Just as one clears out physical clutter during spring cleaning, identifying and discarding mental clutter, such as distractions, commitments, and beliefs that do not align with one's essential priorities give us a head start on dusting off limitations. This process entails introspection, prioritization, and intentional decision-making to create mental clarity and enhance focus on what brings us genuine fulfillment and value.
I have found this principle especially relevant for the artistic and creative mind and I admit, I fit into that category. After reading Marie Kondo’s books on Tidying Up and Joy at Work I was momentarily inspired to go through every closet, drawer and file to sort and clean. But of course, I didn’t have time to do that! But what I did have time to do was consistently clear my desk of clutter, systematically purging old files and adding more order to my days. I have advised others for years to do the same, but just like many doctors, it’s hard to take the same medicine you’ve given others. This practice of order takes planning and consistency, scheduling it in my calendar. The clearing of clutter is not a natural habit for me and It is easy to spend way too much time on non-essential activities.
Here, we will cover five practices that will hopefully help those at any level take a step up in spring cleaning for the brain to think with more clarity and act with more decisiveness. Each practice is illustrated with a real-world example that is relatable and applicable.
Ruthlessly Prioritize
Essential practices emphasize the importance of discerning between what truly matters and what is merely noise. I find I can get lost in the weeds when doing research on a particular subject, going down one rabbit hole after another. This is easy to do with Google searches and with the development of AI.
Consider the hypothetical example of "Sean," who had a bucket-load of talent and ambition, but habitually procrastinated on aimless pursuits. Sean consistently spent time socializing and social media scrolling on his phone. This ended up taking the place of investing in personal growth, skill development, and even meaningful projects.
Even though there were moments of motivation and ambition, they were often overshadowed by periods of inertia and complacency. Sean knew what he needed to do, but he struggled to break free from the cycle of time-wasting habits and lacked the discipline to prioritize essential tasks. Opportunities for advancement then started slipping away and eventually, Sean realized too late the consequences of squandering precious time without purpose or direction. This illustration shows that without discipline, focus, and a commitment to the vital few activities that contribute most to our goals, even the most promising individuals with talent can fail to realize their full potential and aspirations.
Embrace Constraints
When speaking of constraints, rather than viewing limitations as obstacles, we can see them as opportunities to channel our efforts more effectively. By setting boundaries and saying "no" to non-essential tasks or distractions, we create space for deep work and innovation within the confines of our resources.
I’m going to use myself as an example for this principle this practice of embracing constraints as it’s what I need to do often. As an entrepreneur with multiple channels to my business, it’s easy for me to start focusing on enticing opportunities and projects that could possibly lead to more work and live engagements. However, I have had to weigh the value of my time associated with those engagements. Was it really worth it? Not only financially but in creating true impact. This is why I started to not take everything that came my way and I’ve worked on creating an inbound interest for larger and more far-reaching events and opportunities.
This is not easy for anyone who has been in the gig economy as you feel like your last gig is your last gig. But it’s not. Diverting focus and resources away from critical tasks for necessary business growth and development is not the best use of my time and energy. So I pick and choose the live engagements that are not only the most impactful, but the most satisfying while continuing with my most essential work. Get Core Values Download.
Stay Present in the Moment with Values
Let's consider the story of Michael, an entrepreneur who founded a sustainable fashion brand aimed at reducing environmental impact while promoting ethical labor practices. In the early stages of his venture, Michael faced numerous challenges, including sourcing eco-friendly materials, establishing supply chain transparency, and competing with larger, more established fashion companies. As Michael's business grew, he encountered an opportunity to partner with a major retailer interested in carrying his brand's products in their stores. While the prospect of expanding his brand's reach was enticing, Michael understood the importance of staying true to his company's values and mission.
Michael took a step back to spend time journaling and reviewing his core values. After thorough deliberation, Michael decided to decline the partnership, recognizing that the retailer's practices and values did not align with his own. Instead, Michael focused on nurturing relationships with smaller, boutique retailers that shared his vision for sustainability and social responsibility. By staying true to his principles and refusing to compromise on his brand's integrity, Michael cultivated a loyal customer base and garnered recognition within the eco-conscious fashion community.
This focus on staying true to values is like a rudder on a ship, guiding it safely to its destination. Spending time to review values, goals and purpose results in clarity of thought, decision-making and overall well-being.
Eliminate Non-Essentials
David’s a software engineer who has a knack for solving complex problems and dreamed of launching his own tech startup. Despite having a stable job at a reputable company, he felt a growing desire to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions as a long-term goal.
Recently, David received an enticing job offer from a prominent tech firm. The offer came with a substantial salary increase, prestigious projects, and the promise of career advancement. While the opportunity seemed tempting, he recognized that accepting the job would consume most of his time and energy, leaving little room to work on his startup idea. Plus, it would take a great deal of time away from his family, which was also a priority in his life. After careful consideration, David made the difficult decision to decline the lucrative job offer.
In the months that followed, David's decision to focus on his startup as a side-business proved to be transformative. He gained clarity on his vision, refined his product offerings, and secured funding from investors who believed in his potential. By saying "no" to the immediate job offer, David gained the clarity and freedom necessary to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations wholeheartedly. His unwavering commitment to his long-term goals and his values ultimately led to success, proving that sometimes, saying "no" can be the key to unlocking greater opportunities in the future.
Invest in Rest and Renewal
For type A driven personalities as well as creatives, taking time away from projects and work can be difficult. I have an artist friend, I’ll call her Maria, who owns her own small business. She’s always been passionate about her work, paying attention to every detail to make sure every client receives the best possible service. She was also faced with caring for a spouse who was experiencing some health issues. As her business grew and demands increased, Maria found herself overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout.
Realizing the importance of her own self-care and renewal, Maria made some changes. She implemented a weekly routine that included regular breaks, exercise, and leisure activities to recharge her energy and creativity. Sometimes this included a half day skiing or even nine holes of golf. Additionally, she established boundaries around her work hours, allowing herself dedicated time for relaxation and personal interests outside of business responsibilities.
By allowing herself time to rest and recharge, Maria found that she was able to approach her work and her life with renewed focus, clarity, and enthusiasm. She began to generate fresh ideas and innovative solutions, leading to greater personal and professional satisfaction. Also, the care she was able to continue giving her husband was literally life-saving, which made the rewards even greater.
Application
Take some time to evaluate your life as you do some spring cleaning for your mindset. Spend at least five to ten minutes on each practice: prioritizing, embracing restraints, staying present in the moment, eliminating non-essentials and investing in rest and renewal. By doing so, I hope you experience a refreshing burst of energy and enthusiasm to face your next season!
Additional Articles & Books:
When a Type A Personality Marries a Type B
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Stop Circling by Deborah Johnson
Essential practices emphasize the importance of discerning between what truly matters and what is merely noise.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning
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