WordWeb defines the word, clutter, as “a confused multitude of things”. A lookup on Google defines the same word as “a collection of things lying about in an untidy state.” Simply put, clutter isn’t a good thing. Arguably.
Whenever I feel like I am losing control of my life, specifically with events on my calendar, I start with looking for things I can get rid of. For me almost everything I need to do on a day is recorded in my calendar – Google Calendar to be specific. I am always amazed at how easy it is – over time – to add unnecessary things in my life.
An example I have given in a previous post, talks about how I was once involved in so many startups, which led to me not adding value to most of them. I had over-committed myself. I resigned from all of them except one.
As a result of the de-cluttering exercise, I freed up a lot of time and other resources such as money. Then I started my writing journey. Looking back a year later, it was a wise decision. And the one company that I did not resign from is doing well to this day.
My de-cluttering process starts with several questions. What can I let go of immediately without noticing a difference? If I stop watching a TV series – even in the middle of a season – can I live without it? If I stop spending so many hours, daily, on social media, will there be dire consequences?
When I am honest with myself, I realise I can do without most of the things. I proceed by slowly getting rid of the identified things or habits.
A successful de-cluttering process results in me regaining control of my life. I end up saving time and reallocating my time to more meaningful aspects of life – like family and friends.