
Some time ago, I resolved to make a more focused effort to reduce the amount of stuff that I have accumulated. One of the main reasons that I started this blog was to track progress, create accountability and share my experiences. Since then, I have been reducing what I had, buying less, making more use of things that were already in our home, and teaching others some of the approaches.
One of the biggest challenges around reducing collected artifacts is a tendency to attribute too much importance to any one item. Many people, for example, find it is difficult to get rid of somethings because they evoke memories of people or places or events or any milestone when, in fact, the things we gather are not themselves, the memories and there are other ways to ensure that the associated history is not lost.
Why it is so hard to let go
The reasons excuses that I have had for getting rid of things include:
- “It was a gift.”
- “I might use it — someday.”
- “Maybe I will need that.”
- “I’ve had it for too long.”
- “I haven’t had it long – you never know.”
- “Oh, I remember when I got this because…”
- “But I got this when (or ‘at’, or ‘during’)…”
Sound familiar at all?
Simplify Simplify Simplify
The old way didn’t work so it seemed it was time for a new strategy. Rather than setting multiple goals and making big plans, a more fundamental strategy was in order. Simplify. It is a simple mantra that can be all encompassing.
Too many things complicating your life and filling your space?
SIMPLIFY. Reduce the clutter.
Too many projects on the go?
SIMPLIFY. Set priorities and say no.
Too many distractions?
SIMPLIFY. Put down your phone. Resist social media. Unsubscribe. Make space.
Too many unfinished crafts or other ‘someday’ projects?
SIMPLIFY. Make a plan to finish projects you still love. Pass the others on to others to enjoy.
You get the idea.
And that is the origin of my Keep-the-Stories project. I started on a quest to record the stories and get rid of the stuff and shared some of my efforts along the way. I’ll be continuing to add prompts, challenges a and strategies that might help you reduce, declutter and simplify.
Join me to keep the stories – and reduce the stuff. Today is a perfect time to start – or restart
Comment to share your biggest hurdles to letting go.
Featured image: Photo by nicollazzi xiong from Pexels