1. The Pile on the Counter. We all have that pile of papers on the counter or kitchen table. It usually takes the form of old bank statements, bills, junk mail, school handouts, etc. Don’t worry about putting all of it away or filing important papers. Just pull 1, 2, or 3 pieces out that you can trash right now.
2. The Shelf in the Hall Closet. Everyone’s got the “scary” closet. You know which one I mean. Go to it now and toss 1, 2, or 3 items. A corollary to this one is to go to your wardrobe closet and, without asking yourself why you wanted those paisley pants to begin with, just toss them. And then the Hawaiian shirt that’s missing two buttons, and the chartreuse culottes you still have from high school. In other words, if you haven’t worn it in six months, you’re not going to. Seek and destroy!
3. The Garage. In almost every garage in the Western Hemisphere, you’ll find extra junk that can be tossed. Get rid of an ancient and/or broken kitchen appliance, those extra cables and cords in a heap in the corner, or that duct-taped box marked “1992.”
4. The Nightstand. The flashlight with the corroded battery compartment? Throw it out. The church bulletins from the Clinton (Bill, I mean) Administration? Shred ‘em. That ticket stub from “Jackass, The Movie?” Well, we’ll talk later about how you could waste your time and money, but my point is: you don’t need this crap. Get rid of it.
5. The Bathroom. Old razors, frayed toothbrushes, ripped wash cloths, the ruins of old bars of Dove, burned-out candles, empty shampoo and conditioner bottles, or bath toys from when your college graduate was a toddler and the only thing he or she studied was made by Fisher-Price. Out. They. Go.
We all feel a little more peaceful and relaxed when we give ourselves more wiggle room. But don’t stress yourself out by saying, “I have to organize the entire kitchen” or “I can’t stop until the garage is cleaned.”
Just pick 1, 2, or 3 pieces and start there.
Then do the same thing tomorrow.
And then the next day.
Because if you toss an old bill or an unused tube of toothpaste or a bath toy every chance you get, before you know it, you’ll have room for that home theater or built-in swimming pool.
I’m only kidding.
You may not even like movies or swimming. TZT
*Another time, I’ll show you how to do the same thing in your classroom.