Put Off Procrastination

  • Home
  • Meet Beth
  • Blog
  • Speaking
    • Speaking Topics
    • Speaking Schedule
  • Resources
    • You Might Be a Procrastinator If…
    • Books and More
    • Helpful Project Tips
    • Suggestions from You
    • Diligence Ditties
  • Contact

Recognizing Clutter – October Clean Out 2

Decision Making· Freedom· Habits & Routines

15 Oct

Recognizing clutter, former procrastinators, is key to getting rid of it.  We become accustomed to having it around so we don’t call it by name.  We work around it, shove it over, give it time, energy – life.

Perspective:  I’ve found great help in recognizing clutter by reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy by Marie Kondo.

How do you know what to keep and what to let go of?  Kondo suggests you hold an item in your hand and ask, “Does this spark joy?”  If it brings an inner smile, keep it.  If it pulls you down with unpleasant memories, guilt, or otherwise creates drag, let it go.  Even if it hangs in your closet never worn but makes you smile, keep it with a clear conscience.  We still get rid of more stuff with the spark joy criteria.  Does that snazzy purse or heirloom vase feel like a burden?  Adios.  (Granted a cheese grater or broom doesn’t spark joy, but you’d be hard up without either.  They’re keepers.) Doesn’t spark joy?  Let it go.

Why do we have so much to let go of?  Why do we constantly need to clean out?  Kondo contends that we clean out repeatedly because we’ve never cleaned out once well enough to reach a level to maintain.  That’s me.

Her approach to thorough decluttering is to do it by categories, not by rooms.  By rooms we fail to see how much we own, miss the collected impact, and do not spot duplicates.  She suggests cleaning by categories in this order, moving from the easiest emotionally to the most difficult:  clothes, books, papers, household miscellaneous, mementoes.

Take clothes for example.  She says remove all clothing (one person’s) from closets and drawers and put it on the floor in one place.  I did it.  To avoid lugging stuff up and down three flights, I modified by putting all clothes on each story on the floor. I made decisions for all stories at once making duplicates and “overstocks” obvious. For each item I asked, Does this spark joy?

I found it surprisingly easier to do and more thorough than my old ways.  Clothes in the closet or drawer resist removal.  On the floor, they’re already out.  Definitely worth the few extra minutes to gather it all and return the keepers.

Usually decluttering here is like peeling an onion.  Layer by layer, slow and painful. I long to reach that marvelous level of maintenance.  I’ve said I can’t use the Kondo method for everything.  That’s mostly preference.  Often we say we can’t do something we really could if we asked the Lord for courage, guidance, and creativity.  Consider Kondo’s approach.  Adapt it.  Be alert to how much you can do.

Project:  The change of seasons is an excellent time to clean out clothes.  You’ll free up space, be rid of dead wood, bless somebody else with your giveaways, and use more of what you have.  You can do it!

When will you tackle your clothes?

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

2 Comments

« Decluttering for God’s Glory – October Clean Out
Clear the Decks! – October Clean Out 3 »

Comments

  1. Karen J Galambos says

    October 15, 2018 at 6:39 am

    I also read Kondo’s book and have relished the freedom she encourages. I realize that I save things out of guilt or obligation to ancestors. Two examples: I have some depression glass place settings. the cups and saucers are petite, however. I never use them, although I use the dishes regularly. They are a burden to me. Kondo gave me permission to get rid of the cups and saucers, and I am enjoying serving tea and coffee in real person sized mugs! another example is an antique piece of doll house furniture i have in my attic. As I child, I wasn’t allowed to play with it. I did not let my daughter play with it, and it will probably be “too good” for grandchildren to use. This piece does not bring me joy! It reminds me of a childhood where i couldn’t be a kid. I gave it away last week, and am feeling liberated! I hope that when my grandchildren come one day, they will find joy in toys that are just for them.

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      October 16, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      Karen, you are such an encouragement! Thanks for sharing great examples. We should take note: Keep the PARTS of something that serve us well and let the rest go. And consider whether or not we want our homes to be touch-me-not museums or places of welcome enjoyment. Thank you.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

Learn more about Beth ≫

Join me in gaining victory!

Subscribe to receive my weekly post in your email inbox with encouraging tips for tackling procrastination and creating peace.

Privacy Policy

Browse by Category

Browse Archives

What Others are Saying

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."

Mary R.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-13T20:09:23-04:00

Mary R.

"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/mary-r/
"I have loved 'Learn to discern what should come first.'"

Josie O.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-13T20:10:12-04:00

Josie O.

"I have loved 'Learn to discern what should come first.'"
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/josie-o/
"Getting things done isn’t as important as what gets done."

Megan P.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:40:50-04:00

Megan P.

"Getting things done isn’t as important as what gets done."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/megan-p/
"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."

Cindy C.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:41:28-04:00

Cindy C.

"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/cindy-c/
“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”

Christine B.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:41:59-04:00

Christine B.

“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/christine-b/
"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
0
0
Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

Copyright © 2023 Beth Sterne | Design by The Design Diva | Development by MRM | Privacy Policy