Spring cleaning beyond material possessions.
While we often take the time to declutter our homes, cars and purses/wallets, we rarely take the time to declutter other more important aspects of our lives, such as our routines, relationships and even our mindset.
When was the last time you sat down and thought about what really matters the most to you, or how much time you devote to your priorities- the people, pets and activities that matter the most?
If we are not clear about our priorities, we can be easily swayed by trivial matters and distractions and sucked into the problems of others, stifling our own endeavors and neglecting those we truly care about.
Here are six steps to bring our priorities into focus and cut out the noise:
Write out your personal and career goals for the year. What do you want to accomplish? Learn? See? Try? Experience? Three to five for each is recommended.
Write out the people and pets who are most important in your life. This includes those who have been entrusted to your care or who have cared for you. Who unconditionally loves you? Inspires you? Encourages you? Teaches you? Guides you? Challenges you to grow?
Reevaluate your daily, morning, working, evening, health and fitness routines and weekly rituals and identify areas of improvement based on your goals and your people and pets. Changes might include getting up earlier to exercise, getting off text feeds that are a constant source of distraction, getting off social media or turning off notifications, setting an alarm to periodically get up from your desk and move, ordering groceries rather than shopping for them yourself, hiring a dog walker on the days you work late, etc.
Reevaluate your other relationships (people with whom you interact who are not listed in #2 above). Take a serious look at the dynamics of each relationship, positive and negative, and determine if it’s healthy and beneficial for you. If the relationship is no longer fulfilling due to major differences in values, goals or lifestyles, or the relationship is causing you stress, anger, anxiety or unhappiness, then it’s usually time to cut ties and move on.
Do a quick mental health check-in. Make sure you are properly prioritizing self-care and processing stress and emotions. Think exercise, diet, sleep, hygiene, relaxation and mindfulness – deep breathing, drawing, journaling, gratitude, meditation, prayer, nature walks, etc.
Update your wardrobe. Believe it or not, this one is physical and emotional! Donate the clothes you no longer wear and create a more streamlined closet with clothes that fit you well and are stylish and comfortable. If you feel good in what you are wearing and it reflects your personal style, you will feel more connected to your authentic self, resulting in a sense of confidence, security and positivity.
So, the next time you get a nudge to do some spring cleaning, instead of just giving your closets, cupboards and garage a fresh overhaul, overhaul your routines, relationships and mindset as well, then watch your discipline and accomplishments skyrocket and your people and pets thrive!