Mindset
Book Review of Finished by Jon Acuff
Reading Time – 10 minutes
Introduction
“Finished: Give Yourself the Gift of Done” by Jon Acuff is a fresh and transformative guide that reshapes the way we think about setting and achieving goals. Known for his humorous and relatable writing style, Acuff tackles a serious issue that resonates with many: why so many goals are started but left unfinished. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, Acuff argues that the typical methods for achieving goals often set us up for failure. Instead, he presents an unconventional approach to success, emphasizing the importance of progress over perfection and dismantling the myth that relentless hustle is the only path to achievement.
This book is especially relevant for professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives who find themselves consistently setting ambitious goals but struggling to follow through. It shifts the focus from unrealistic standards to a more practical and sustainable way to achieve consistent, measurable progress. Below, we explore Acuff’s core principles, practical advice, and impactful insights that make Finished a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
The Perfection Problem
Acuff begins by identifying perfectionism as a major culprit in why people abandon their goals. He points out that perfectionism creates an all-or-nothing mindset, where any imperfection becomes a reason to give up. This is evident in how many New Year’s resolutions falter after just a few weeks. Instead of helping us strive for success, perfectionism often acts as a barrier to progress by convincing us that anything less than flawless execution isn’t worthwhile.
A central message in Finished is that “perfect” is not only unrealistic but also a trap that can paralyze us. Acuff argues that rather than aiming for perfection, we should focus on completing our goals—even if the result isn’t ideal. This mindset shift can lead to better results and less frustration, as the act of finishing itself becomes a powerful motivator for future endeavours.
Cut the Goal in Half
One of Acuff’s most striking recommendations is to “cut your goal in half.” He explains that people often set goals that are overly ambitious, thinking that high standards will drive them to achieve more. However, unrealistic goals tend to lead to burnout and discouragement, making people more likely to give up when progress slows. By cutting goals in half, Acuff encourages a focus on attainable targets, which can lead to greater motivation, productivity, and satisfaction.
In a professional setting, this approach can be transformative. For example, rather than setting a goal to double business revenue in one year, it might be more realistic to aim for a 25% increase. Breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable pieces increases the likelihood of success and gives individuals and teams a greater sense of accomplishment.
Choose What to Bomb
Acuff introduces a novel concept of “choosing what to bomb,” which involves deciding which areas of life to intentionally neglect when working on a specific goal. Since time and energy are limited, achieving goals often requires sacrificing other activities or responsibilities temporarily. By prioritizing what’s essential and consciously “bombing” what isn’t, Acuff argues that we can better channel our focus and avoid burnout.
For professionals, this principle is a game-changer, especially in an age where multitasking and overcommitting are common pitfalls. Instead of feeling the pressure to excel in every area, individuals can zero in on high-priority tasks while accepting that certain areas may not receive the same level of attention.
Make It Fun If You Want It Done
One of Acuff’s most relatable insights is that goals are easier to achieve when they’re enjoyable. He suggests that people underestimate the importance of enjoyment in goal-setting, often thinking that achieving big goals has to be difficult or unpleasant. Acuff encourages readers to find ways to make the process fun because, as he puts it, “fun is fuel.” Making goals enjoyable increases commitment and reduces the likelihood of giving up.
Professionals can apply this principle by incorporating elements of fun into their work processes. Whether through team-building activities, friendly competitions, or simply allowing for creativity and flexibility in projects, making work enjoyable can increase productivity and morale.
Get Rid of the Secret Rules
Acuff also addresses the “secret rules” people unknowingly follow, which often hold them back. These rules can include unspoken beliefs like “I have to work 24/7 to be successful” or “If I don’t achieve this by a certain age, I’m a failure.” Such mental restrictions limit our potential and often cause unnecessary stress. Acuff encourages readers to identify and challenge these invisible rules, which can free them from self-imposed limitations and open up new possibilities.
In a business context, shedding these secret rules can lead to breakthroughs in performance and confidence. For instance, letting go of the notion that “success means doing it all alone” can empower professionals to seek collaboration and support, often resulting in higher-quality outcomes.
Give Yourself Grace
One of the most refreshing takeaways from Finished is Acuff’s emphasis on self-compassion. He reminds readers that setbacks are a natural part of any process and encourages them not to be too hard on themselves when things don’t go perfectly. This principle is especially impactful in a professional world where failure is often stigmatized. Instead of viewing setbacks as signs of inadequacy, Acuff suggests treating them as learning opportunities that can provide valuable insights for future attempts.
The idea of giving oneself grace can be transformative for both personal and professional development. By shifting the focus from rigid expectations to a mindset that allows room for growth and resilience, individuals can approach their goals with renewed enthusiasm and a willingness to try again.
