5 tips for spring cleaning your mind

There’s something about spring cleaning that gives a fresh perspective to a familiar room; maybe it’s just reacquainting yourself with the details that aren’t so apparent day to day. The same is true for all those internal thoughts and plans.  Here are five relatively simple things you can do to clean out the mental cobwebs.

1. Throw away or give away all those half-finished projects; those things that you started or set aside materials for more than six months ago but that you haven’t touched in the last 60 days.  Really be honest about the likelihood and your desire to finish them.  If they don’t make that cut give them to someone that will find value in finishing it or just get rid of it and cross it off the list.  You’ll free up physical space, mental space, and lose some guilt as well.
2. Update your to-do list, goals and risk lists. Gather any and all paper and electronic lists and go over them with an open mind. Check off the things that have been done, remove things that are no longer pertinent (it’s ok to let go of a goal not yet accomplished if it’s no longer a dream.)  And add anything new that’s come up.  Also, if you’re a habitual list maker think about consolidating lists so there aren’t so many to keep track of.
3. Clear the air with other people.  If something has been bugging you, even if it goes back to your childhood, bring it up with that person in a non-confrontational way.  Even if it doesn’t completely mend the hurt feelings, finding out why they said or did what they did will free you up from wondering and speculating.  It’s amazing how many hurtful things get said when someone simply isn’t feeling well; finding that out helps put it in better perspective.
4. Let go of any fears about money, kids, grades, whatever for one week.  You can pick them back up after seven days if you really want to.  And turn off the TV and radio for the same week; yes, really.  If something really dire happens, someone will tell you.  Then see what comes to fill this sudden void.
5. Rearrange your environment and your routine. This doesn’t have to be drastic unless you want it to be.  Just try moving pictures around to different walls than they were on before. Go for a walk or run in the neighborhood instead of the gym, take the headphones off on the bus, eat breakfast in the living room.  Switch it up a bit.

Technorati Tags: achieving goals, difficult conversations, fear, reflection, routine, spring cleaning

Tags: achieving goals, difficult conversations, fear, reflection, routine, spring cleaning