When I sat down to write the post How one of my clients systematically (and simply) dismantled her piles, I realized that my work sometimes feels like an exercise in tricking people into focusing. Though the example shared in the post was my client’s brainchild, it had me reflecting on the countless ways clients focus so clearly when we’re together.

Getting organized is an excellent, real-time tool for learning about yourself. I was no exception when Nic and I excavated our tiny kitchen to purge purge purge. We cook A LOT, so every inch is used. Since it is a small kitchen, every item must be used. Still, over the years we accumulated too much.  

As much as I love what Marie Kondo has done for American homes, even more I love that people are starting to explore what minimalism means beyond half-empty drawers and closets. Does it really end there?

I just attended a professional event where I was the only one who did not work in commercial real estate development. I had to be very explicit in explaining what I did because there was no context for why I was there! 

You organize corporate collaborations? You’re an event organizer? 

“Quality over quantity” has become a platitude in a world where everyone is familiar with the benefits of minimalism. We utter the term often, but in the same day we fall down walking the walk when faced with a killer sale at our favorite store, or a perceived need for five Old Navy shirts when one will do.

I sometimes have to get very creative in the approach I take to motivate someone to clear off their desk. If you’ve brought piles into 2020 and need an extra push to finally zap them, this might be the incentive you need to clear them off (or to at least remove them just to put them back):