In recent years, I’ve heard “unclutter” on New Year’s resolution lists more and more often (and for good reason!) Although it wasn’t my New Year’s resolution, I too have partaken in uncluttering my life by focusing on what’s most important in both my personal and professional life.
Do you ever get in to bed at night and feel like you’ve accomplished nothing that day? If you have this feeling far too often, you aren’t alone. One thing I have implemented that has tremendously helped me increase productivity and reduce stress is create a to-do list that includes only three things per day that I have to get done. This helps me stay focused on what is most important and reduces multi-tasking. If I get the the three most important things done, that is considered a win for me. Anything else I get done that day is icing on the cake!
Unfortunately for me, it took a very sudden, unexpected loss in my life for me to really see what is important. By having laser-focused, attainable goals, I am able to be more productive at work, leaving me much more free time in my personal life to do the things that I love like hanging out with my family and playing tennis with good friends, just to name a few.
To declutter at work, I cleaned out my desk and files. I threw away everything that I no longer needed and shredded old documents. I scanned the important documents to my Evernote account and shredded those too! At home, I donated all the clothes in my closet I haven’t worn the past year to Kelli’s Kloset (a local nonprofit that gives free clothes to women cancer patients). To make cleaning out easier, I focus on one closet or cabinet a week to clean out and I donate anything I don’t use or need!
As a female business owner, there’s a ton of pressure. Pressure not to fail. Pressure to set a good example. Pressure to successfully lead a team. What I’ve noticed recently is that by focusing on what’s most important, I’m now setting the best example I have in the history of my tenure as President of BRDP. With my commitment to declutter and refocusing on what’s truly meaningful, I’m showing my team that it is necessary for them to take care of themselves in order for them to bring their best to their work every day.
I hope this helps you and encourages you to declutter and focus on what is most important to you! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
