I've always stayed away from the topic of clutter - we have heard it all before. Yet, I've noticed something that I want to share and have you do the experiment as well and then share what happens for you. We always think that we are the only ones who have a certain experience and then we find out 'everyone else' has a similar experience.
What happens when we remove a book from our bookshelves? There's a space for a brief time. In a short while, another book has taken its place.
Years ago I worked with a client who had major clutter - particularly in his office. Rather than spend time on how he should clean up and get organized, we examined why he had so much clutter.
We discovered that it was his subconscious way of guaranteeing that his business wouldn't really take off. He had an old message in his head from his father that he should be a successful businessman. His fear of disappointing his father was so great that he self-sabotaged his chances for success by keeping a cluttered office.
We carry fear that we won't be won't be able to handle future challenges. Clutter can be comforting because it acts as a buffer between us and reality. People who are able to live without clutter trust themselves to make good choices.
If you lack confidence, then hanging onto clutter can keep you from achieving your vision.
Getting rid of things usually means accepting or coming to terms with something we don't necessarily want to face.
Examples: Getting rid of books and magazines we don't have time to read means accepting that we will never have enough time or attention to explore every topic that's of interest to us. Getting rid of not worn or old clothing forces us to accept that we made poor buying decisions or our size has changed.
If you grew up with very frugal parents who taught you not to be wasteful, getting rid of items that are still useful may trigger feelings of guilt.
Hoarding is a psychological problem and stems from a scarcity mentality of not believing that you will have what you need or have enough.
Some people throw out just about everything which is another extreme. There is a balance between saving some items, papers, momentos that makes sense. It's when you go overboard and can't bear to throw anything away, piles accumulate, and clutter takes over. Each time you have to 'step over' a pile or look at piles of laundry or toys, it is an energy drain (often subtle).
Clearing out your clutter creates space for possibility. It can create a relaxed and energized feeling. That's why it can be so daunting. Suddenly there are no more excuses for why things don't progress or change the way you would like.
Reducing your clutter and paying attention to your surroundings may actually provide a feeling of control of your life and your environment. You might even experience more confidence in your abilities and decisions.
Consistently over the years when I finally make a decision to clean up a pile, or get rid of all the papers for shredding, or clean out a drawer, or throw away something I no longer use.... ONLY with the intention of cleaning up (no other motive behind it), many new things come into my life. I did a major office 'clutter cleanup' of paper piles and an old computer, and shortly thereafter, my September class was sold out with a waiting list. I've gotten several inquiries from potential coaching clients and got three new people for the mentor groups.
None of this would have happened if... Ah! The experiment....
INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT
Is that really true that it would not have happened if I hadn't cleaned up some piles? I tend to believe there is a cause and effect. I would LOVE it if you would try this and let me know if there's truth to it.
That is, when we make room, something new comes into our life.....
Resource: Stephanie Roberts - Fastfengshui.com
Very best regards,
marion@lifecoachinggroup.com
(c) 2004-10. All rights reserved. Marion Franklin, www.lifecoachinggroup.com
Comments? Feedback? lllfeedback@lifecoachinggroup.com
P.S. If you enjoyed this issue, I'd love it if you'd spread the word. Do so by forwarding this to a friend and inviting them to subscribe at the Life's Little Lessons link. Thank you for continuing to read Life's Little Lessons TO READ PAST ISSUES Past Issues (Highly recommended)
Any relationship conflicts you want to discuss: family? friend? co-worker? boss? employee? Take advantage of a 30-minute complimentary phone "RELATIONSHIP MAKEOVER" discussion around any area of your life where you are feeling challenged.
*NOTEWORTHY* -- **NEW: Advanced Coach Training: Insider Secrets to Mastery Designed for experienced coaches who want to master and hone coaching skills while gaining even more confidence.**Advanced Coach Training: Insider Secrets to Mastery**
NOW 12 ICF CREDITS TOWARDS RENEWAL or CERTIFICATION -- LIMITED to 10 spots!!
Class material and practice of each principle taught by Marion Franklin, MCC and Nina East, IAC-CC (Former Lead Certifier for IAC). Together, we have 30+ years of experience to share with you.
If you want to go beyond the ordinary - and become an extraordinary coach
NOT YET READY for prime-time - Check it out after Sept. 5 "Advanced Coach Training: Insder Secrets to Mastery" 6 sessions of 2-hour classes including practice plus one optional bonus class may be a great choice for you.
The program is limited to 10 people at a time for HIGHLY individualized and customized attention and is very affordably priced so that it's easy to say 'yes.' For lots of details WAIT UNTIL SEPT. 5 to visit the website :
Advanced Coach Training BUT IN THE MEANTIME......
First group: Late September/1st week October - This will sell out - so Reserve IMMEDIATELY by contacting me to be placed on the list when the website details are revealed.
Coach With Confidence! -- Practicum Mentor Group**
6 ICF Core Competencies CEU's for every month of attendance
*N O W - 2 Mentor GROUPS -- ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS
COACHING MENTOR PRACTICUM GROUPS
Newer coaches and/or ACC, PCC (working towards or RENEWAL): Wednesdays at 1pm ET (4pm PT) or 8:30pm ET (5:30pm PT)
Ways to build your confidence and coaching skills:
JOIN the group and stay for as little as 4 weeks or as long as you like - 6 ICF CEUs per 4 sessions (Only $100 per month)
-*-Want a place to share your client challenges and ask questions?
-*-Feeling a bit insecure about your coaching?
-*-Need a safe place to practice and get supervision?
-*-Want to keep deepen and lengthen client relationships?
Contact me or click this link for details.