Coaching Corner: Yes! I Forgot!
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
Two weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about clutter, and in that blog I also wrote that the following week would hold tips and tid bits about how to go about clearing the clutter. And, obviously, my brain did not hold that thought. So this week, we are going to go to the wonderful world of decluttering. So...here we go...
Let’s focus on your home. Grab a notebook of some kind, something that is not too small, and a pen. With your notebook and pen in hand, walk through your home with a very discriminating eye. Take that a step further and begin to identify the clutter in your home. As you write, make sure you are breaking the items down into small bits. For example -- do not list “kitchen” -- nope, not broken down enough. Break it down as much as you need to. You can even identify each drawer and cabinet separately, if you feel more organized, or you can lump some of them together. There is no grade here, just a creation of a manageable list that you can tackle without the feeling of overwhelm.
OK, do you have your list done? Great! Give each item a rough time estimate as to how long it may take to accomplish -- some will be mere minutes and others might be a couple of hours. Know that going in. Now look through your list and determine which of these items would give you the most satisfaction, if completed and highlight these tasks.
You are now ready to begin the actual decluttering process. I find it very helpful to plug into my calendar, “home projects” on a couple of days during the week. Depending on the week, you may have a lot of time, or perhaps, just a bit. Either way is OK. When you land on the day of your scheduled “home project,” go back to your list and choose an item that best fits for that time period. You get to choose and then do it!
Consistency with decluttering, just as with finding new business, is critical. Once you get yourself into the groove, you will find yourself living in the home you always knew you could have. Enjoy the process...and the results!
And...next time I do not fulfill a promise, please let me know!
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.
