Less is More

This is nothing new. We in the USA, accumulate too much Crap. I recall cleaning out my parents attic about 15 years ago with my Dad. We found a couple rolls of carpeting that had been up there for 30 years!

Here's some ideas from the DLM Blog:

Super Easy Ways To Filter Info and Declutter Your Mind

Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:38 AM PST

Let's face it, whoever said technology was going to make our life any easier was lying! From where I stand, I see we are busier than ever trying to keep up-to-date with our email inbox, our twitter pages, our Facebook accounts, our offline friends and least not forget our family.

Quite frankly, our minds are cluttered beyond recognition. It comes as no surprise that so many people snap at the drop of a coin. This constant time demand coupled with the immediacy of communication these days, makes us feel like shutting down means not caring, not participating, and well, getting left out.

As a modern human race we are drowning alive in the clutter of our minds.If you don't believe me take a look at the constant bombardment of advertising you are exposed to every single day:

• Perhaps you watch TV
• Read Magazines
• Read newspapers
• Read industry zines
• Read blogs
• Read websites
• ... shall I go on?
  

We are basically slaves to our own technological advancement and it doesn't look any rosier in the future. In fact, the number of data sources available to you today will only continue to grow (and at an increasing rate)!

If you want to break out from the cycle of mental stress you need to find ways to declutter your mind and filter what you allow in. Every single day we are exposed to millions of tiny bytes of information. Fact is, without a filter you're forcing your brain to absorb, understand, digest, and store it. I mean really, that's a tall order - even for the human brain.

Decluttering your mind starts with your intent - you need to WANT to make changes first before you can address the imbalance. Here is how you do this:

1. Stop putting things off
   By putting things off you only make matters worse and add to the stress levels you probably already experience. I have found that by addressing the biggest task of my working day first I generally get a lot more done. It adds to the fantastic feeling at the end of the day when you can honestly say to yourself that you achieved all goals.


2. Let go
   What is wrong with letting things go? Nothing! Declutter your house, your life and your mind. It is the fastest way to living worry-free.


3. Stop trying to meddle at all the parties
   Do you really have to be a member of all the social networks considered hip today? I dare you not. Try to reduce the number of platforms, memberships, networks you join and enjoy more mental freedom as a result. A great by-product of doing this is that your contributions will be a lot more valuable because they will come from your heart - and not your need to party across town.


4. Decide now
   How many undecided decisions are lurking in the back of your mind right now? I've always been a person who is spontaneous which helps me to make a decision on the snap of a finger. Even if your decision turns out to be wrong in the near future at least you've acted and cleared your mind. Plus you just made another valuable experience for life.


5. Limit common distractions
   Most of us are exposed to a number of daily distractions that stop us from doing what we NEED to do. Close your email inbox, log out of Skype, switch off your mobile phone and just concentrate on the task you do right now. You will be surprised how much more you get done - without the stress - by limiting distractions.


6. Simplify your life
   Stop multitasking and focus on the one job at the time - every single time. Multitasking is evil because we end up doing nothing while trying to do too much.


7. Breath
   How often do you stop breathing when you are in a stressful situation? Learn to breathe deeply into your stomach. Do yoga, mediate, or simply take some time out with a good book or by doing nothing at all. You will be rejuvenated and ready to tackle the most complex task afterwards.


8. Forgive and forget
   Do you harbor any malicious thoughts towards a person from your past? Most of us do, me included. There were people in my life I couldn't forgive for what they did to me. After much soul searching I decided to let it go and lo and behold, I felt a wonderful sense of peace. The previous stress and anger was replaced by detachment and curious observation.
   

Decluttering your mind is easy with the right conviction and intent. By doing so you will regain your inner peace, work better and experience more satisfying relationships.

All of the above tips are ideal to get started while easy enough for just about any one. Feel free to add to the above by sharing what works for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Written on 1/15/2010 by Monika Mundell. Monika is a passionate freelance writer and pro-blogger. Her blog Freelance Writing helps new freelance writers to get started in this exciting industry. If you like to work with Monika, feel free to visit her Portfolio site.

Photo Credit: hatchibombotar