That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

REMIX: Perfectionism and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall of Stuffology

Subscribe to the podcastThe topic for today is perfectionism and its connection to hoarding. I talk with Dr Jan Eppingstall about perfectionism and its impact on hoarding behaviour. We share personal experiences and struggles with perfectionism, discussing the fear of failure and the tendency to give up if something cannot be done perfectly.We also touch upon the importance of psychological flexibility, being present in the moment, and living by our values. Dr. Eppingstall enlightens us with insights on challenging rigid thought patterns, breaking free from the demands of perfection, and embracing personal growth.Perfectionism and fear of failure drive hoarding.Perfectionism linked to hoarding and obsessive personalities.Rigid thinkingSurprised by others' flexibilityChildren with insecure attachment blame themselves for parents' problems.Curiosity, experimentation, and flexibility lead to growth.Encouraging exploration leads to personal growth.Regretting inaction is a bigger regret.Relax, do it wrong, get more done. Perfectionism and fear of failure relate to hoarding.Concerns over mistakes and parental criticism are prominent.Being creative with limited resources to find solutions and not being rigid in following rules or plans.Turtle mode hinders logic, self-criticism hampers progress.Children with insecure attachment due to a parent's mental illness or preoccupation tend to believe they cause their parents' problemsThey feel pressured to help their parents and seek validation through achievements and obedience to alleviate their parents' sadness or anger.Perfectionism linked to trauma response, family expectations.Fear of negative emotions, regret of not pursuing dreams.People are adaptable and inventiveGive yourself permission to make mistakes, relax, and get more doneThe reluctance to start or complete tasks to avoid an imperfect outcomeSelf-criticism and lack of confidence as common problems with perfectionismOvercoming perfectionism and embracing flexibilityPsychological flexibility: being present, taking action guided by valuesThe importance of curiosity and challenging behavioursLiving by values rather than solely focusing on goalsThe role of a support system in venturing outside the comfort zoneTaking small, cautious steps outside the comfort zoneOpening up slowly leads to personal growth and a sense of accomplishmentBreaking rigid thought patterns through repeated challengingRecognising triggers and behaviours associated with perfectionismCognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as helpful approachesPerfectionism as a manifestation of people-pleasing and trauma responsePerfectionism leading to feelings of not being enough or worthyUsing perfectionism as a coping mechanism for emotions and relationshipsAddressing perfectionism through therapy and exploring its underlying reasonsProgress and success can still be achieved even if things don't go perfectly or as plannedRegretting not doing the things we wanted to do in life rather than letting go of physical possessionsChallenging negative "what if" scenarios and highlighting potential positive outcomesDemanding standards, self-criticism, fear of wasting or making mistakes in hoarding behaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#117 The dark side of conscious consumerism: when shopping feels like activism, can you save the world and promote your values by acquiring stuff?

Subscribe to the podcastI've always believed in making positive change through my purchases. Recycling, supporting local businesses, and buying eco-friendly products have been my way of feeling like I'm making a difference, saving the world one shopping trip at a time. But I had a revelation. In today's episode, I'll explore the common belief that shopping can be a form of activism, that it is positive to support or promote whatever values are important to us. The struggles of aligning hoarding tendencies with ethical and environmental values are not lost on me. I'll delve into the difficulties of ethical purchasing and provide some insights to help you navigate through the clutter. Expressing beliefs through items can lead to clutterFalse advertising misleads consumers with "natural" claimsSome environmentally friendly products are more toxicResource extraction required for "ethical" consumption tooChoose green options but be mindful of unnecessary consumptionIndividual actions won't save world; collective action neededSystemic changeBelieving we've done our part hinders changeHoarders struggle with ethical purchasing decisions; advice appreciatedAlthough we can make ethical shopping choices, society convinces us that spending money on stuff is a form of activismSupporting local businesses is beneficial, but it doesn't negate the negative consequences of buying somethingSupporting recycling and shopping in charity shops can lead to excessive clutter and prevent others from purchasingBuying items to display or share beliefs/values can lead to clutter; shopping won't save the worldCompanies can mislead consumers by labelling products as "natural" or eco-friendly, leading us to believe we are making a positive impactElectric car batteries release significant amounts of CO2 before being purchasedIt's important to strive for better socially, environmentally, and personally, and to make informed choices when purchasing necessary itemsStocking up on unnecessary items is problematicCollective action and societal change are needed for significant