Two Truths and a Lie – Clutter Edition

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Let’s play a game. You’ve probably heard of it. It’s called “Two Truths and a Lie.” I’ll list three statements below and you try to guess which one is the truth. Don’t scroll too fast — guess first!

Here we go…

1. No matter how much sentimental value an object has, you don’t have to keep it.
2. The reason you can’t clear clutter is because you’re a procrastinator.
3. Every person on the planet has clutter.

Which one is the lie?

Think about it… Got your guess?

The lie is: #2.

While you might tend to procrastinate (as most of us do), the reason you procrastinate is why you struggle to clear clutter – not the act of procrastinating.

It’s what you believe you’re protecting yourself from by delaying the job.

Here are a couple of tips to excavate the driving force in your tendency to procrastinate:

1. Ask yourself why you’re putting the task off. Ask this from a curious place, not a critical one. Whatever answer you come up with, dig deeper by asking, “But why?” and then again “But why?” Keep digging until you reach an answer that rattles your insides a bit. That’s what needs your attention.
2. Identify the step that comes after the one you’re putting off. Is there something about that step that is scary/intimidating/daunting? So often the job we’re avoiding is the one that comes after the one in front of us. Once you identify your next, next step, ask yourself some more questions. Things like “What feels scary about that step?” or “What happens if I finish that step?”

Exploring the “why” behind procrastination allows you to clear up the deep, core clutter underneath — things like limiting beliefs, draining relationships, and unrealistic expectations.

Now let’s quickly address the two truths in this little game of ours:

No matter how much sentimental value an object has, you don’t have to keep it.

True. Sentimental items? They’re not the keepers of your memories; you are. Imagine I ask you about your grown child’s younger years. I bet you’d dive right into stories and memories that light you up. You wouldn’t need to dig out the box of school records to tell me.

See what I mean? The items don’t hold the memories. You do.

If an item truly brings you joy, let it shine in your daily life, not hide in a box.

Every person on the planet has clutter.

True. Clutter is not just piles of papers and overflowing closets. It is also:

• credit card debt
• toxic relationships
• a dripping faucet
• negative self-talk
• outdated stories you’re still living by

Anything that interrupts your flow and journey to living the life you want is clutter and everyone has something or someone that no longer fits in their lives. Yes, even that Instagram influencer with the spotless living room.

Getting more and more selective about what and who is worthy of traveling this awesome journey with you is an ongoing process, and that’s ok.

Let’s embrace our clutter as part of the journey, not an obstacle to happiness.

I wish you space and clarity,

P.S. Curious to dig into procrastination a bit deeper? Check out my webinar and workbook on “Procrastination Obliteration” here.