Mar 30, 2019
Outer order contributes to inner calm.
And for most of us, a rigid, one-size-fits-all solution
doesn't work.
The fact is, when we tailor our approach to suit our own
particular challenges and habits, we're then able to create the
order that will make our lives happier, healthier, more productive,
and more creative.
My guest on today's show - Gretchen Rubin - has found that
getting control of our stuff makes us feel more in control of our
lives.
By getting rid of things we don't use, don't need, or don't
love, we free our minds (and our shelves) for what we truly value.
With a sense of fun, and a clear idea of what's realistic for most
people, Gretchen suggests dozens of manageable steps for creating a
more serene, orderly environment—one that helps us to create the
lives we want.
Gretchen is the author of several books, including the
blockbuster New York Times bestsellers: Better
Than Before: A Day by Day Journal The
Happiness Project Happier at Home
And most recently: Outer
Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for
Happiness.
She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and
her books have sold more than three million copies worldwide, in
more than thirty languages.
She makes frequent TV appearances and is in much demand as a
speaker. On her weekly podcast, Happier with
Gretchen Rubin, she discusses good habits and happiness with
her sister Elizabeth Craft. Rubin started her career in law and was
clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she
realized she wanted to be a writer. She lives in New York City with
her husband and two daughters.
During our discussion, you'll discover:
-What inspired Gretchen to write her
book...7:40
- Began with The Happiness Project (link)
- Disproportinate connection between outer order and inner calm
(clutter blind)
- Getting control of our "stuff" makes us feel in control of our
lives
- Empowers you to tackle the big projects we might otherwise
avoid
-If there has been scientific research to substantiate
Gretchen's findings...9:00
- Yes, but there's a problem:
- People want to know what's "best" way to clear clutter, when to
do certain tasks
- People are different; they have strengths where others have
weaknesses
- Some people thrive in a little bit of clutter
- No one size fits all approach
-The criteria one can use to decide what goes and what
stays...11:15
- "Don't get organized"; Start by getting rid of things
- Marie Kondo's guidance (does this spark joy?) is slightly lofty
in its aspirations
- Three questions to ask:
- Do I need this?
- Do I love this?
- Do I (or will I) use this?
- Be realistic about what "someday" means in the context of if
and when you'll use something
- Ask yourself, "Have I thought about getting rid of this more
than 3 times?"
- We often overestimate what we can do in a short time, and
underestimate what we can do in a longer period of time
-Whether decluttering is the same as minimalism...18:20
- Minimalism as we know it is a bit extreme in Gretchen's
view
- There are simplicity lovers and abundance lovers
- It all goes back to there's no one size fits all approach
-How to mentally "let go" of things...20:25
- The "fantasy self"
- Be honest with yourself: will you really use that thing?
- It frees up mental guilt, as well as space for other goals and
desires
- Nostalgia, past self
- The best way to clear clutter is to not buy stuff in the first
place
- Have a box of clutter, put a date on it, then throw it away
after one year without looking inside it
- Imagine someone else enjoying the stuff
- Give away or recycle when possible
- "You created the donation to the landfill when you bought
it"
- "Store it at the store"
-Best practices in shopping online and offline to avoid
unnecessary clutter...30:07
- There are under buyers and over buyers
- Always shop as a guest; helps cut down on impulse buying
- Unsubscribe to all promotional newsletters
- Don't subscribe in the first place
- Force yourself to hold things in your arms whenever
possible
- Break the impulse by intentionally making things
inconvenient
- Don't touch, don't taste
- Book: Why We Buy
- Set limits and check with a partner (spouses) before
purchasing
- Make lists
-What a "clutter magnet" is, and why it's
important...39:25
- Identify the spot where clutter tends to accumulate; make a
point to keep it clean every day
- It's easier to maintain once you take it back to "clear"
- It will spark joy
-How to train children to declutter their personal
spaces...43:15
- Don't think of yourself as the potter who's molding the
clay
- Help them to be honest about what they need, or use
- Everything sparks joy for children
-Whether or not it's important to make your bed every
morning...48:00
- Establishing a bit of order in the environment is a morale
boost
- Your bed is much closer to you than a chair; you may feel in
better order
- Christian Gratitude Journal
-Whether or not it's wise to find others to do your
decluttering for you...53:25
- Difficult due to the personal nature of your own stuff
- Maybe to help stay on task, help with the heavy lifting
- If you have to ask if it looks good, it probably doesn't
-And much more!
Resources from this episode:
-Book: "Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make
More Room for Happiness" by Gretchen Rubin
-Book: Why We Buy
-Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie
Kondo
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Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for
Gretchen or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will
reply!