Take a look around your home. Does it mirror you – or does the clutter clash with your character?
In short, is there a bit much going on?
Legendary self-help guru William Clement Stone was big on this (kind of). Actually, he was a fan of streamlining. Leaving behind the stodge that weighs us down. But there’s an obvious link.
He said: “You are a product of your environment. So choose the environment that will best develop you toward your objective. Analyse your life in terms of its environment. Are the things around you helping you toward success – or are they holding you back?”
His idea is pretty smart. And got us thinking about the home. It inspired us to play a little stick, give and ditch.
What is stick, give and ditch?
Stick, give and ditch is a sure-fire way to declutter your home. It’s quick. It’s easy. And it’s going to help your life.
You go to a room and work your way through it item by item. For each piece, you have to decide to stick with it, give it away or throw it out.
But how do you decide?
Start with the first thing you see. By the way, we’re not talking anything major like sofas or blinds. Now think what it means to you. And your future.
Only stick with things that you really need, care for or that look great.
Only give away things that friends, family or other folk will need, will care for or will look great in their home.
Only throw away … well chuck out everything else.
If umming and ahhing is a problem, then try this. Give yourself 10 minutes to stick with 10 things, 10 minutes to give away 10 pieces, and 10 minutes to throw 10 bits.
You should only be left with the things that matter. Your environment should reflect you. You should be happy now and in the future.