global change, not individual shopping habitsBoycotts may not be effective in changing company practices if they are still profitableChanging to unleaded petrol required a law changeBelieving shopping solves problems hinders impactful change; focus on reducing consumption, reusing, and finding real solutionsThe hoarder's perspective on making positive change through purchasesRecognising flawed thinking and greenwashingPeople believing they are saving the Earth through shoppingGreenwashing and misleading consumers with eco-friendly claimsEthics of shopping and the reality of consumerismContribution of consumerism and resource consumption to environmental damageInterconnection between social and environmental issuesPitfalls of feel-good consumerism and the importance of reducing consumptionHow buying green products can lead to complacency and less virtuous behaviourEco junkEmphasis on consuming less and reducing consumption as a more effective solutionShopping cannot solve issues like climate change, racism, inequality, or homophobiaAligning ethical values with challenging hoarding tendencies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#116 Hoarding vs squalor vs Diogenes Syndrome with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Subscribe to the podcastIn this episode, we're diving into the topic of squalor. Is it the same as hoarding? Can you have a squalid environment without hoarding being present? Compulsive hoarding and living in unsanitary conditions can have a profound impact on us. We'll explore the key factors and distinctions between hoarding and squalor, as well as the underlying causes that contribute to these behaviours. From acquired brain injuries and cognitive impairments to mental health disorders, we'll delve into the intricate web of reasons why people find themselves in these challenging situations. We'll also touch on the impact of substance misuse, the role of physical disabilities, and the link between hoarding and conditions such as dementia, schizophrenia, and OCD. Join us as we explore the different characteristics, challenges, and possible solutions for hoarding and squalor. Whether you're facing hoarding tendencies yourself or seeking to understand these behaviours better, this episode is for you.Differentiating Hoarding, Squalor, Clutter, and CollectingHygiene practices determined by culture.Unsanitary living caused by physical disability, dementia, illness, brain injuries, psychiatric disordersLong-term substance abuse damages brain's command centreHoarding and squalor pose health risksSeek help for environmental neglect without shameThe definition of unsanitary is determined by cultural hygiene practices, varying across culturesIt relates to the reasonable person's judgment of cleanliness based on cultural norms.Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and contamination fearsSubstance abuse impairs decision making and damages the prefrontal cortexHoarding and squalor pose health risks due to unhygienic living conditions and food safety issues.Prefrontal cortex damage explains dementia-related hoardingUnsanitary environments can result from socioeconomic factors such as poverty and limited access to sanitation servicesLack of access to rubbish removal and funds for disposalHoarding behaviours can lead to unsanitary living conditions due to hoarding severity, clutter volume, and difficulty discarding items. This attracts vermin and causes shameLiving alone can lead to higher risk of unsanitary conditionsSeek professional help, consider NDIS support for disabilitiesClutter makes cleaning difficultImpairment in decision-making due to substance abuse Acquired brain injuries and neglect of personal and environmental hygiene Impairment of the command centre of the brain Deteriorating eyesight and its effect on recognising unsanitary areas Isolation and lack of support for seniorsLoss and depression leading to neglect of hygieneSelf-neglect among hoarders Characteristics of squalid living environments 1. Lack of purposeful clutter 2. Absence of emotional attachment to objects 3. Fear of objects that have touched other objects Root causes of squalid environmentsWaste management and food storage Socioeconomic FactorsAccess to education, poverty, and sanitation services Challenges faced by people living in public housing Role of support systems in overcoming squalor Seeking help from mental health professionals and GPs Overcoming shameChallenges Faced by Aging HoardersInfluence of injuries or loss on hoarding behaviours Avoiding unhelpful and meaningless labels Squalor cannot be overcome by willpower alone Emotional and functional purposes driving hoarding behaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#115 Is selling your stuff worth it? The pros and cons of selling your clutter: a hoarder’s perspective

