Spring has sprung and I wish I could say these beautiful blooms are residing in my garden, but alas, winter, not aware of the calendar, is too slowly releasing its grasp on the North Coast. I am confident though that within the month spring flowers will be blooming somewhere along the shores of Lake Erie. Where ever and when ever those spring blossoms burst forth for you, I wish for you the opportunity to enjoy those all too brief blooms.
Clutter unfortunately can steal away our time to enjoy things such as the first blooms of spring. Before your mind’s eye focuses in on those piles you have on your dining room table or the maze that is your basement, take note that clutter comes in more than one form. While much attention is given to reducing the physical clutter in people’s lives, the clutter I often find most detrimental to my clients is Commitment Clutter. Too many commitments leads to stress, frustration and not having time to get things done around the house which in turn results in physical clutter. A leading cause of Commitment Clutter is the inability to say no to opportunities and requests.
I recall a client sharing with me how much more in control of her life she was because of a coaching discussion we had, in which she agreed to say “no” sometimes so that she could make time to nurture herself. In the course of a few short months, she learned to say “no” to certain requests and opportunities and was experiencing firsthand the huge difference extra “self time” was making in her life.
I know first hand what a difference reducing the number of commitments in my life has made over the past year – much less stress, more time to relax and connect with the people who matter most, and even time to enjoy those spring blooms. Instead of saying yes to every “great” opportunity that comes my way, I’m considering opportunities in light of what I consider essential and in light of my current life focus of relationships. Like my client, I’ve learned the benefits of committing to less and as a result am no longer struggling with Commitment Clutter like I used to.
This spring, what might reducing your Commitment Clutter and doing less make possible for you?
p.s. If the idea of doing less intrigues you I invite you to check out this posting by Leo Babauta, of Zen Habits – Do Less: A Short Guide.