Conclusion
Jon Acuff’s Finished is a practical and thought-provoking guide that challenges traditional approaches to goal-setting. By advocating for progress over perfection, encouraging fun and flexibility, and teaching readers to prioritize wisely, Acuff offers a refreshing approach to completing goals. This book is a reminder that the path to achievement doesn’t have to be gruelling or defined by impossible standards. Instead, by being realistic, adaptable, and kind to ourselves, we can not only finish what we start but also enjoy the journey along the way.
Whether you’re a professional looking to enhance productivity, an entrepreneur chasing ambitious dreams, or simply someone wanting to follow through on personal aspirations, Finished provides tools and insights to help you succeed. In a world where unfinished projects often pile up, Acuff’s strategies offer a roadmap to completion—and to the joy and satisfaction that come with seeing a goal through to the end.
In the comments let me know what strategies help you to finish your goals.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
What good is having focus if you don’t take any action? Conversely, if you take action without a focus, how will you know you are doing the right things? As you can probably surmise, focus and action go hand in hand.
This is the third blog in this series on taking action to be more productive. Here are the links to the other posts, 3 Secrets to Help You Take Action Now and Reasons Why You Should Become an Action Taker.
The concepts reinforce each other. Suppose you decide that you need to increase sales, or whatever your goal happens to be. You plan out the steps and use them to set your focus. Then, when you execute the plan by taking action, you will learn that your focus was correct. Or, you will learn that it didn’t work out for some reason and that you need to consider alternate plans.
The last sentence of the previous paragraph is important. Not everything you plan will work out and you need to keep that in mind. If you find something isn’t working out, and you don’t believe it is going to get any better, don’t hesitate to find something else. Otherwise, the focus-action loop will get stale, and you will get frustrated. This is a negative reinforcement that will only serve to help you fail.
Failure is part of the process. Your actions should be iterative along with measures of what is happening. It can’t hurt to have alternative plans defined at the beginning of the cycle if that is possible. If not, just determine those alternatives when they make sense.
When you continue in this manner, you will find your focus is more intense. This is because you believe the actions you take will lead you to the desired results and you’ll shift your focus if it doesn’t.
If you need to extend this entire concept to a team, make sure they understand that the possibility of failure exists. This will help you guide them to different paths. Of course, if a few of the team members are not doing their part, this is another path you will need to deal with. These members may not be clear on the benefits of the plan. When that happens, they will lose focus, and they won’t be able to take action. Or, the actions they do take will not coincide with what the team is trying to deliver.
When you approach your goals in this way, you will likely excel at your job or business. You’ll have a renewed sense of purpose and you will bring the business to new heights.
Let’s work together to help you take action on your goals.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
I started this 4 part series with a blog on 3 Secrets to Help You Take Action.
What’s stopping you from taking action? Is it fear? Perhaps you’re waiting for the right break instead of making your opportunities in life. Or maybe you believe you’re not smart or talented enough? These negative beliefs are holding you back.
There’s a reason why so many intelligent people fail. They tend to overthink everything and are often afraid to take risks. If that’s your case, here are some powerful reasons to become an action-taker:
Get Rid of Doubts
If you don’t take action, you’ll keep wondering What if? You will struggle with self-doubt and question your decisions. Taking action builds experience and boosts your confidence. It also allows you to discover new resources and information that will contribute to your success.
Your Time Is Limited
Steve Jobs once said that remembering you’re going to die is the best way to stop thinking you have something to lose. Your time on this earth is limited. You never know what’s going to happen a month or a year from now on.
You might never get a second chance to rent that perfect office space in your area, go to that meeting you’ve been postponing for weeks, or apply for your dream job. Take action today! Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve!
One Thing Leads to Another
Getting started is often the hardest yet the most important step to success. No matter your plans, you must take action to bring them to life.
Once you make that first step, everything else will fall into place. It may or may not work out as you hope, but it will lead to something new. Think of it as an opportunity to grow and learn.
Let’s say you want to apply for a job that sounds perfect for you, but you know you aren’t quite qualified enough. Yes, it’s scary to apply, but what’s really at stake? Even if you don’t get the job, you’ll get practice interviewing for your dream job. You’ll also get feedback on what you need to focus on to get a similar job in the future. When you start taking action, you get results.
Develop Your Skills
Whether your projects succeed or fail, there’s always a chance to learn new things. Taking action will help develop your skills, leading to greater confidence.
The next time you want to take action on a dream, you’ll feel better prepared and have more experience. On top of that, you’ll approach things from a new perspective and won’t repeat the same mistakes.
