Are you a procrastinator, especially when it comes to things you don’t want to do? If so, do you feel guilty about the things you put off? Do you always seem to have a lot of loose ends? I know I am guilty on all counts.
My wife and I have made the decision to organize our house and downsize the stuff we have. We’ve been living in our home for over thirty years, and we’re collectors of everything! Sometimes just the thought of this project is overwhelming, and I really wish that we had not let this go for so long! Another source of anxiety is the idea of parting with some of our things. Anyone who collects can probably relate to this issue.
What’s a frazzled couple to do? We know that we’ll feel much better, as we lighten the load, but this doesn’t make things any easier. Both of us get stressed when we think of the sheer volume of the work ahead of us, along with the angst of deciding what to keep and what to let go. These anxieties make the project seem impossible!
Nonetheless, we have committed to moving forward. We’ve decided to break up the project into small steps, and do a little bit each week. I have been making all kinds of lists and coming up with ideas on how to manage the work, while also trying to keep a positive attitude. I keep reminding myself of how nice it will be when we have an organized house with much less clutter.
Just today, I was brainstorming some ideas. Perhaps we can throw out some things on our garbage and recycling days. A garage sale is another option, and it actually might be a lot of fun. We’ll get to see and talk to our neighbors, and it may even earn us a little money. There are also plenty of charities, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, that we can donate to. I always find it easier to let go of something when I think it will go to someone who will appreciate it, or who at least can use it. Perhaps we can focus on one room at a time, or one type of item at time, such clothes or tools. No matter what, it’s going to be a lot of work, but anything we can do over a period of time will get the job done.
I used to be an all-or-nothing thinker, meaning that I felt that if I couldn’t accomplish everything all at once, then it wasn’t worth doing. I’m glad that I was able to change my thinking, because that attitude prevented me from doing many things that I needed and wanted to do.
What about you? Do you have things that you’ve been putting off? What can you realistically do to lighten your emotional and physically load? What motivates you to do things that you need to do but aren’t enthusiastic about? I’m interested in any thoughts or comments that you have.