Reinvent Your Career: The Clues in Your Clutter

I hate to clean.  But this past weekend I spent a good part of a beautiful Saturday organizing our basement.  While I can't claim I enjoyed all the sorting, cleaning and sneezing (who knew I had such dust allergies?)  I found the experience surprisingly rewarding. 

One of the best parts of this project was discovering long-forgotten hidden treasures; magazines I couldn't bear to part with, memorabilia from my college years, and favorite baby momentos (note to self: it was perfectly okay to throw away Juliana's hand painted baby bottle now that she just turned 19).  Each item brought back a flood of memories and emotions; souvenirs from distinct and different phases of my life.

Standing back and admiring my well organized piles, I realized that the stuff we accumulate in our lives is a 3-D representation of our inner selves.  What we choose to buy and what we choose to keep (long after we actually need the item) provides illuminating insights into our interests, hobbies and values.  

In my case:

Seeing my sorority initiation mug reminded me of the value I place on community and how I am most energized when surrounded by upbeat personalities.  

Reading through the papers I wrote while earning my masters degree in career development reminded me of how much I prefer practical solutions to theoretical musings.  

And that box of the still-not-used craft supplies, reminded me that it might be fun to make some time in my life to play with art.  Someday.  In my next life? 

Who knew a day of cleaning would turn out to be so enlightening.  Next time you're feeling stuck about next steps, treat yourself to a day of de-cluttering.  You might just uncover some nuggets of golden insights hidden in those long forgotten boxes.  

Comments

[Paige Windle]

You're right on, Nancy. Clutter not only disguises fond memories but also reduces your energy and focus. There is nothing good about it. Thank you for reminding everyone that you don't have to wait for spring cleaning to get organized and feel great!
Best,
Paige Windle
The Help Maven, LLC
Riverside, CT

[Career Coach, Nancy Collamer]

So right Paige! It is amazing how clearing our physical clutter can help open up the space in our mental processes as well.