Most of us blindly find our way through life transitions. But without a framework, we often miss the opportunity to use each transition as a way to grow and nurture our most authentic self. The process I call SHEDing involves four steps for methodically releasing objects and activities that represent the past so we can mobilize in the face of change–and embrace the next exciting chapter of life:
- Step 1 – Separate the treasures.
- Step 2 – Heave the trash.
- Step 3 – Embrace your identity.
- Step 4 – Drive yourself forward.
SHEDing is not the same as organizing. Organizing is about identifying what’s important to you and giving yourself access to it–not about getting rid of things. Think of the difference between the two concepts this way. If organizing is dropping anchor once you know what you want, SHEDing is lifting anchor so you can go someplace new. Here are the differences in a nutshell:
- You organize to become more efficient. You SHED to get unstuck.
- Organizing involves designing systems for your space and time so you can function better where you are. SHED involves eliminating the obsolete so you have room to grow.
- Organizing gives you access to what’s most important to you. SHEDing is a process for discovering what’s most important to you.
- Something that’s entirely organized but no longer relevant can be a candidate for SHEDing. For example, a perfectly organized closet filled with items that you never use can be SHED.
- It’s possible to get organized without throwing anything away–purging is the one step you can skip. It’s impossible, however, to SHED without letting things go.
- While organizing has a clearly defined finish point (i.e., you can organize your garage or home office in a weekend), SHED is an ongoing process that generates movement and fuels transformation, which means the finish line in harder to define. You measure success by the feeling of being settled in a new place, as well as the subsequent energy, authenticity, and excitement about your life that ensue.
6 differences between SHEDing and organizing is an excerpt from SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life: A Four-Step Guide to Getting Unstuck
Has SHEDing your baggage changed YOUR life? Follow this link to read Julie Morgenstern’s personal SHEDing stories–and share your own!
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Posted in home & garden, live it! lists, spirituality.
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This was hellpful and encouraging. I am beginning to work on the de-cluttering. I have also thought of selling since so much of my clutter was purchased on the Internet. Instead of just getting rid of my “stuff” (as I have in the past), I would like to try to make a little money from some of this project. This might make it easier to get rid of items that I have held or purchased if I know they are going to someone else who wants them. I would also be encouraged in my selling if I set a goal of what I would do with the extra money earned (like a special trip I have wanted to take).