The power of focus

When I work on decluttering projects around my house, I find it easy to get distracted. I'll come across stuff that makes me think of something else and I'll wander away (sometimes mentally, sometimes physically). Or, I'll walk into another room to put something away that belongs there, and before I know it, I'm doing something else.

What I've learned is that if I decide to focus on decluttering (or, really, any other task) for a pre-determined, short amount of time, I can really get stuff done. I'll use a timer (I love the Time Timer) or sometimes I'll play a playlist in iTunes or on my iPod that's a specific length of time and stop when the music ends. (Or sometimes I'll do both.)

I've put this to the test recently, when I decided to do a series of 15- and 30-minute projects as part of the Declutter Happy Hour telecourse that I offered with life coach Shannon Wilkinson. In order to get some before-and-after pictures for our Cheers page, I did some little projects. I was astounded by how much I could get done with a just little focused effort. (Not all the pics made it to the Cheers page; you can see some more on my blog, if you'd like.)

I bet you've had the experience of looking around your space and thinking, "I really need to get organized." Then what happens? If you're like me, you start to feel overwhelmed, or you think about something more desirable, or urgent, to do. Next time you have that thought, consider setting your timer for 30 minutes, put some music on and just start decluttering. If you'd like some support with that, along with practical advice on getting started, you can sign up for the new Declutter Happy Hour e-course (see details below). Little by little, you can create the peaceful space you crave!

Get a clutter buddy

When you're decluttering or getting organized, it can be much easier if you have company. Sometimes providing a gentle, nonjudgmental presence is the most powerful role a professional organizer can play. If you find yourself resisting a decluttering project, think about inviting a carefully chosen friend or relative to come over and help (or hire an organizer!). Select someone who won't tell you what to do and who won't urge you to keep stuff. If that person doesn't live near you, try a phone decluttering session where the two of you keep each other company (and focused) by being on the phone together while you declutter. It can be very effective!

This month's offer: $40 off Declutter Happy Hour

Through June 17, you can get a big $40 discount on the new Declutter Happy Hour e-course. The course is designed to provide support and advice for four weeks as you work on your decluttering projects. It combines my practical advice with Shannon Wilkinson's amazing emotion-clearing NLP techniques, creating a very powerful experience. And you can't beat the price ($57 for the core course, after the discount). The e-course begins this Thursday, June 18, the day after the discount ends.