The Sneaky Side of Overwhelm
Overwhelm has two personalities. Sometimes, it announces itself loudly, making us feel bombarded, over-stimulated and panicky. It’s usually obvious when this overwhelm is present, and we usually enlist help to do something about it, or at least we rant, cry,...
Here Comes the Nudge
You head into the spare bedroom that has become a dumping ground, full of good intentions to clear it all out and reclaim your space. But as you pick up each item, something happens on the way to the donation box. A little voice says, “Maybe I need to keep...
Egads! I’m a productivity coach!
For a long time, whenever I heard the word “productivity,” I equated it with fast-moving executives in crisp business suits, rushing to the next meeting while confirming the latest sales reports on their smart phones. I didn’t want to contribute to...
Labels Spare Our Brains for the Hard Stuff
I’ve written in the past about how important labels are. They help us figure out what we’re looking at and where to put things, so that we don’t have to think too much. Recently, I had an “aha” moment about another way that we use labels....
Environmentally Conscious Decluttering
Some people find it easier to let go of items if they know they’re being environmentally conscientious. I support those instincts, but here’s the flip side. I see a lot of bright, creative, talented people who have much to offer to their families,...
Concentration Deficit Disorder
Very interesting article in the Summer 2014 issue of ADDitude Magazine, about Concentration Deficit Disorder, or CDD. I first learned about CDD a few years ago, when it was being referred to as Sluggish Cognitive Tempo—a terrible name! Dr. Russell Barkley and other...
Sometimes, You Just Have to Show Up
A self-employed entrepreneur recently hired me for time management coaching. He juggles multiple projects and was specifically asking for help in breaking things down into smaller pieces, setting mini-deadlines, and “backwards planning” in an effort to...
Stop the Junk Mail!
I frequently get asked about stopping the influx of junk mail. Here are some resources to remove yourself from those mailing lists, and a few other tips for not getting added to new ones. CatalogChoice: More time consuming, but more individualized. Search for...
Rethinking Rewards
“How will you reward yourself?” This is what I ask clients when we’re discussing habit change. Rewards have been very helpful to me in my own struggles to change habits, and I’ve been surprised by the rewards that are the most effective. They...
Decluttering with an Attitude of Gratitude
A recent podcast on StuffYouShouldKnow.com explored whether objects or experiences make us happier. Research indicates that the happiness people feel after acquiring a new object fades after time. This isn’t surprising, but it got me to wondering, after the...