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Use it or Lose it: Make room for the New!
Whenever I am about to start something new in my life (whether I am already aware of it, or not) I clear out my home. I find that I am literally ‘making room’ for all the new things to come into my life.
Now, I am not a hoarder at all. Quite the opposite in fact, as having too many possessions panics me! However, I can still hold onto clutter: stuff that I no longer need or use, such as scraps of paper, old bills and clothes.
So, what has clutter got to do with life coaching and why is it being written about here? Well, it is about change. If you are beginning a new venture in your life, it is very important that you are prepared and create space for all the new, exciting opportunities that are going to come into your life, as a result of e.g. your new business.
Here is a demonstration of the power of clutter. Nearly two years ago, I coached myself on this subject using these powerful questions.
Firstly, I used my intuition and asked myself which areas in my home needed addressing and my answers were:
- Bedroom – change and refurbish
- Paperwork and folders in lounge
- Cupboard in hall
- Paper bits in kitchen
- Photos in frames – change
Next, I asked myself: ‘‘What would I gain from getting rid of the clutter in those spaces?’’ I wrote down:
- Energy
- Time
- Space
- Ideas
- New Life
- Money
- Love of myself
Wow! All that from simply sorting out five different areas in my home! I then asked myself “What would I lose from getting rid of the clutter in those spaces?’’
My only answer was: An excuse
Hmm. When you look at my ‘gains’ it sounds like an excuse for having a better life. Finally, I asked “What excuses do I always make for not clearing the clutter?’’ and I said:
- Not got time
- Can’t be bothered
- Not important
- Do not see it
Well, clearly it was important and I did make the time (which was not as long as thought it would be!) to clear the clutter from those places in my home. Consequently, I felt more in control and ready for new opportunities. These materialised in the form of a new man (!) and new forms of rewarding and lucrative work.
Basically, clutter represents failure and saps you of energy. After all, no one wants to be reminded of decisions not taken and things that they have not done. Clutter signifies feelings such as ‘I can’t cope’, ‘I am overwhelmed’ or ‘I give up.’ Clutter can also symbolize:
- Unfinished business
- Clinging to the past
- Stagnant energy
- An unwillingness to change
- A belief in scarcity
I have a rather ruthless adage “Use it or lose it’’ which serves as a helpful mantra when I tidy up. However, it need not stop at belongings. Having people in your life that drain you and that you do not enjoy being around will deplete your energy levels and take up ‘space’ when you could be spending time with people that uplift and support you.
You may find this harder to address. It could mean ending a relationship, saying goodbye to your current boss at work and getting a new job, changing business suppliers or making new friends.
I encourage you to ask the same powerful questions and take action. Embrace the positive changes in your life that will then follow. You might suddenly progress in a completely new direction. This can be the very reason why some people stay stuck and avoid taking action. Unconsciously, they know that their lives will change as a result of completing things or letting go of ‘old’ stuff.
As you go about the practicalities of clearing your clutter, if you feel ‘stuck’ on an item ask yourself: Does this add value to my life or make me smile?
Start small and set deadlines of time e.g. allow 10 minutes to sort out your bathroom cupboard. Do circuits i.e. throw out stuff you immediately know you do not need or does not make you happy. Go back and keep reducing. You will be left with a pile of the more ‘emotional’ stuff that is harder to throw out. Personally, I find once your brain has got used to the exercise, you will be feeling stronger and it is then easier to tackle these items.
When you have finished give yourself a reward!
I can’t wait to hear how you get on. If you need further tips, then head to the forums and lets get chatting!
Rachel
About the author
Name: Rachel Bamber
Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: http://www.rachelbamber.com
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