Okay -I admit it- I am a bit of an information hoarder. What’s an information hoarder you ask? Well, I like to hold onto books, magazines, articles and other types of information for future reread or reference. I know, weird, especially in the Internet age where most info can be accessed within seconds. I attribute my info hoarding to me being a Fact Finder, one of my dominant action or doing styles[1]. Although Fact Finding has proven to be a beneficial action style in many ways, it has been my nemesis in other areas. Although try as I might, I am not able to read all the newsletters, magazines, and blogs I want to. I won’t be able to take all the workshops and online classes that excite me. Subscriptions to people and organizations of interest start to pile up in my email. I can experience analysis paralysis.
Luckily, I am aware of my info consuming and preserving tendencies and take active steps to address it. Just like I spring clean physical objects and items, I cancel paper and online subscriptions, I do not grab free magazines anymore and now I get most of my books from the library. I don’t even try to catch up on all I missed on Facebook. By doing this I am letting go of the things that are taking up space, time and draining me. It’s my energy spring clean. If I find something offline worth holding onto I scan it if possible. By purging I am conserving. I am plugging up my drains to be more productive, effective and, most importantly, to feel alive. I subscribe to the idea that we have a finite amount of energy and willpower. Studies back this up [2] (yes, I did reference a book for this).
I also subscribe to the concept of our physical environment reflecting our mental environment, and vice versa. Often times memories, grudges, objects accumulate and fill up areas we do not want to look at. This said if you would like to purge to conserve and do an energy spring clean I invite you to think about the following:
What in your life is taking up space? And why?
Are there relationships, stuff at home or at work that drains your time and energy? If so, what is that? What can you do about it?
Do you have physical clutter? If so, does that reflect mental clutter?
Are there grudges you are holding onto?
Have you forgiven others? Have you forgiven yourself?
Thankfully, I spring clean year round. I love purging clothes, items, and more recently beliefs and information that do not do it for me anymore. This includes relationships where I feel depleted. Although it is the first day of spring, I encourage you to spring clean year round with your energy in mind. Just like a plant can renew faster once the dead leaves are removed, you too can flourish by dropping the drains.
Happy Spring Cleaning! :)
Best,
[1] Kolbe’s Conative Styles
[2] Duhigg, Charles (2012). The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Anchor Canada, 134-137.