3 Tips to Keep from Getting Overwhelmed – Minimizing Journey

We've been talking about and taking steps to minimize for a bit now, and I’d like to focus today on making sure you’re not feeling overwhelmed. Big changes in life can be incredibly exciting at first, but then things can feel scary or seem like too much. There's no set in stone timeframe for you to complete your minimizing journey – it's a lifelong lifestyle change.

I get it. It can be scary to start a new habit, especially when the stakes are high and you feel like there's so much at stake which is why I want to help make this process as painless for you as possible. Forming new habits takes a lot of effort, dedication and time. The key is living with less until it feels natural- maybe just one day per week so that you don't have to make any more decisions than necessary (on the days when your house may still look cluttered). This way, as time goes by, we will all find ourselves appreciating our homes even more because they are clean and organized!

I will help you to find the beauty in life's simplicity and declutter your mind (and home!). Read on for 3 tips to keep from getting overwhelmed.

Do the Easy Things to Start Your Minimizing Journey

If you’re chomping at the bit to get started, you can always begin by trying some of the easiest or most energizing things first. So, think of some ways you can take on your new minimalism routine in a non-threatening way and then get started.

Where do I start?

It may be hard for some people, but try starting with simple tasks like cleaning out your closet. Start by breaking up your closet into sections. Separate things you love but never wear in one section, and the totally old stuff to toss right now in another.

Or start by picking an easy place like the bathroom instead of tackling a more involved project such as tidying all the bookshelves around your house from scratch! Allowing yourself to do something manageable will help ease any anxiety about getting started.

Once you start tackling these easier tasks, then you'll notice that your momentum builds up and those hurdles don't seem as big anymore because of all this progress!

Do One Thing at a Time

I have struggled with this before. I thought that sometimes you just had to jump right in and immerse yourself into a new lifestyle, but it never turns out well for me because the overwhelm of doing something like that is so great!

What did I learn?

I know that one of the toughest things to tackle is making new habits stick. But it’s not all bad news! You can break down these tough tasks into little steps which will make them easier and more manageable, so you can start building momentum with each small achievement. And who doesn't like feeling good about themselves?

Pick a tough chore now.

You’ve already made the first step to changing your life for good. Now it's time to decide which one tough chore you want to tame- that’s right, just one! It can be hard at first but I know how rewarding this will feel once you get into a groove and start making progress with all of those pesky tasks on your list and your minimizing journey won't seem so overwhelming.

Avoid All or Nothing Thinking

You’ve got this!

It can be really easy to just want to jump right in and get started with the perfect plan. But that's not always a good idea, especially when you're taking on something new like managing your own social media account. It'll probably take some time before it feels natural or comes naturally so don't worry-you won't mess up as much as you think because I'm here for support any way possible!

Why?

All-or-nothing thinking leads you to believe that if you slip up or make a mistake, just give it all up. It’s also this type of thinking that tells you an unfamiliar lifestyle is too hard and requires more work than what people are willing to put in. This negativity can lead one straight into giving up before they even start trying anything new. Ignore the destructive effects of all-or nothing thoughts, and save yourself from quitting early!

Be gentle with yourself

Keep these tips in mind when you start to feel overwhelmed. Most new routines are challenging and you'll find that there are habits you want to change as you start to make these new routines. Identify them. Then, break each habit down into small pieces and steps which are easier for you tackle.

Start with one change at a time

You might be surprised how much difference just one small change can make. When you're trying to make multiple changes at the same time, it can be tough to stick with any of them. So focus on just one change at a time, and once that becomes part of your routine, you can move on to the next thing.

Set realistic goals

It can be tempting to try to do too much at once when you're trying to make a change. But if your goals are unrealistic, it's more likely that you'll become discouraged and give up. So start by setting realistic goals for yourself, and then work your way up from there.

Find a support system

Making a change can be tough, but it's easier when you have a support system to help you through it. Find someone who's going through the same thing, or join a support group. Having people to talk to will make it easier to stick with your goals. Sometimes, you'll find this support in an online group.

If one thing remains constant when trying to simplify tasks: start with yourself. Simplifying means removing anything unnecessary from life so we can focus on what matters most (and get rid of any clutter!).

Once you have a plan in place it will feel much less daunting! Take it slowly and be gentle with yourself. Share the successes and struggles of your minimizing journey with me, so we can celebrate the successes and I can help you overcome the struggles!

How are you getting on with your minimalist journey?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your minimalist journey, it may be helpful to avoid all-or-nothing thinking. Instead of seeing your journey as an all-or-nothing proposition, try to view it as a series of small steps. Each step may be small, but cumulatively they can add up to big changes.

Another way to avoid feeling overwhelmed is to focus on one area at a time. Trying to declutter your entire home all at once can be daunting, but if you focus on one room or one type of item at a time, it can make the task feel more manageable.

Finally, remember that decluttering is a process, not an event. There will be ups and downs, and sometimes you may even find yourself taking a step back. But as long as you keep moving forward, eventually you will get to where you want to be.