Letting go of what no longer works

January 19, 2013

Letting go of what no longer works

Our brains play a trick on us when it comes to money. When we purchase something, the price we pay becomes a permanent reference point. Psychologists call this “anchoring” – and it can pull us down financially.

I’ve been doing this with stock. If I invest $2000 in a stock (Dell, I really believed in ya!), and its value drops, I tell myself, “I’ll sell it once it gets back to where I bought it so that I can at least break even”.

The trick here and with the whole downsizing thing is the question, “Would I buy it today?”. Then consider selling, if it’s a house, stocks or stuff.

Goodbye Dell...

I knew a doctor who was shackled to an horrendous mortgage. When I asked him why he didn't sell the money eater he said, "Then I would have to admit that I've lived over my means for years!" After he finally did let go, he remarked that his life had become wonderfully liberated.

I enjoyed this video: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Peter-Walsh-Helps-Declutter-Your-Life-at-O-You-2012. Start with minute 6.

In essence:

Clutter is never about the stuff. Getting rid of the clutter means getting to the best life we can live. Clutter is anything that gets between you and the life you should be living, be it stuff, debt or fat on your hips!

Types of clutterers

Behind-closed-doors-clutterer: The house looks neat but don’t, DON’T 1) go into the garage or attic, 2) open any closed doors. For this type, appearance is everything but they are not free.

It’s-just-not-worth-it-clutterer: This type has higher priorities for almost anything other than organization.

Knowledge-clutterer: This type has tons of books, magazines, newspapers and torn-out pages full of recipes and organization tips.

Sentimental-clutterer: Savers of gifts received by beloved persons, art- and schoolwork done by the kids, used baby clothes (you never know…). My ex just threw away a suitcase with baby clothes I was saving for my grandchildren (should they ever be born) – they were completely moldy. I am still struggling with a little statue my daughter sculptured out of clay when she was 8.

Bargain-shopper-clutterer: Has anyone ever seen that show about coupon-shopping-marathons? People buy 100 bottles of some sort of soda pop because then it comes MUCH cheaper. I watched one lady buy 20 shopper-bags! One for Gerda, one for my cousin, one for …

I think I am a hybrid. There are portions of all the clutter types in me.

The trashbag is your friend.  Peter Walsh suggests doing the “trashbag tango” every single day. Take two trashbags and go through the house placing 1) trash in one bag and 2) things to donate in another. EVERY MEMBER OF THE HOUSEHOLD should be doing this! See organize.com.

Bargain Madness

We are being had. There is always a “sale” going on somewhere and it is often just a bright-colored sign used to manipulate us. If price is the best part about something, you shouldn’t buy it – EVER! Sam’s Club, Cosco & Co. offer things in the bulk. People buy humongous bottles of shampoo and body wash which, in turn, encourages them to use more at each shower. And all the containers need to be stored somewhere. (where do you put your 100 rolls of toilet paper?)

We must have a vision for the home, space, finances, body, health, and life if we want to become successful in this endeavor. Then ask yourself, "Does my reality overlap with my vision?". If it doesn’t, why is it still in your life?

Our homes shouldn’t turn into storage facilities.