At this point, you have probably run across some belongings that don't exactly serve a practical purpose in your life. Some items simply cannot be judged according to their function alone. Certain objects, such as artwork or collectibles, are kept because they are aesthetically pleasing. Others are treasured for their sentimental value. However, there is another set of criteria that you may find easier to apply in these situations.
IS IT BEAUTIFUL, USEFUL, OR LOVED?
Artist William Morrison developed the most effective way to determine if an item truly serves a purpose. Ask yourself if the object is "beautiful, useful, or loved." I teach this phrase to my clients like a mantra -? repeated over and over and over (actually, they get a bit sick of it after awhile!) Imagine your most treasured belongings -? they all seem to fit into one of these three categories, don't they? Think about it -? if an object isn't beautiful, useful, or loved, then why are you keeping it?
BUT IT WAS EXPENSIVE!
You may say that you are keeping an item because you spent a lot of money on it, and you can't stand to see it go to waste. Well, if you aren't using it now, isn't it still going to waste? Keeping something simply because it was costly is not a good enough REASON. These objects are nothing but high-price reminders of purchasing mistakes you made in the past. Perhaps you can sell it (yard sale, consignment, online auction) and recoup some of the expense.
I MIGHT BE ABLE TO WEAR IT AGAIN!
So, you're keeping those size 3 clothes because you MIGHT fit into them again some day. One question ?- does keeping a garment that is too small encourage you to lose weight or fill you with shame because you still haven't reached your goal? We heap enough guilt onto our heads every day without creating additional pressures. Isn't it healthier to focus on feeling better about your appearance NOW? Why not take your old wardrobe to a consignment shop ?- then spend your profits on clothes that fit and make you feel attractive just as you are.
DON'T "GUILT TRIP" YOURSELF
Another rationalization that I hear fairly regularly is, "Aunt Mildred gave that to me. She would be so (disappointed, hurt, angry) if I got rid of it." I can only respond by asking, "Who runs your life -? you or your Aunt Mildred?" I firmly believe that once you receive a gift, it is yours to do with as you see fit. We place too much importance on "stuff" as it is, without creating an unnecessary sense of obligation. The idea of keeping something that you have no use for, just so you can drag it out when your relatives visit, seems a bit dishonest. Wouldn't you prefer that your loved ones respect who you are, rather than who they want you to be?
FRIENDS, ACQUAINTANCES, AND STRANGERS
If you are still having a hard time letting go of your clutter, you might try an alternative approach. Judith Kolberg, head of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, suggests that you treat your belongings as "friends, acquaintances, and strangers." Friends are those items that you like having around ?- ones that really mean something to you. Acquaintances are objects that come into your life, stay for a short time, and then leave again. And strangers are easily discarded ?- you have no strong feelings of devotion toward these items. This method works particularly well for people who have powerful emotional attachments to their belongings.
Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- a web-based one-stop shop offering everything that you need to get organized at home or at work. At OnlineOrganizing.com, you may get a referral to an organizer near you, shop for the latest organizing products, get tons of free tips, and even learn how to become a professional organizer or build your existing organizing business. And if you would like to read more articles about organizing your life or building your business, get a free subscription to the "Get Organized" and "Organized For A Living" newsletters. Please visit http://www.onlineorganizing.com or contact Ramona directly at http://www.onlineorganizing.com for more information.
Culver prom limo ..1. THE LOVE IT OR LOSE IT PRINCIPLE: Every item... Read More
* Cupboards and drawers should contain items that are grouped... Read More
Color-There Is No SubstituteIn anatomical illustrations you see the brain's... Read More
I followed my boss to a co-worker's cubicle where my... Read More
Whether you are in your own business or an employee... Read More
Technology has given us the tools to reduce routine tasking,... Read More
We are in a society where people are applauded for... Read More
Have nothing in your houses that you do not know... Read More
Spring is here and the garage door is open. This... Read More
What do you do with those special items that have... Read More
If you have piles of paper all over your desk,... Read More
My mother is one of the most productive people I... Read More
I'm sure most of you have heard of Zig Ziglar... Read More
Back-to-school time ? what does that mean to you? For... Read More
Paper1. You may already be in the habit of filing... Read More
One of my mother-in-law's many oft-quoted and wise declarations was... Read More
You really can have a successful business and a great... Read More
Q. I have several projects going at once -- but... Read More
If you look at any major organisation, there is this... Read More
1. A calendar is an essential organizing tool ? start... Read More
I recently conducted a survey to look at the relationship... Read More
Spring is here and its time to sweep away the... Read More
Digging out from under stacks of paper might seem like... Read More
After a long winter, this is the time of year... Read More
A daily journal will save you time, reduce stress and... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..I like a room you can dance in the middle... Read More
For some reason, Americans think they have something to prove... Read More
One of my mother-in-law's many oft-quoted and wise declarations was... Read More
3-Step Clean Sweep Program 1 -... Read More
In your quest to get 'up and running' so to... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have a to-do list a mile... Read More
We are bombarded with so many factors that perpetuate disorganization.... Read More
It wasn't long ago that you spent an entire weekend... Read More
Spring is here and its time to sweep away the... Read More
Clothes. Check. School supplies. Check. No doubt you've got to... Read More
Decide When And Where To StartDecide when and where to... Read More
Many people have a huge challenge coping with the incoming... Read More
? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in... Read More
Cindy looks at the calendar and sighs. Ah, the end... Read More
Back-to-school time ? what does that mean to you? For... Read More
"Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this... Read More
There are eight distinct steps to constructing and executing an... Read More
1. Sink to their level. Get on your knees in... Read More
Every day I find junk mail waiting for me, whether... Read More
Cleaning out can seem overwhelming -- especially if it's been... Read More
Ever wonder how they do it? How a short-order cook... Read More
You know, in psychology there is a rule, especially within... Read More
The Law of the 1st StepA good first step in... Read More
Hasn't time flown? Already we're into the last quarter of... Read More
Take a look around you right now. Look away from... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |