The Clutter Trap is a state of cumulative disorder that diminishes your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or financial health. It is a threat to your productivity, your prosperity, and your peace of mind.
Clutter is a continual challenge in our personal and professional lives. It comes in four forms: physical, digital, emotional and spiritual, and regardless of the form, the clutter can be divided into four types:
1. Situation
2. Embedded
3. Impending
4. Invitation
SITUATIONAL clutter is generated by a specific project or event, such as preparing for Christmas. To conquer situational clutter, recognize its temporary nature, set a deadline by which it will all be cleaned up, and move on with your life.
EMBEDDED clutter includes the archeological layers of "stuff" accumulated over time, such as piles of magazine articles you’ve been intending to file for months -- or even years! To conquer embedded clutter, set starting and ending timeline goals, arrange incentives or support along the way, and plunge in. Ensure success using an accountability factor, such as a coach or friend.
IMPENDING clutter that is, right this moment, gathering on all the flat surfaces of your life that you haven't cleared in the last day or week. Clutter is contagious. Order can also become contagious. To conquer impending clutter, create and follow systems to clear all flat surfaces at least once a week and be sure that everything has a place.
INVITATIONAL clutter results from habits and processes you develop that give clutter fertile ground in which to take root and grow like a weed. To conquer invitational clutter you first recognize your role in creating this excess. Second, clarify what you do and don’t want in your ideal setting and stop opening yourself to the invasion of anything that no longer matches your vision. Third, purge your current excess, cancel subscriptions, get off mailing lists, announce your rooster collection complete. What clutter can you eliminate in your life so you can accomplish your work and enjoy your life?
How about you?
