If you haven’t read Tip #1, do that now and then return here to continue reading.
Okay, so maybe you’re well entrenched in your sorting routine. You’ve decided to adopt the “sort into three piles method” — one for things you want to keep, another for things you want to donate, and still another for things you want to discard.
It’s the third pile I want to focus on — the pile you want to discard. This is where the money angle enters the picture. You might be thinking, “I can sell this stuff on eBay,” or “I’m going to have a garage sale this weekend.”
Both are great ideas and they’ll likely generate some cash for you. When you earn money from selling your stuff, you’ll feel great — but it’s going to be short-lived. Why? Because likelier than not, you’re going to spend that money buying more stuff! The cycle will continue. At least until you break it.
What’s your motive?
Let’s consider the “why” which I covered in Tip #1. It always goes back to why you’re doing something. Getting rid of stuff you don’t need is wonderful. Earning money as a result of that is even better. But if you’re going to continue your habit of buying things you really don’t need or want, then it’s all for naught.
You need to delve a little deeper. What are you motives for acquiring stuff? Is it to fill up a sense of emptiness or loss in your life? Is it rooted in the fear of missing out? Is it related to self-esteem issues? Or, does it relate to feelings of lack or not having enough? Many habits are deeply entangled in money messages you adopted in childhood.
Here are some questions to help you unearth your “why” …
- Why did I buy this item?
- What need did it fulfill for me?
- Did I really need this item?
- What was the tipping point that made me buy this and how important is that to me today?
- What would life had been like if I hadn’t bought this item?
- What do I already have that could have fulfilled the same need for me?
- Did I ever use this item? How did I use it? How often did I use it?
What joy or usefulness did this bring to my life? - Is this a priority for me? Is there something more important in my life I should be focusing on?
- What would my life be like if I never bought this in the first place?
- How can I be grateful for what I have?
Examining your motives for why you do things will reveal much about why you do what you do. It will open your eyes to your truth around accumulating stuff, and, hopefully, reduce your desire to buy more things you really don’t need or really want.
I encourage you to review these questions periodically. Focus on appreciating what you already have, spending less on stuff, and, if you do sell any of your things, save that money rather than investing it in more stuff!
Stay tuned for more tips about decluttering.
Clutter can stand in the way of accomplishing your dreams. It can keep you stuck in your business, stalled in your career, or miserable in your home. It doesn’t need to be that way. There’s a way out and you don’t need to find it alone.
If you’re ready to declutter your life so you can free up your mind and energy to pursue your heart’s desire, let’s chat!
Next Steps …
Lighten your life and your load. Find out how working with a coach can help you create a path forward that activates your gifts and talents, energizes your soul, and aligns you with your life purpose.
Make yourself a priority! Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me a note at https://www.tarahelpdesk.com and we’ll schedule time to talk. The only way to get things done is by taking action. The time to start is now!
Best,
Tara Alexandra Kachaturoff
Coaching entrepreneurs since 2002
Michigan Entrepreneur TV: Creator, Producer, Host
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