What experience in this field has taught me is that motivation truly is half the battle. Many people read the magazines and books, hear the tips, and basically know what they need to do. They just can't get themselves to do it! In my book I talk about how almost all clutter is rooted in procrastination– delayed actions and decisions.
When I wrote the motivational content for our Clutter Diet "Getting Motivated" tutorial series and workbook, I decided to share a little quirky thing about myself that really helps me take action. I hoped people would not think that I have lost my mind… but I figured if it helps one person, it's worth the ridicule! Here's what I do:
I imagine myself two different ways…as my Present Self, and as my Future Self. I think of my Present Self as the “best friend” of my Future Self. My Present Self thinks about how to help the Future Self to have a better day.
For example, when I am tired and ready to go to bed, I may walk through the kitchen on my way. If I see dirty dishes and crumbs on the counter, I stop and think: “What would my Future Self like to see in the morning when she gets up and comes into the kitchen?” Somehow, I know it’s goofy, but thinking of my Future Self as another person motivates me to want to help her. She is going to be the judge of my behavior later. So I help her by cleaning up the kitchen, knowing that she will be so happy to start her morning that way.
When I walk through a room and see a book on the floor or papers on the counter, I think, “What is my Future Self going to think this afternoon when she walks through here and I haven’t picked that up?” It takes me probably 5 seconds to do it, and she feels happy walking through there later. Sometimes I even say Thank You to myself silently. Yes, I am a giant goofball. But this WORKS for me.
And since I have shared this Future Self concept with our Clutter Diet members, I have heard from many of them in our message boards that it works for them too! It's nice to know that my little dose of weirdness has been beneficial.
Now I have learned that there is actually something to this! Our newest member of the Clutter Diet team of organizing experts, Allison Carter of Atlanta, sent me this link to a rather brainy Psychology Today blog article called, "Affective Forecasting, Intention, and Why We Procrastinate," by Dr. Timothy Pychyl. He's saying often our procrastination relates to not understanding what we will feel like in the future when we've planned to do something. Here's a quote:
Unless we can get better at "mental time traveling" where we can set intentions with clearer knowledge about how we'll feel about taking action in the future, I think we'll continue to be predictably irrational in our procrastination.
Well, there you go! So I am not so weird. What are your favorite motivational tricks to get yourself to take action? Share in the comments!
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Adding a little tidbit…A friend on Twitter told me you can actually e-mail your Future Self on this website called http://www.futureme.org! I think that’s hilarious!
My motivation is my applause box. (I guess I feel underappreciated). I bought it online. When I accomplish a goal (even a mini goal), I lift the lid on my box and give myself a rousing round of applause and cheers. In my applause box, I place small treats for myself (a couple of chocolate kisses or a tea bag for a cup of tea, etc.) It makes me feel good that I have accomplished what I had planned and motivates me to get moving toward the next goal. If it’s been a really successful day, I’ll give myself a round of applause just before going to bed.
When I first read this blog on my Kindle, I wasn’t sure I got it but I trust you Lorie. Then, I tried this thought process over the past day and a half and it really clicked with me! I thought of “present me” making a small sacrifice now such as straightening the family room before bed – and how rewarding it would feel to “future me” in the morning. I practiced this several times today and it was always worth the small investment to make my future feel better! Thanks again Lorie – your advice does make a difference in my life!
Procrastination has been a big problem for me most of my life. I’m going to try this method of thinking about how my futureme will feel starting today! You rock, Lorie.
I do something like this, but think of it as “my little treat to myself”. Same idea – I’ll make coffee before bed so it’s perking in the morning, and that’s a “little treat” to myself. I have to turn on the dishwasher before I leave work every night, so I’ll put the detergent in at lunch, so all I have to do is press the button before I leave – a “little treat” for myself, saving myself from work later. Great concept!
This is a fabulous idea. Frequently I’ve said “oh, I’m so glad I’ve already done that” but now to do it with consciousness – you get to enjoy it twice! I love the future me – it is fabulous motivation!!
Much the same as you, I imagine what I would like to see in the morning. Will what I see make me feel as if I’m on top of things, or already starting the day behind? So, I usually pick the first, can’t imagine anything worse then starting off Monday morning already behind!
I love this idea for helping me make better nutritional choices! It’s so easy to think, “a cookie sounds great right now” and THEN think, “yikes, I’ve eaten so much junk this week”. But if I can change it to “What would my Future Self enjoy for a snack?” then I can happily enjoy fresh fruit & veggies to eat and know that my Future Self will appreciate feeling healthy!
That is an excellent point, Tam! Future you would love an apple and some almonds, I bet!