Coaching Corner: Are you buried in mental clutter?
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
This week, there was a consistent issue with my clients around mental clutter. What I mean by that is the constant chatter that goes on in your head. “I need to ___________. Oh my, I forgot to ___________. I don't have enough time/money/fun or __________.
We can easily grasp the importance of clearing out our physical clutter from our homes, offices and cars but the concept of our mounting mental clutter will allude even the neatest of us!
So what is the answer to cleaning up this type of clutter? Today, let's look at some solutions that may assist you in this clean up endeavor:
- Ideas -- When you have an idea float into your awareness, write it down! Put a system in place that allows you to do this -- you can keep a notebook handy or use your smartphone. You can also record it but I have not found this to be as effective. If you do choose to record your ideas, transfer them to your notebook as soon as you can. We are all going to have ideas, some better and more exciting than others. If you get them out of your head and down on paper, you will be able to revisit them to determine if they are worth pursuing.
- Judgements -- There may be thoughts of judgement towards others, a situation, or even yourself that come into your awareness. When this happens, notice the judgement, and more importantly, do not go into self judgement because you have a negative thought about someone or something. Hmmm, that is curious -- I notice my is coming out. I wonder why I feel that judgement at this time? Get curious!!!!
- Shoulds & Need To's -- Oh these are plentiful indeed! Hearing these words will be your clue to check in! I should generate more business, is an example. Ask yourself what it is that you want. The should in our lives can be many. They may be self shoulds, family shoulds, societal shoulds, religious shoulds...they can originate from many places. The trick is to check out with yourself the desire around this particular action.
I think we will stop there for now -- these are great beginnings to living without mental clutter! When you can do this, your beautiful mind will be free to expand in the unlimited ways it is meant to do! Keep it easy and simple!