Subscribe to the podcastToday’s episode is all about the pros and cons of selling your stuff. If you've been following my journey, you know that I have been apprehensive about selling items in the past. But I've taken a tentative step into the world of selling my clutter. Today I'm going to share the lessons I've learned and explore whether selling is truly worth it. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful discussion on the potential benefits and drawbacks of selling your stuff. Selling stuff slows you down, hampers declutteringHolding on to things instead of sellingPotential and creativity don't guarantee objective valueSaves money, extends life cycle, reduces waste, helps environment, satisfies hoarder brainTime, effort, selling, selling processSelling stuff may hinder hoarder's progress - delay, excusesNo guarantee of sales or payments; uncertain and time-consuming processSetting parameters saves energy.Selling slows down decluttering, creates excuses to keep items.If we don't want to get rid of something, we might pretend we'll sell it without actually doing soWe use excuses to avoid throwing it away because we have a tendency to hoardWe believe someone else will want it.Realistic value check.We overestimate the value of our possessions.Selling stuff can make money during tough timesVaries depending on what you sell.Someone else can use themReusing is better than recycling or throwing away. It's environmentally beneficialSelling can be both a motivator and an excuse for delaying getting rid of thingsThere is no guarantee of selling or payment for listed items. UnpredictableListing and selling items require time and energy that could be used more productively.Charity shops save time and effort compared to eBayNot advocating selling everythingPrevious stance on selling items and recent change in perspectiveImportance of finding a balance and considering what is best for oneself and the items being soldMaking money while in debt or struggling with billsBenefiting from the extra money, especially in a tough economyExtending the life cycle of items by reusing themSupporting the idea of reducing consumptionSense of satisfaction in knowing that items will be put to good use by someone elseUncertainty involved in the selling processDifficulty in determining the right price for itemsFrustration of receiving offers below desired price or dealing with non-paying buyersFeeling demoralised if treasured items don't sellPotential dissatisfaction with the final amount received after all the efforteBay fees and the impact on the final selling pricePotential Hoarding Related Challenges of SellingThe tendency to use selling as a means to delay getting rid of itemsThe role of selling as a motivator versus an excuse to hold onto possessionsAssessing individual motivations for selling personal belongingsConsidering whether the effort and time invested in selling outweigh other actionsSetting a minimum price threshold for Facebook Marketplace to avoid lowball offersTaking into account one's overall personality and goals when deciding to sell or keep itemsInsights and Lessons Learned from SellingRealizing that overvaluing possessions is common for hoardersRecognizing the importance of speed in decluttering and minimizing possessionsLearning about oneself and possessions through the selling processReiteration of the importance of finding a balance between selling and letting goHighlighting the benefits and potential challenges of selling items Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#114 What if I regret dehoarding? Overcoming the fear of regret and letting go

Subscribe to the podcastIn this episode, I look at the topic of regret when it comes to dehoarding. Drawing from my own experiences, I delve into the fear of regret that often plagues individuals who hoard. She discusses the negative impact this anticipation of regret can have on the state of our homes and our lives, as well as the importance of reframing our mindset. Through personal anecdotes and valuable reflections, That Hoarder shares how considering the potential regrets of not dehoarding and the potential benefits of letting go can help overcome this fear. She provides practical tips and strategies for navigating the journey towards a clutter-free life. Let's confront and conquer our fear of regret in the dehoarding process.Regretting hoarding, but also regretting not changing.Focus on potential regret or potential benefitsRegrets and fears may hinder decluttering items.Starting slowly can prevent future regret.Making decisions without regret is nearly impossibleSetting time limits and asking for help can be helpful in making difficult decisions.Occasional painful regret can be transformative.Step towards personal growth and home improvement.Importance of considering both regret and lack of regret in decision-making.Focus on potential benefits, not regret or fearReframe questions to consider gains or missed opportunitiesIdentify core fears to address them.Examining fears of regretting and loss of objects, emphasising a realistic perspective.Weigh the pros and cons and take measured actionsHolding onto everything restricts opportunities and can lead to a limited life.Making decisions without regret is difficult, but setting time limits and seeking advice can helpSharing fears with others can quiet them.Making decisions, big or small, can bring about regrets. Others may not have experience with hoarding but can offer perspectives on overcoming regrets. Personal growth and improving coping skills can enhance our lives and homes.Anticipation of regret in hoardingNegative impact on homes and livesInsurance policy approach to dehoardingBattle with fear of regretWe forget to anticipate regret of not taking actionPotential future regret from not making homes easier to live inConsidering what might be missed out on if not taking actionReframing questions to include potential benefitsPersonal experience of not regretting donating to charity shopsFocusing on potential benefits instead of potential regretIdentifying the core fear beyond the fear of regretAddressing and assessing the fearExamples of fears related to specific objects or itemsStarting gradually and assessing each stepTesting out fears and evaluating the actual feelingsUsing previous experiences to build confidenceTaking action before reaching a crisisImportance of addressing the fear before drastic consequencesAcknowledging the realities of life circumstancesEncouraging steady and ongoing progressWeighing pros and cons and considering fearsMaking more considered and measured decisions to prevent future regret Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#113 Batching: the pathway to tangible results and motivation for hoarders

