The Practical Solution to Your
Chaos...One Bite at a Time
Don't be overwhelmed by the clutter, chaos and enormity of your project. Take small bites, sort of like eating that scrumptious chocolate decadence cake, one bite at a time.
- First bite: Take control of at least one thing today
- Jot down on a piece of paper, two things you want to clean or de-clutter.
- Clear a space for this note, which is really your "project strategy form" and place it prominently in the space.
- Congratulations, you just took the first step in taking control of your chaos! You have one new, clean space.
- Second bite: Look at the first thing on your list and take a small bite out of it.
- Box everything in your small clutter area with "like" items (paper, photos, t shirts, socks, etc.) Work in broad categories and work quickly.
- You now have a larger, clean work space.
- Third bite: Place 4 containers on the floor near your desk or project.
- Use a large piece of paper for each container and write "action", "toss", "decide later" or "donate" on the paper and tape one to each container. If you are working with paper only, replace the "donate" label with a "file" label.
- Now, choose a box to work on, sit or stand comfortably and work through the contents of the box (paper clothing, toys, photos, etc.) sorting into one of the four containers, one item at a time.
- Make quick, gut decisions. Remember these are small bites; you're not eating the whole cake.
- Fourth bite: When you've finished sorting one box, reward yourself, and put the containers off to the side of the room, out of your way.
- Take a break, take a walk, have a refreshing beverage and congratulate yourself on your hard work.
- If you have time to continue and there is room in your containers, tackle the next box.
- If there is no more room or time, save the next box to sort for your next session.
Schedule this session with yourself and write the day and time down on your project strategy form. This is a scheduled date to commit to keeping with yourself.
- Fifth bite: Take action indicated on the containers.
- Take the action indicated on the container and empty the container in an organized fashion: filing/folding/hanging, tossing, making decisions or donating the items.
- Move through your clutter, one step, and one bite at a time. Releasing the clutter will release your energy.
Remember, just as a wonderful dessert or meal is eaten one bite at a time; approach your project the same way. Your chaos didn't appear in a day and it won't disappear in a day.
