From flinging things last week to developing routines this week, I feel the clutter clearing process unfolding in a simple and straightforward way. The transition from last week to this week in Dana’s Clutter-Free with ADHD program was natural and easy to follow.
What I’m discovering is that with my focused effort on clearing clutter, I am able to shift mentally by visualizing neat, and now I am moving from my typical clutter shame and overwhelm towards the simple steps of developing a routine.
Mentally Preparing
Dana recommended I mentally prepare for clutter clearing by visualizing neat, a method that moves me from visualizing an area without clutter to noticing the clutter and then, finally to getting rid of the clutter. Combined that with ROWing each day as I spend 15 minutes focusing on ROUTINE ORGANIZING WORK, and I’m making progress.
Self-Acceptance & Altering Habits
Admittedly, I’m not perfect, one day last week I found myself hiding papers in my classroom closet before I led a committee meeting. Another day, I had to leave earlier than usual to pick up my kids, and I left out my end of the day ROW.
Altering habits requires me to change on two levels: mentally and physically. The mental shift is central to change; instead of beating myself up about the clutter I leave behind or the day where I slip up, I accept it without excuses. Then, I move forward. The day after I left early I came in the next morning and made up for what I didn’t do the previous afternoon. A few piles of papers are still hiding in my closet, but I’ll conquer those soon by letting the mess bother me as I visualize a neat closet. Then, I’ll take the steps necessary to clean the abysmal closet.
Routine Organization Work
ROWing enables me to avoid mountains of clutter forming all over my world. At work, I’ve tied my daily organizing work to a time of transition when I re-enter my classroom after bus duty at the end of the day. Throughout the day I visualize a neat classroom, and at the end of the day when I return from my duty station, I clear my mind by turning on upbeat music. Then, I set a timer for 15 minutes, and I conquer the clutter in my classroom. The best part really isn’t that moment at the end of the day. The best part is the next morning when I walk into my classroom and wonder if I’m in the wrong room.
Transformation
This clutter clearing work is proving to be transformative because I already find myself noticing and taking care of the little things like a stray paperclip on the floor or an out of place stack of papers. I also find myself seeking homes for the stuff I frequently use — homes that are easily accessible and habit forming. I look forward to building my clutter clearing muscle more each week — from 27 flings to visualizing neat to developing routine — I’m on my way!
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