Please connect with me if you need a supportive hand to start you on your journey.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Some people are just better at taking action than others. At least, that’s how it can often seem when you want to take action but can’t figure out how you should go about it. You can transform yourself from a thinker to a doer using the following three secrets.
1. Stop Waiting For The Perfect Time
The most obvious difference between a thinker and someone who is a doer is that doers don’t worry about waiting for the perfect time. This is because perfection is a myth. There is no such thing as the perfect time. You will always have a full schedule; you will always have other things to do. It is time to accept that there is no time like the present for whatever you wish to accomplish. So stop waiting, and start doing instead.
2. Write Your Plan Down
Many people don’t take action now because they aren’t sure where to start. If your plan is quite large, like a career change, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start. What helps with this is to sit down and make an outline of your plan or goal. Break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Then, start with the first manageable piece that you can do. For the career example listed above, the first step would be to update your resume to apply for new jobs. Seems much more approachable than just thinking you want a new career, right?
3. Overcome Your Fear
Are you afraid to take action now because you don’t think you will be successful? Or maybe you are afraid that you will make mistakes along the way? You aren’t alone. Most people who aren’t doers don’t take action because they are afraid of what could happen. Either way, it’s time to overcome these fears so that you can take action now. And the best way to do this is by recognizing that you are human and that making mistakes is part of life. Don’t worry about thinking you may fail; this is okay too. Remember that all successful people have had failures too. This doesn’t mean they didn’t eventually achieve their dreams! Learn more about the fear of failure and how to overcome it in this article, 11 Ways to Overcome Fear. Author Erica Juras wrote a blog Face Your Dreams . She talks about fear, facing it and how she was able to write a trilogy.
Taking action now can seem like a tall order, but when you have these three secrets up your sleeve, you may find that taking action is easier than you originally thought. So if you have big plans for your life, don’t sit around waiting for them to happen on their own. Take action today and make your dream a reality.
Book an appointment with me to start on your journey to success
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
Many of the things you do each day to reach your goals can be achieved by creating small routines or daily habits that you perform primarily without thinking about it each day. By making your actions routine and, more importantly, a habit, you’ll get more done and not feel like you’re always working.
- Get Hydrated – Start each day with a couple of cups of water. Some people prefer lemon water. You can enjoy it cold or warm depending on the time of the year. Starting off your day hydrated will boost your energy and make it more likely you get to your to-do list.
- Review Your Schedule – As you go through life, you should use a to-do list each day. Before you start your day, glance at your to-do list to get an overview of what you need to do during your day. I plan my schedule the day before. Then, prioritize the items according to my needs in the morning. Sometimes overnight things change.
- Create a Morning Routine – Set up a morning routine for your self-care, which may include taking a shower, making your bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, etc. You may also want to add meditation, do some yoga, or journal in the morning routine. My morning routine starts with a walk, then shower and dressing for the day depending on the type of work I will be doing. Next is breakfast and making my lunch. I am off to my office to look at emails and do some social media marketing. Then my day starts and the To-Do list is important.
- Invest in Your Nutrition – One way to become more productive is to eat right. Your diet is as important as exercising. Eat according to your dietary needs. By prepping your food in advance makes it easier to stick to a plan each day. This is why I pack my lunch at breakfast. If I take my lunch to work with me I am less likely to grab fast food. Some people like to pack their lunch after supper. I also plan 1 week of suppers before I go grocery shopping. I enjoy not having to think about what to make for supper each night.
Plan a menu then build your grocery shopping list.
- Develop a Positive Mindset – Find ways to look at the positive aspects of your life. When you have a positive mindset or outlook, it tends to strengthen your motivation. The motivation usually comes after you take action and focus on the feelings you experience after you take a specific action. That successful experience encourages you to be more positive because you feel more productive and helpful.
- Celebrate Your Victories – When you are successful and accomplish something, find a way to celebrate, no matter how small. You can draw on the experience to motivate you to take more action. Treat yourself to a walk, a trip to the gym, tea or coffee, a warm bath, a hot relaxing shower, a movie or a dance party.
- Segment Your Workday – Don’t work all the time. This is especially important if you work for yourself. The work never ends. Set boundaries. Set specific hours for your workday. Stick to these hours at least 80 percent of the time. Keep in mind that remaining flexible is important. Sometimes working hard is going to be required, but it’s not required every single day.
Each time you add a routine to your day that can be repeated regularly and easily, you are beginning to create a habit. Habits are difficult to stop. This is because they incorporate a trigger and have a rewarding response. This is called conditioning. Set up your triggers to be rewarding so you can trigger yourself to succeed in all areas of life. If you need help developing routines contact julie@mindoverclutter.ca
What routines help you to be productive?