Subscribe to the podcastToday's episode is all about batching and hoarding. Have you ever started a task only to get sidetracked and end up feeling disheartened and unproductive? Well, you're not alone. In this episode, I explore the concept of batching tasks together and how it can help you overcome the distractions and actually get things done. Join me as we delve into the world of productivity strategies, context switching, and the positive benefits of batching tasks. Get ready to declutter your mind and your home and find the encouragement you need to keep going. Stay tuned for some practical tips and insights on how to make batching work for you. Let's get started!For people who easily get sidetracked and lose focus quicklyUsing technique to focus on tasks efficientlyMore focus leads to increased productivity and visible resultsBatch tasks for efficiency and effectivenessBatching tasks simplifies decision-making and improves efficiencyBatching tasks helps with transitions and procrastinationCreate a schedule for regular batched tasksBatch based on area, category, or activityFeeling unaccomplished by distractions when trying to complete tasksFocus on one task at a time to accomplish more and see noticeable results, providing motivation and encouragementAllows for a fresh perspective on completed work and saving time and energyBatching tasks simplifies decision-making, reduces analysis paralysis, and allows for forward planning, increasing productivityHelps with transitions and initiating taskBeneficial for dehoarding, depending on progress. Establishing a schedule for regular batched tasks may be helpfuBatch items based on area, category, or activity. Stay focused and redirect distractions by saying "No, I'm working on this for now."Explanation of context switching and its impact on focus and productivityMore noticeable results at the end of a decluttering sessionBoost in motivation and encouragementImportance of visible progress in overcoming feelings of disheartenmentComparison between concentrated progress in one area vs. scattered progress throughout the spaceDifference between visible and hidden progressEncouragement to apply batching techniques to stay focused and improve effectiveness in organising efforts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#112 Executive function, executive dysfunction and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Subscribe to the podcastToday, Dr. Jan Eppingstall is here to shed light on the connection between executive function, executive dysfunction, and hoarding behaviour. We explore how executive function impacts our ability to organise and declutter our living spaces and uncover the challenges individuals face when it comes to decision-making, mental flexibility, and working memory. We'll also discuss strategies for improving executive function and overcoming the obstacles that hoarding behaviour presents. Depression and health conditions can impair focusNervous shutdown and self-compassion during stressTrick yourself into startingNetwork atrophies when not engagedIssue with sticking to tasks due to desire for noveltyReducing food shops, using what's in cupboardsProcrastination hinders progress, but changing behaviours helpsMental flexibility essentialFlexible thinking in shopping, problem solving, creativityExecutive dysfunction hinders organisation; hoarding makes it harderLack of experience in decision-making, cutting cornersPerspective and help are important when organisingLack of space hinders planningExecutive functions affects losing thingsFear of loss worsens clutterSee-through boxes and labelsMindset affects executive function, self-care is crucialMany conditions cause brain fog and difficulty focusingUnderstanding our executive functions helps us manage stress, improve awareness, and leverage strengthsReflection can inform future behaviourNervous system shuts down, could be triggered by dissociationEngaging in tasks helps people focus and enter a flow statePerfectionism = rigid thinking, efforts towards being more flexibleTrying to organise a hoard is destined to failCan we reassure ourselves when we put things away?Minimise visual distractions, motivation to improve surroundingsTake care of your mind, believe in yourself, and prioritie self-care for better executive functionIs difficulty organising due to executive function issues or the sheer quantity of items?Difficulty getting rid of things once they are brought into the home due to the endowment effectSuggestions for improving working memory through mental maths and storytelling memory gamesIdentifying triggers and strategies for preventing or dealing with shutdownsPracticing self-compassion and reducing stress for better action-takingIntroduction of the task positive network (TPN) and flow state during tasksDownsides of hyperfocus and its impact on cognitive attentionWeakening or atrophy of the TPN due to lack of exerciseHow depression, autoimmune diseases, and long COVID can impact executive functioningUnique perception and organization of belongings for individuals on the autism spectrumPlanning skills and lack of space as potential barriers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#111 Do you have spares of your spares? Do you have backups of your backups?

