Coaching Corner: Clutter BE GONE!!
By Marilou Butcher Roth, Master Coach
This week has been a week of clearing -- first my office and then our basement -- whew! Clutter is so interesting, isn’t it? It seems to creep up on you, and before you realize it, formerly open spaces within your home or office are now full of the various items that, at some point, you deemed necessary or desired. Really? Take a minute and give some thought to the amount of “stuff” that comes into our homes on a daily basis, and then on the amount that goes out. Typically, the only items that go out are the discards that make it to the garbage. You may think by not looking at the clutter that it doesn’t impact you, and, I would beg to differ.
There are several books out there that speak to the issue and impact of clutter. Today, I will give credit to one, titled “Clutter Control -- Putting Your Home on a Diet,” by Jeff Campbell of The Clean Team. Well, by golly, if he is a member of the clean team, I want to know what he has to say, right? ?
Jeff addresses the psychology of clutter in a chapter of the book, stating:
“In our view, clutter becomes a problem that calls for action when one or more of the following situations arise for you or for other members of the house:
- It is creating feelings of depression, anxiety, or desperation.
- The need for more or getter or newer stuff seems insatiable.
- You feel like you are not the master of your own life anymore: it feels like you’re being controlled by your possessions.
- The disorder of your living space prevents you from feeling comfortable or creative or happy when you’re there.
- You deride yourself for not being more organized.
You’re in chronic conflict with other household members over this issue.
You’re ashamed to have friends and relatives over to the house because it’s such a mess, and you’re feeling more and more isolated or eccentric as a result.”
Interesting thoughts, aren’t they? Today, open yourself to looking fully at the spaces where you live, work, etc. and determine if clutter is indeed a problem. Use the above criteria to assist you. We will be looking further into more “how to’s” on clearing the clutter. For today, just look -- really look!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