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
There are lots of blogs on this site helping you to organize any space in your home. You are armed with great information to get started but you’re afraid. All the clutter is overwhelming, and makes you feel anxious and stressed, you want to turn away and leave. This is a common response when you decide to make a change. There are many reasons why letting go of things can be difficult. In this article we are going to look at the fear of decision making.
Organized is defined as
- knowing what you have
- having what you need
- knowing where to find items
- finding things when you need them
Keep this definition in mind as you start making decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
Mindset 1: I won’t know I need it until I don’t have it
Instead of worrying about not having something change your mindset to can I:
- Borrow it
- Do it another way
- Buy it again, try applying the minimalist 20/20 rule. If you can replace it in 20 minutes for under $20 it is not worth storing for just in case.
- Is it still useful to me?
- Is it still good? Many things have expiry dates, like food, medications, and cosmetics.
- Is it time to move on from having too much unnecessary stuff and make my life easier?
Instead of thinking about what you might need someday in an abstract way, change your mindset to when did I last use it? When you put your decision into measurable terms it is easier to decide if the item is important.
Mindset 2: I have never been good at making decisions
Taking responsibility for making decisions can be terrifying. I once heard, that even when you fall on your face you are still moving forward. We learn from mistakes and get better at doing things. Change your focus from not making mistakes to taking risks. You will get better at making good decisions:
- Practice makes perfect, as you take risks making decisions, it becomes less frightening and easier each time
- Pick favourites – it is ok not to love everything equally give yourself permission to have favourites and keep those items
- Treasure hunting – don’t focus on what you are giving away focus on what treasures you might find, make it a fun adventure
- Don’t let the past control your future – decide to take control of your space and make the decisions necessary to make your plan a success, you can do it
Don’t get trapped into keeping things for the reasons listed above. Be aware of those thoughts and ideas and when they start to affect your ability to make decisions, STOP. Clear your mind of these thoughts and remember you are good at making decisions to let go of things.
Mindset 3: It takes so much mental energy to make all those decisions
I always tell clients that decluttering and organizing will take mental energy and they will be tired after our session. Plan for needing energy, enthusiasm and excitement towards creating a new space you love that is energizing, creative and comfortable. Change your mindset from I am too tired to do this to, lets get started on this new journey by:
- Setting an amount of time to work that is right for you so you don’t get burned out, increase the amount of time until you can work for 1 hour or longer without feeling overwhelmed
- Decluttering and organizing get easier and take less energy as you get used to the system of sorting and making decisions more quickly
- Do it at your high energy time of day
- Reward yourself when the session is over
- Break the room into smaller bites so each bite is not taxing you to your maximum abilities
Let’s get started,
Take the first step
When you think about decluttering and organizing your home where do you feel tension in your body? Is it in your:
- Stomach
- Shoulder
- Headache
Recognize your reaction, acknowledge it, understand it, relax and move through that feeling of anxiety. You can do it.
Set a plan
- How much time will you spend in a session, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour or longer?
- Which room will you start on? Try starting with the one that is bothering you the most.
- Which part of the room will you do first a drawer, cupboard, or table? Pick a starting point and then move around the room from right to left.
- What questions will you ask yourself to help you decide to keep it or remove it?
Place your unneeded items in a box to be donated or offered to a friend or family member.
Plan the next session
Make an appointment with yourself; the date, time and area to work on to keep up the momentum. The first session may have been hard and short. Practice makes perfect and makes it easier to let go of things. In each session, you will make more progress as you have a plan to follow and you are able to work longer.
Reward yourself
Big or small, reward yourself for overcoming your fear and successfully removing some items from your home. You’re still alive, you survived and you did it.
Need some support or guidance for your project
There are 3 ways I can help you:
Book a virtual organizing appointment and we can do it together. I’ll be there with you watching you through your computer, phone or tablet and helping you with the process. https://mindoverclutter.ca/virtual-organizing-services/
If you’re having trouble making changes to your home book a coaching appointment to discuss how to reduce your fears with making changes. https://mindoverclutter.as.me/organizingsession
If you live in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada book an in person session for us to work together in your home. https://mindoverclutter.ca/contact/
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
I had a number of questions submitted to me about how to create joy in your home. Here are my answers. I hope you enjoy them. Please send me more questions or place your thoughts in the comments about creating joy at home.
How does tidying up a home help create joy?