Subscribe to the podcastToday, I'm delving into the world of excess and overstocked items. I have some insights on how to navigate the clutter of spares and backups that can often accumulate in our lives and explore the challenges of hoarding spares, the fear of running out, and the art of letting go. It's time to take action and make space for what truly matters. Let's dive in!Too many backups, no space for essentialsToo many spares hinder finding thingsHoarders stock up, but it's problematicKeeping spares, especially when on saleOverbuying and hoarding wastes time and moneyAllocating space reduces overstocking, prompts evaluationConsider cost, availability, and ease of replacement. Assess necessity based on these factorsEvaluate spare items for necessary maintenanceRisk and fear limit our daily livesConsider reasonable quantity and necessity, not excessWe accumulate unnecessary backups, making it difficult to organize and discard unused itemsKeeping too many unnecessary items makes it hard to find what we really wantLetting go takes faith but leads to easier accessBuying in bulk is cheaperOverbuying and hoarding leads to an unmanageable situation, preventing you from enjoying lifeFear of running out is understandable but excessive stockpiling is not helpful or cost-effectiveDispose of obsolete tech and excess items, donate or discard thoughtfullyAllocating a specific space for overstock might help control itConsider limiting the number of spares and keeping track of inventoryConsider the cost and availability of replacing items. If easy and affordable, no spares may be needed. If costly or hard to find, consider quantity and storageCheck if your spare items need maintenance. Don't keep duplicates if they don't work. Consider safety and cost when replacing itemsBalancing risk and spares in daily life, reassess as neededThe waste feels horrible, but you can learn from it and make more conscious decisions about buyingDon't beat yourself up, instead turn discomfort into determination to avoid future wasteThink before buying unnecessary itemsAssess the importance and potential consequences of running outBalance the need for preparedness with space and costProportionality is keyThe concept of overstocking and hoarding sparesKeeping a record of the quantity of spare items to alleviate anxiety about running outDifficulty of finding desired items among a clutter of unused itemsTaking Action to Get Out of ClutterImportance of taking action to declutter and organiseAcknowledge fear of being without certain items, but encourage letting go of unused items to make space for what truly mattersDonating unwanted items can make it easier to access needed itemsAvailability of replacements locally or onlineConsiderations like expiration dates and proper storageFear of running out and hoarding as a responseBalancing the benefits of buying in bulk with the negative impact on daily life and family dynamicsKeeping old appliances as backups even if they are no longer functionalUsing discomfort as motivation to avoid overstocking and wasteReassessing judgments about spares over time as anxiety levels changeFutility of hoarding obsolete techSpace, cost, and compatibility issuesReflect on own overstocking habits and take steps to overcome compulsive hoarding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#110 Do you own your stuff or does it own you? Freeing yourself and your home with Jasmine Sleigh, author of Being Owned

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk Subscribe to the podcastJasmine Sleigh is a professional declutterer and has spent the past decade helping people to free up space. She focuses not only on physical belongings but also on the emotional and psychological aspects of decluttering. In today's episode, Jasmine likens her role to a dance, where she carefully navigates through uncertainties and potential triggers for her clients and stresses the importance of providing support and encouragement throughout the decluttering process.We also discuss Jasmine's book, Being Owned: A Decade in Professional Decluttering, where she expands on the concepts discussed in this episode. Let's dive into the world of decluttering with Jasmine Sleigh.Facilitating crafts and donating unused items.Professional decluttering: a personal and people-centric approachHandling belongings requires adaptability and improvisationSort out space, prioritise essentials, declutterUnderstanding lives through belongings; an intimate jobStuff has power, can be movedKeep belongings accessible for ease of useHelping people achieve their goals is the keyPositive actions in a cost of living crisisJasmine wanted to write a book about her experiences as a professional declutterer, focusing on the poignant stories of her clients and celebrating her achievementsShe also felt frustrated by people's misconceptions about the jobThe importance of using and sharing possessions, especially in the context of crafting and hobbies.Jasmine can only go as far as clients are willing to let herTraining others has further shaped her understandingEmotional attachments and recent