Previously, we’ve uncovered four reasons why you may be hitting roadblocks when it comes to organization and decluttering. I mentioned that there are 11 common hindrances I have discovered that may be preventing you from getting organized. Let’s unveil hindrance number five today.
Hindrance # 5: Irrational Fear of Loss
What exactly could that mean? I have discovered that many people fear putting items in their proper home because they are afraid that if they do, they will be forgotten. So, in an effort to prevent that, a person may just simply leave it out as a visual reminder of something that needs to be accomplished on their “to do” list.
They think that if they see it constantly, it will get done. However, if you have ever lived in an area surrounded by clutter, I’ll bet you’ve come to experience that clutter often breeds other clutter.
So, if you sit something on the counter, for example, you’ll soon notice that you continue to sit more things on that same counter area and before you know it, you’ve created a heap.
I call this an irrational fear of loss because, unless you actually toss this item out, it is irrational to assume that it is lost. What is actually happening is the fear it will not get accomplished.
Some common complaints of someone who deals with this common hindrance to organization and decluttering are as follows:
-If I can’t see it, I’ll forget to do it.
-If I put this away, it will never be finished.
-I leave things out to remind myself that I need to finish them.
What is your solution? An effective reminder schedule. I personally keep a few planners that I refer to often. One is my daily planner that includes tasks I need to accomplish that day.
A second planner I have is my “project planner.” This planner holds separate pages of tasks that need my attention. They often include home maintenance tasks and personal projects I’ve begun that have no set end-date in mind.
When I complete these tasks, I simply mark that page with the date it was completed. This helps me to recall when it was last done. This is important for me because in managing a home, tasks often need repeating, such as change air filters, smoke alarm batteries, etc.
So, if your hindrance to getting organized is the one we’ve unveiled today, your homework is to create an effective system of reminders that you can refer to daily. Then, go ahead and put those projects away.
Get your calendar out and mark a specific date this week that you’ll begin to tackle that project.If it’s a large project, you may find you need to set aside several days to complete it. Once you start that project, set your next reminder for the following date you plan to continue. Do this each time you take a step toward completion.
How can I be better at completing the things I start?
Improving your ability to complete tasks and achieve your goals requires a combination of mindset, organization, and productivity strategies. Here are some tips to help you become better at completing the things you start:
- Set Clear Goals:
- Clearly define your goals and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
- Prioritize Tasks:
- Identify and prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Maybe you are trying to finish a handmade gift. Use the party date as the deadline.
- Focus on high-priority tasks before moving on to less critical ones.
- Create a To-Do List:
- Use a to-do list to organize and keep track of your tasks. This is where that project planner that I mentioned earlier can be helpful.
- Update your list regularly and cross off completed tasks to create a sense of accomplishment.
- Time Management:
- Allocate specific time slots for tasks and stick to your schedule.
- Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working for a set time followed by a short break) to maintain focus. I like setting a timer for those tasks I dread. Just doing that task for 20 minutes while the timer ticks away can lead you to the end goal.
- Avoid Multitasking:
- Focus on one task at a time to improve the quality of your work and reduce the likelihood of mistakes.
- Multitasking can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress.
- Break Down Big Tasks:
- Large tasks can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps to make progress more achievable.
- Eliminate Distractions:
- Identify and minimize distractions in your environment. For me, it’s the smart phone. You can silence your notifications for a time as you work on your project.
- Consider using apps or tools that block distracting websites or notifications during work periods.
- Stay Consistent:
- Cultivate a habit of consistently working on your tasks every day. Listen to your body and work when you feel the most energized. If you are a morning person, use that time to your advantage.
- Consistency helps build momentum and makes it easier to stay on track.
- Celebrate Achievements:
- Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
- Positive reinforcement can motivate you to continue making progress.
- Learn to Say No:
- Avoid overcommitting yourself. Learn to say no to additional tasks or responsibilities if they interfere with your current priorities. This is a big one. Taking on other people’s projects can prevent you from completing your own. Just because a job needs doing does not mean you are the only person who can do it. Serve when you can. Say “no” when it doesn’t align with your goals.
- Reflect and Adjust:
- Regularly reflect on your progress and evaluate what is working and what needs adjustment.
- Be flexible and willing to adapt your strategies based on your experiences.
- Seek Accountability:
- Share your goals with someone who can help hold you accountable.
- Having a support system can provide motivation and encouragement.
Remember, becoming more effective at completing tasks is a gradual process. Implementing these strategies consistently over time can lead to improved productivity and goal achievement.
Happy Organizing!
Stay in touch for more common hindrances to organization and decluttering. We’ll uncover 11, in total, on our way to home organization. Read part 6 in this series here.
Need to deep clean? I have lists for you to guide you along.
My How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Kids’ Rooms list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Living Room list can be found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom list can be found here.
Also, to keep up the general housework, you may need to create a daily housekeeping schedule that suits your specific needs. To do so, I have created a helpful series you can read here.
Need to Declutter Every room? I have declutter checklists for every room and every space in your home to guide you along below.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can find that here.
Struggling with the daily housekeeping chores? Check out my ebook on this topic, entitled Make Over Your Homemaking. Use this link to get it at a discounted price.
How to Declutter the Guest Room or Your Kid’s Room checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Laundry Room and Patio checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Coat Closet/Hall Closet/Linen Closet checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Home Office checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Attic checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Garage checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Living Room checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Kitchen Checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Entry/Foyer/Mudroom checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Clothing checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Bedroom checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Bathroom checklist can be found here.
Need some Inspiration to Declutter? You can sign up here. Join us for the Year Long Through Declutter Series by subscribing by email below.
Happy Decluttering!
To Subscribe to my Year Long Thorough Declutter Series, drop me a comment below. Your email will be sent to me but will not be posted publicly. You’ll receive a daily declutter task via email for the daily task we are working on. You can unsubscribe at any time.
We declutter 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The Year Long Thorough Declutter Series is designed to help you declutter every room and every closet in your home. When you subscribe you’ll receive a daily task in the room or area we are currently working on decluttering. To Subscribe, leave a comment below.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can sign up here.
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