Tidying up so you can find what you want, when you want it, use it to accomplish your task and know where to put it away relieves, stress, tension and frustration. It also uses less energy to complete your work, leaving more energy, physical and emotional, for other parts of your life. Feeling less anxious and overwhelmed makes room in your life for happiness and joy because you have time to spend on the important things, health, relationships and personal growth.
How can you use the idea of a happiness shrine to help someone have more joy and help reduce clutter?
A “happiness shrine” or “pride shrine” in a home is a shelf/wall space/corner used to display items that serve no utilitarian purpose but to make you feel happy. I have a space in my office where I post 1 picture from some vacations with my family and a small shelf for interesting items, that remind me of my successes. This corner certainly makes me smile with many memories. People need to decide which things are significant to them by having a designated, limited, personal space for sentimental items. It allows other areas in the home to be organized purposefully reducing distracting clutter in the commonly used areas. Give each member of the home a “pride shine” area and remember what is in your shrine can change and evolve to reflect your life’s past, present and future.
How can someone organize their running shoes and workout gear in an attractive way where they are visible but don’t wind up in piles on the floor?
Exercise is one of many ways to help increase your mental wellness. People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise A study showed that people are more likely to exercise or make healthy habits if they can see their workout gear. Goals and habits are easier to accomplish if you are intentional about your plan, and set a day and time to exercise. Organize your sneakers and workout gear on a shelf so you can see them when you enter your room or open the closet. A shoe or pocket organizer hung on the inside of a door will also work well. Roll your exercise gear, shorts, tops, warm-up pants, warm-up tops, running jacket, etc and place each item in a pocket. It will make it easy to see your workout gear as well as limit the amount of gear you purchase. Don’t forget to put the shoes in one of the pockets too. A drawer may keep your gear hidden from your view but if you prefer using a drawer also put items in the drawer that you use every day so you will continue to notice your workout gear daily.
Books bring joy to many people. How can we tidy up our book collections?
Books are such a personal topic. Some people read a book once and donate it to their library while it is current and in good shape. Other people like to be reminded of the stories they have read and so keep books just to remember them. Still, other people like to have beautiful picture style books and enjoy them as entertainment, like watching a movie. Lastly, people like them as reference books on topics they have studied or want to learn about. Think about why you have books and if they still serve you well. Perhaps you can check out books from the library, download books, share books or trade books to reduce the number of books you own but still be able to enjoy them. If you have more books than you can display on shelves in your home, I think you have too many. Books that are kept in boxes can’t be used, enjoyed or experienced. Reducing the clutter of owning boxes of books, reduces the time and energy spent on thinking and worrying about what to do with them. It frees up time to spend on the things that are important to you now and it frees up space.
How does donating unused or unwanted items help to create its own sense of joy?
Donating unused or unwanted items creates a sense of helping others. Your items can be used to help raise money for community causes, give to charities to help people, and develop relationships with organizations to make the world a better place for everyone. We are so privileged to have enough to share with others. Your sense of joy may come from protecting the environment by keeping useful items out of landfills, by sharing your wealth to support people and projects locally or globally, and by being an example for others to follow. Joy comes in many forms.
Let me know in the comments how you bring joy into your home.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually over Zoom. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. Julie can coach you to break-free of the physical or emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
January is usually the time for goal setting, however it can be done at any time. You might want to set goals for a month or quarter of the year or the entire year. Take a moment to think about things you might want to improve in your life. Before you stop reading I want to present three ways of setting goals. Decide which one will work for you.
Pick one area and improve it
I am a person who is motivated by a fear of failure, I don’t want to fail, so I am cautious. My system of setting goals is to look at my business or life and see where I think could be improved, and what types of skills I need to improve so my business or life will improve. I pick one thing and then work on it all year to get better at it. For example, I wouldn’t say I liked social media so I decided to start working at becoming better at it and setting up a system that works for my day and philosophy about the importance of social media. I picked a platform, got good at it and continued to add more and more platforms. I organized workshops on Twitter and Google Business, I listened to webinars. A vague plan works for me because I am self-motivated, I am not a procrastinator. I read an interesting article by Ravi Venkatesan about the importance of learning new things, “What skill will you acquire this year? What new activity will you start?” Perhaps learning to play a new instrument, going on an adventure or taking on a new role- anything that causes you to move out of your comfort zone. Pick a goal that challenges you at about a level 5 out of 10. If you are too fearful you will panic and not start. Choose a goal that challenges you and allows new neural connections to form. That would be a good goal for this year.
