What’s preventing you from letting go? Are you encumbered by cluttered thoughts, schedules, and spaces? If you’re struggling with letting go, you’re not alone. While this is a “hot” media topic, it’s also something that my clients frequently experience. If you want be motivated to let go of clutter, perhaps a perspective from one of these articles or interviews will provide the nudge you need. 

Understanding

“The Psychology of Clutter,” in The Wall Street Journal article I was recently interviewed for, talks about the “many powerful emotions that are lurking amid stuff we keep.” Challenges with letting go can cause overwhelm, anxiety, perfectionism, and procrastination. Understanding why it’s so difficult to allow our things to move on and practicing self-compassion can provide motivation to let go. Click here to read the article.

Questioning

Michael Cohen, radio host at WILS 1320 AM asked me in a recent interview, “How can you to get a grip on clutter?” We talked about setting boundaries and asking questions like:

• Do I need it?
• Do I want it?
• Do I use it?
• Can someone else use it instead?
• Is my “stuff” preventing me from living the life that I want?

Asking questions like these can provide not only answers, but the motivation needed to let go. Click here to listen to my interview.

Considering

By recognizing the potential harm caused to self or others by not making decisions can be an impetus to let go. This is highlighted in The New York Times article, “Firefighters Have Name for Deathtrap Homes.” While the piece is about an extreme hoarding situation, it underscores the tragic outcome about what can potentially happen if letting go is postponed. Click here to read the article.

By understanding, questioning, and considering more about our clutter, our attachments, and our things, we have the possibility of letting go and moving forward. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation. What motivates you to let go?