purchases may require more distanceThe power of belongings and the impact they can haveEnsuring easy access and a comfortable living environment for individuals is the main priorityGoal is to make people happier in their homesUsing resources for good and the availability of second-hand items in a crisisSorting through belongings and determining their importance in one's life narrativeThe Unpredictability of the JobNeed for adaptability in dealing with unexpected situationsDescribing the job as a "dance" due to uncertainties and triggersBeing present and flexible in the moment, avoiding over-preparationIneffectiveness of threats and negative consequencesThe Process of DeclutteringRecognising that there is no quick fix or magic solutionExamples of finding forgotten itemsBelongings becoming overwhelming and causing a burdenThe ability to move and rearrange belongings to improve the situationDifferent levels of difficulty in letting go of different types of itemsSorting out keepsakes at different life stagesImportance of having hobbies and engaging in creative activitiesCreating a space to pursue hobbies and finish projectsPassing on unused items for sustainability and resource usagePower dynamics surrounding objectsGiving individuals agency to make choices about possessionsStories of reengagement and finding joy in personal belongingsBeing attuned to people and focused on their well-beingMaturation and increased understanding after 10 years of workingImportance of the home as a sanctuary for wellbeing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#109 When you feel like giving up: dehoarding when it’s really hard

In today's episode, we're diving into the topic of when you feel like giving up. We'll be exploring the struggles, frustrations, and moments of doubt that can arise during the journey of overcoming compulsive hoarding. We'll uncover strategies to stay motivated and find the strength to keep going. Join me as we navigate the highs and lows of this challenging process and discover the power of perseverance. So, grab a cup of tea and press play!For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.ukSubscribe to the podcastReminder: Why was change important? Self-examine motivation for new things.Stay present, take care of yourself, embrace failure.Challenges and triumphs in a long journey and a big project.Setting expectations based on order rather than timings is preferable for someone who finds it difficult to predict. Learn from experience and set realistic expectations. Consider the burden of letting others down if you communicate expectations to them.Setting milestones helps celebrate small wins. Clearing the kitchen table can be a goal, leading to a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Having compassion for oneself is crucial.A Facebook comment inspired compassion from children of hoarders, encouraging someone to not give up and be a hero for their kids.Change up your habits, shift timing, remember why you started.Remember why decluttering was important to you. Reflect on your motivation and discover new reasons, like enjoying extra space, treating yourself, or flexibility while working from home.Taking breaks and finding inspiration from others helps prevent burnout during long-term projects. Look to successful people for motivation, even outside of your specific field.Applying mindset to various areas of life, replacing unproductive habits, assessing and making adjustments, and the potential benefits of visualizing success.Acknowledging slow progress is better than no progressFeelings of frustration and impatience with the current situationBe patient and work with circumstancesMindful Approach to Avoid Feeling OverwhelmedBeing present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thingAppreciating and being present in small tasksPracticing mindfulness and avoiding constant engagement with everythingImportance of physical, mental, and emotional self-careMaintaining motivation through scheduled and unscheduled breaksViewing failure as a learning experience, not a reason to give upImportance of setting specific goals and milestones in declutteringCelebrating accomplishments as motivationBreaking tasks into manageable chunks to reduce overwhelmReplacing rigidity with a more gentle and careful approachDoing a bit, assessing, and making adjustmentsChanging Environment and Finding MotivationChanging environment or time of day to make decluttering feel newReflecting on initial motivation to stay motivatedVarious sources of inspiration, including social media, podcasts, and booksUnrelated endeavours like trekking the Appalachian Mountains as a source of inspirationFlexibility and Adaptability in Pursuit of GoalsEmphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptabilityOvercoming rigidity and perfectionism through adjustment and starting multiple timesTaking breaks and weekends off to prevent burnoutFailure as a Motivator and OpportunityUnderstanding failure as a setback in life plansValidating the feelings of discouragement and wanting to give up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.