S.M.A.R.T Goals
Set goals that you can attain
That vague framework of deciding what you want to do to improve your business or life would not for everyone. We are all different. So there is a goal-setting system called SMART. You pick a specific goal with measurable outcomes, that are achievable, realistic, and have timely outcomes. When you use this system of goal setting it gives you a step by step plan to follow. For example with my social media goal, if it had been a SMART goal, would be something like
I will learn how to post on Facebook,
S (specific) – I will post 3 times a week, one original content, one picture, and one comment on someone else’s post
M(measurable) – Did I post 3 times/week?
A (achievable) – I have that much time in my week
R(realistic) – If I only have to do it 3 times a week I will not become frustrated and stop
T(timely)- I have 3 mornings a week when I can do these posts. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
This will work for some people who like to have a step by step plan and follow it. It can cause problems if people stop following the plan. They may give up and not start again or some people may feel like it is too rigid. Set your goal and keep trying to do it, that is the only way you will get better at it.
Turn desire into intention
Be intentional about your plan
I read an article that reveals a simple trick that doubles the chance for success in obtaining goals. Earlier I commented on what motivates me. Sometimes we say, I need to motivate myself to get working on…., In this article, it says motivation is not the key to reaching your goals it is intention.
A study in the British Journal of Health Psychology divided 248 adults into 3 exercise groups.
- Group 1 had to record how often they exercised during a 3 week period
- Group 2 was told “Most young adults who have stuck to a regular exercise program have found it to be very effective in reducing their chances of developing coronary heart disease. ” ( motivation to exercise) and had to record how often they exercised during a 3 week period
- Group 3 recorded when and where they would exercise (intention to exercise), they were given the same motivation as Group 2 and they recorded how often they exercised during a 3 week period
Results
- Control group 1 38% exercised at least once per week
- The motivated group 2 35% exercised at least once per week
- The intentional group 3 91% exercised at least once per week
We all have some level of desire or willpower or motivation but what turns desire into action is a written plan for implementation. When you have a goal to do something, record when and how you will do that behaviour or activity. It will be the environment that triggers you to do your new behaviour or activity and not motivation or will power. This year I used the intention method to become better at making videos.
- Every morning for 30 days I made a video of 1 minute or less and sent it to a friend. It was not edited and most of the time there was only one take, no practice videos. The when of the intention was at 8 am and the who of the intention, was a friend who expected to receive a video.
- Step 2 was 30 days of videos on Instagram Stories. It was usually at 8:15 am but sometimes it was at another time in the day when I was getting dressed up for a meeting.
- Step 3 was 30 days on Facebook Live.
The level of challenge increases with each step. It is a great way to become better at doing video. How would you use this system of setting goals?
These are just 3 systems
- Having an all-encompassing vision or
- Setting SMART goals or
- Intentionally decide when you will do something and block off time
that can help you establish new behaviours to accomplish a goal for 2024. Pick the one that works for you.
Set goals to help you move out of your comfort zone, learn new skills and grow. Share on X
When you hire me, I don’t have the Mind over Clutter organizing system, implement it and then be done. I discuss what is working for you and how you do things so I can find solutions that work for how you think, feel and your lifestyle. I want you to accomplish your organizing project so you meet your goals.
Now I would like to hear from you:
What strategy from today’s post are you going to try first?
Maybe I didn’t mention your favourite way to set goals.
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Want help in 2024 to get your Mind and Space Organized, join my Facebook group full of free tips
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually over Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook –Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
My guest blogger this month is Melissa Knowles a passionate writer and expert in de-cluttering sentimental items. With a background in psychology and a love for preserving memories, she combines her knowledge to help readers cherish their past without the chaos. When not writing, Melissa enjoys hiking and capturing the beauty of nature through her photography.
Often, organizing sentimental items presents a unique challenge. These treasures, rich with personal history and emotions, can quickly accumulate, leading to a cluttered space that overshadows their proper value. The key lies in striking a balance between holding onto those precious memories and maintaining a tidy, peaceful living area. We will address this issue, guiding you through practical strategies to preserve memories without clutter. Whether you’re dealing with a box full of old photographs, heirlooms passed down through generations, or souvenirs from travels, we’ll provide insights on managing these items thoughtfully.
Understanding sentimental value
What makes an item sentimental varies considerably from person to person. It could be a family antique, a trip souvenir, or a simple note, each carrying its own story and emotional weight. These items connect us to memories of important people or events, making them invaluable. The emotional attachment to these keepsakes is deep-rooted, often evoking a sense of nostalgia, joy, pain or comfort. However, objectively evaluating their sentimental value is crucial to avoid clutter. It involves asking yourself hard questions about each item’s significance and role. Does it bring joy or merely take up space? Is its emotional significance still powerful, or has it faded over time? How many items do you need to remember the event or person? Are there other ways to keep the memory alive without holding onto a physical item? Do these items hold you in the past and letting go of them will help you to move forward with your life? Answering these questions can help distinguish between valuable keepsakes and mere clutter, enabling a healthier, more organized living space.
