Mental Clutter

Kimberly Medlock

"I've got ADD". I hear that from so many of the people that I work with. Often when ADD is self-diagnosed it is because one feels they are particularly forgetful, easily distracted and can't seem to stay focused on their tasks or projects. Sound familiar?

The truth is most of us are experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis these days. However I believe that a great deal of people who consider themselves "ADD" do not actually have a medically induced condition but a lifestyle induced condition.

Mental clutter is a consuming amount of disorderly things, to-do's, ideas, regrets, worries and thoughts that constantly swim around in your head.

Here are possible symptoms of mental clutter:

• Forgetfulness

• Indecisiveness

• Physical clutter

• Frequent mistakes

• Poor follow-through

• Short-"fuse"

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Poor sleep

• Stress

If you have attend my "Reducing Your Mental Clutter" workshop, you discovered the many, many ways that we sabotage our daily productivity and quality of life. You also learned about the physical damages caused by the stress that mental clutter can cause.

In some ways though, it may not be entirely your fault. (However, it is still your responsibility.) The drastic changes of family dynamics, culture changes, technology, workloads and personal expectations that have taken place in the last generation have never before been experienced in such a way and we have yet to learn how to handle or manage it all.

Your mental clutter is most likely the root cause for your physical clutter and disorganization. In my workshop, not only do we examine the many different things that cause our mental clutter but we learn the many different ways one can greatly reduce it. And, "where your head goes, your body can follow."

Here are just 4 things you can do RIGHT NOW:

1) Avoid multi-tasking. Whatever you are doing, working on, or whomever you are talking with do it conscientiously. Slow down and do one thing at a time by simply saying to yourself "Right now I am...". You will be amazed at how you will start to create a more calm, more focused and more productive time by simply saying this out loud when you need to get something done. It's scientifically proven, you can not think about or pay attention to two things at a time yet we try to all day long. Perpetual attempts to multi-task all day every will cause stress, increase forgetfulness, produce less quality work and even damage relationships. (Sound like ADD?) Ever tried to talk with someone that you knew wasn't really paying attention? Avoid "multi-tasking" whenever people or an important relationship is involved. You know the old saying..."Wherever you are...be there."

2) Get it out of your head. Your mind was not designed to keep up with endless to-do lists - it was created for thinking! Not much quality "think time" happens when it is jam packed and cluttered with stuff to do or remember. When you have a thought write it down! Keep a pen and pad by your bedside, in your car, in your bathroom and in your purse. (I like the medium sized sticky notes that I can just peel off and take with me until I transfer it to my "master" list.)

3) Make lists. Lists help you stay on track and keep you focused. Have a list for your daily to-do's, errands, grocery lists, house chores, etc. Keep your list reasonable and practice scheduling any important to-do's on your calendar and plan for some uninterrupted time to complete them. There is also a proven sense of satisfaction from scratching things off your list! (However, if you find yourself writing things on your list after you did them just so you can scratch it off - we need to talk!)

4) Nurture or create friendships. A recent study shows that 25% + of Americans do not regularly confide in a trusted friend or family member about ideas, goals, feelings and issues. We humans were not designed to go it alone. In fact, 75% of American say they often experience loneliness. Loneliness is the breeding ground for mental clutter and junk.