5 Ways to Declutter Your Mind

When we think of decluttering, we often think of tossing out or giving away unwanted items. But decluttering our minds is also necessary for effective organization. Here are 5 ways to declutter your mind:

1. Let it go.
You are in control of your mind, and only you can determine whether you're going to be happy today, or aggravated and annoyed. Most things that aggravate us aren't devastating. It's the small things that can drive you mad--a dripping faucet, a snide remark someone makes, discovering you're out of milk, etc. In these types of cases, heed the old saying, 'don't cry over spilt milk.' It's ok if it bothers you for a moment, but if you let it bother you all day long, you're taking up unnecessary space in your mind and causing yourself unnecessary stress.

2. Ease your To Do list.
A long To Do list could be both stressful and overwhelming. Take a look at your list and determine what can be eliminated. Could you have said 'No,' to certain tasks or meetings? Have you asked yourself if everything you're doing each day is truly necessary? Very often, we get into a habit of doing something, just because that's the way we've always done it. If your mind is always filled with thoughts of EVERYTHING that must be done, it's time to ease your mind and free up your list.

3. Get it out of your head.
With the abundance of paper, writing instruments and computers these days, it's amazing how many people insist on keeping everything they have to do stored in their brains. Take the weight off your head, and write it down. If it's on paper, you don't have to remember. The paper remembers for you.

4. Tell them to go away.
If you're getting interrupted every 5 minutes by your telephone, friends, co-workers and other distractions, your mind is probably ready to explode. Interruptions cause an extreme amount of stress, and they cause productivity to plummet. Have your answering machine, or an assistant, field your calls while you're trying to get something done. Close your office door. Tell your kids that a certain room--a room you designate as your haven for getting things done--is off limits for a minimum of an hour each day. Create checklists for your employees, so they know how to do their jobs and can find things without interrupting you. Remember, you have the power to stop the constant interruptions.

5. One simple word--simplify.
Get rid of things you don't need. You'd be truly amazed at the things you could live without! Ease your schedule.
Learn to say 'No.' Re-think the things that are taking up hours of your time--buy clothes that don't have to be taken to the dry cleaners, buy all your groceries in one supermarket, make meals you can cook in 30 minutes or less, figure out how your computer can do something for you, rather than you doing it manually, and so on. You'll be simplifying your thoughts and your life!

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak and E-zine, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now! Web site.