The art of selective keeping
The art of selective keeping is about making conscious choices on what to hold onto and what to release. Being selective ensures that each kept item truly resonates with personal significance, creating a decluttered and organized space. Here’s how you can determine what’s worth keeping:
- Emotional Connection: Does the item evoke positive emotions? Keep those that bring joy or comfort.
- Uniqueness: Prioritize items that cannot be replaced or replicated, like handmade gifts or family heirlooms.
- Usage: Consider if the item is something you use or enjoy regularly. Practicality can be a form of sentimentality.
- Condition: Keep items in good condition, as damaged goods often contribute to clutter.
Creative display options
Creatively displaying sentimental items can transform them from clutter to charming decor elements. These treasures can add a personal touch to your living space, telling your unique story. Create a themed gallery wall where photos, souvenirs, and artworks can narrate a cohesive story. Shadow boxes are another excellent option, perfect for showcasing smaller items with depth and protection.
Incorporating keepsakes into functional decor is both artistic and practical. A vintage quilt, for example, could serve as a striking wall hanging or a cozy throw. Similarly, you can use heirloom dishes for special occasions or display them in a glass cabinet, adding elegance and history to your dining area. Lastly, arranging items in groups of three or five can create a balanced, visually appealing display. This method, known as the ‘Rule of Odds,’ suggests that an odd number of items are more effective at capturing attention and adding visual interest.
Create a small personal area in your home office, bedroom or kitchen to display a few times on a shelf and wall that represent the memories that are most precious in your life. As you work in that space these memories will help you to reflect on the past and bring a sense of gratitude that your life is full of wonderful things and experiences motivating you to become the person you want to be. As you grow and your life evolves change the items that are on display. Life is not static.
Digitize to declutter
Digital preservation saves space, protects from degradation, and allows easy sharing. Here’s a guide to digitizing photos and documents:
- Select the Right Equipment: Use a scanner or a high-quality camera to capture clear images of your items.
- Organize Before Scanning: Sort items by categories, like dates or events, for more manageable digital filing.
- Scan at High Resolution: Ensure scanned images are high quality to preserve details. Use a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch).
- Edit and Enhance: Use photo editing software to adjust brightness, contrast, or remove blemishes.
For digital storage, consider virtual organizers and these tools:
- Cloud Storage Services: Options like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud offer secure and accessible storage solutions.
- Online Photo Services: Websites like Flickr or SmugMug provide dedicated photo storage with organizing features.
- Document Management Software: Ideal for organizing digital copies of important documents, with added features like tagging and search functions.
Themed memory boxes
Memory boxes are a delightful and organized way to preserve special memories. They are containers where you can store various keepsakes relating to a particular theme, event, person, or period. Organizing events like weddings, vacations, or significant birthdays allows you to group related items, creating a concentrated snapshot of that time. Yearly boxes are another option. They are a time capsule for all the notable happenings and small joys each year.
For proper storage and labelling of these boxes:
- Choose the Right Box: Opt for durable boxes. To truly protect the contents from damage, quality materials can help. If you live in a cold area like Toronto, you don’t want precious things to get damaged due to the changing weather. Doing this will make buying packing supplies in Toronto a good investment.
- Keep Them Accessible but Safe: Store the boxes in a dry, cool place where you can easily reach them.
- Document the Contents: Make a list of what’s inside each box, especially those containing numerous or small items
The power of repurposing
Repurposing sentimental items is a creative way to preserve memories without clutter. This approach allows us to honour the past while adapting to current needs and spaces. For instance, a beloved but worn dress can find new life as a stylish cushion cover, adding a personal touch to your home decor. Similarly, old concert t-shirts, often tucked away in drawers, can be transformed into a unique quilt, combining nostalgia with everyday usefulness.
Other examples include:
- Turning old letters or recipes into framed artwork for your kitchen or living area.
- Repurposing children’s artwork into coasters or magnets, keeping their creativity on display.
- Converting a collection of travel postcards into a collage for a coffee table or a wall hanging.
Find a balance between preserving these items’ sentimental value and adapting them into practical, usable objects.
Preserve memories without clutter by sharing and donating
Sharing sentimental items with family and friends can be a touching experience, strengthening bonds and preserving unique memories while creating an organized home at the same time. It’s about passing on a piece of history and personal story, allowing others to cherish and add to the legacy of these items. For example, giving a cherished book to a friend who loves reading or passing down a vintage jewelry piece to a family member can extend the life and stories of these items. Donating items, especially those with historical or educational value, is another fulfilling option. Museums, schools, or historical societies often welcome items that contribute to their collections and educational programs.
