Decluttering is like exercising

16 May 2014

Decluttering is like exercising

I’ve had my struggles with getting myself to exercise over the years and I’ve detailed some of them on this blog. The bottom line for me is that I’m pretty fit and pretty slender without going to the gym, so getting myself to go has been challenging, since I don’t enjoy it that much.

But now that I’m past 50, it feels like more of an imperative. I know that regular exercise will help me age more gracefully and healthily. I know that it will help stave off osteoporosis, which runs in my family. I know that it might help with the fact that my stomach is no longer perfectly flat. (Certainly, not exercising isn’t going to help with that!)

So I’m trying to make exercise a priority. But it’s not easy because I’m very busy with work. And did I mention I don’t enjoy it that much? (Thankfully, Shannon Wilkinson’s Change Artistry: Get Active group coaching class is already helping me shift my perceptions and welcome exercise into my life.)

Back in October 2013 I joined a gym, the tiny exercise studio called Take Action just a couple of blocks from my home. The membership and some personal training sessions with Take Action owner Jeanna Jackson were a (requested) 50th birthday gift from my husband. At that time, I discovered the similarities between personal trainers and professional organizers.

So the other day, as I was going through my exercise routine—created for me by Jeanna—I got to thinking once again about how exercising for people like me is like decluttering for folks struggling with clutter. I’ve already mused here about the how both decluttering and exercising get easier with practice. But more recently, I’ve been thinking about these similarities:

  • You might not feel like doing it, but afterward you’re glad you did
  • It can be hard to find the time
  • Both decluttering and exercising can be easier to do when you have company (and/or guidance)
  • You may not see instant results, but little by little you see progress
  • Any effort at all is worthwhile
  • You’re frequently struck by inspiration while exercising and while decluttering/organizing
  • Both can become habits

When I look around my house and see the progress I’ve made over the years in keeping order despite being a naturally messy person, I know I can make progress in with exercise. I’m working on focusing on the benefits and making it a priority. I hope one day soon to make exercising a natural part of my day just as certain habits for keeping order (like clearing off my desk every day) have become habits.

Photo by Hotel de la Paix Geneve via Flickr.

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Comments

I don’t tell you enough Janine how much I love your emails. My goal for the summer is to reorganize my garage and my basement. I just (almost) finished with the garage yesterday, and so often your mantras run through my head- what is the purpose of this item? where will can it be stored for maximum ease of use? how can I streamline this process? I wish you were in OH, but I know that I have you in my mind as I go through things, and I know I can organize because I have done it before and will continue to do so. Your ideas are always so helpful so thanks again! I love this one because I too love to exercise (and want to keep my house organized and clutter free). We have to find time but we know we love results!

Sarah Wright June 16, 2014 11:19 AM

Thank you of your nice note, Sarah! Congatulations on almost finishing your garage! I’m so glad you can hear my voice in your head when you’re decluttering. Your note made my day!

Janine Adams June 16, 2014 04:13 PM

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About Janine

Hello! I’m Janine Adams — a certified professional organizer based in St. Louis, and the creator of Peace of Mind Organizing®.

I love order, harmony + beauty, but I believe that the way that you feel about yourself and your home is what truly matters.

If you’re ready to de­clutter with a purpose and add more ease to your life, you’ve found the right blog — and you’ve found the right company.

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