Conclusion
This guide has provided actionable tips on how to preserve memories without clutter. We explored the essence of sentimental value, the art of selective keeping, and creative ways to display cherished items. The core message is clear: preserving memories does not require a compromise on living in a clutter-free space. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that honour your past and current lifestyle. With these strategies, you will transform your home into a space that beautifully reflects your memories and keeps them alive without clutter.
Share in the comments how you decide which sentimental items to keep and which ones to pass along.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
My guest blogger is Lise Fitzsimmons a Registered Psychotherapist. Visit her website lise fitzsimmons therapy.
In the chaotic whirlwind of our modern lives, where demands pull us in countless directions and obligations seem never-ending, it’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. This is where the art of setting boundaries comes into play, serving as a powerful tool for regaining control, fostering balance, and reclaiming precious time and energy. Whether it’s in your personal relationships, work environment, or daily routines, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries can be the key to achieving not only greater organization but also enhanced well-being and fulfillment. Enjoy this journey of self-discovery and empowerment as you delve into the profound importance of setting boundaries to transform your life.
What are boundaries:
- Boundaries are rules or guidelines that tell others how we want to be treated
- It’s what is acceptable and what is not
- It sets acceptable limits
Some potential reasons you have trouble setting boundaries:
- you fear being mean
- you fear being rude
- you’re a people pleaser
- you’re anxious about future interactions after a boundary has been set
- you feel powerless
- you get your value from helping others
- you have no clue where to start
Why you want to learn how to set boundaries:
- you’re afraid to say no and don’t want to disappoint people
- you don’t speak up when you want something or when you’re being mistreated
- you frequently feel angry, resentful or overwhelmed
- you don’t communicate your expectations to others
- you don’t make time for self-care
- you feel guilty when you set limits or do things for yourself
- you make commitments that you later regret
- you’re frequently overscheduled, rushed, or tired
- you do things out of obligation rather than because you want to
- you don’t spend enough quality time with people you care about
- you don’t have a strong sense of who you are and what your values, interests, and goals are
- you’re tuned in to how other people feel, but you don’t always know how you feel
- you accept blame for things you didn’t do or couldn’t control
- you enable others to be irresponsible by doing things for them that they can do for themselves
- Relationships work best when we’re clear about expectations and needs.
- Without boundaries, people take advantage of you because you haven’t set limits about how you want to be treated
The benefits of setting healthy boundaries:
- more compassion
- greater assertiveness
- your needs are met
- less anger and resentment
- time and energy to do things that nourish you and bring you joy
- less conflict in relationships
- improved communication
- greater self-esteem
- less anxiety and stress
- increased confidence
- feeling understood and accepted by friends and family
If you are feeling guilty about setting boundaries – here are some reminders:
- it’s healthy for you to have boundaries
- other people have boundaries you respect
- setting boundaries is a sign of a healthy relationship
- if boundaries ruin the relationship, it was on the cusp of ending anyway
Common ways people respond when you share your boundaries:
- pushback
- test your limits
- ignoring
- rationalizing and questioning
- defensiveness
- ghosting
- silent treatment
- acceptance
How to set a boundary:
- Step 1 – communicate your needs. Be clear. Be gracious.
- Step 2 – uphold what you communicate through your behaviour – follow through
- boundaries are worthless if you don’t provide feedback and consequences
Taking care of yourself looks like this:
- setting manageable expectations around caring and being present for others
- maintaining your mental health
- operating in your role as child instead of parent to your parents
- operating in your role as sibling instead of parent to your siblings
- asking for what you need
- spending holidays doing things that you enjoy
- giving people the space to care for themselves
- figuring out who you are separately from what you were made to believe about yourself
- talking about feelings
- allowing yourself to feel pleasure
- being gentle with yourself
Resources
- Glover Tawwab, Nedra. 2021. Set Boundaries, Find Peace
- Martin, Sharon.2021. The Better Boundaries Workbook
Setting boundaries is a crucial skill that enables individuals to establish limits and define their personal space, both in relationships and daily life. These boundaries serve as a protective shield, safeguarding mental and emotional well-being while promoting healthier interactions. By clearly articulating what is acceptable and what isn’t, setting boundaries fosters self-respect and respect from others, allowing individuals to prioritize their needs, reduce stress, and create a more organized and balanced existence. It is a fundamental tool for personal growth and improved quality of life.
Share your experiences in the comments about setting boundaries in your life.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
