Hey there Monsters,

Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh not just our spaces, but our minds as well. Inspired by the wisdom of Marie Kondo, whose books “Spark Joy” and “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” have transformed homes worldwide, I’ve discovered the profound impact of decluttering on our professional lives.

Marie Kondo’s philosophy of keeping only what sparks joy can be brilliantly applied beyond our homes. What if I told you that tidying up your workspace and your diary can have powerful effects on your leadership. She once said: “The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.” This concept also ties into a lesson I learned from Henry Cloud’s book, “Necessary Endings,” which highlights the importance of pruning.

Think of your responsibilities and commitments as a garden. Just like a plant needs trimming to flourish, we need to cut back on tasks and obligations that drain our energy and distract us from our goals. Overloading ourselves can lead to burnout, but with strategic pruning, we can thrive.

Here’s what I did: I took a hard look at my calendar and focused on my top five priorities, letting go of the rest. This exercise was powerful, and I encourage you to try it too. Identify three areas in your life that are overwhelming you:

1. Is a colleague constantly interrupting your flow at work?
2. Is a direct report consuming most of your time and energy?
3. Is a client demanding constant attention without contributing to the bottom line?
4. Is there a project going nowhere, eating up resources and time?

These are likely time vacuums. Ask yourself: Is this investment truly beneficial? Does it bring me fulfillment? If not, it’s time to make a change. As Kondo says, “The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t.”

Replace these draining activities with ones that add genuine value to your life. It’s not always easy, especially when it comes to personal relationships, but it’s crucial. We all have the same twenty-four hours each day – let’s use them wisely.

At work, setting boundaries is essential. Start by trimming activities that don’t add value. This isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing process. Schedule a weekly pruning session to reflect on what you can streamline.

Let’s talk about meetings, those notorious time-suckers. You don’t need to be at the top to declutter your work life. Start by structuring meetings more efficiently or cutting down on unnecessary interruptions. Marie Kondo reminds us, “Tidying is the act of confronting yourself; cleaning is the act of confronting nature.”

I once worked with a leader who mastered this. He kept meetings under thirty minutes and always had a clear purpose. He evaluated the necessity of calls and delegated tasks effectively. Remember, anything that doesn’t align with your goals is fair game for the shears. Be relentless, but always maintain kindness and respect.

Even if you’re not a natural gardener, start pruning now. It helped me gain control over my work priorities and focus on what truly matters. “Less is more” isn’t just about minimalism – it’s a powerful rule for organizing your day and life.

Here are 10 reasons why your mind and your office need a summer clean:

1. Boost Productivity: A clear space and mind help you focus better and work more efficiently.
2. Reduce Stress: Decluttering can significantly lower stress levels by creating a more organized environment.
3. Increase Creativity: A tidy space can inspire creativity and innovation by removing distractions.
4. Improve Mental Health: A clean environment can enhance your mood and overall mental well-being.
5. Enhance Time Management: With fewer distractions, you can manage your time more effectively.
6. Better Decision Making: A decluttered mind can process information more clearly, leading to better decisions.
7. Promote Professionalism: An organized office projects a professional image to colleagues and clients.
8. Encourage Physical Health: A clean space can reduce allergens and promote a healthier workspace.
9. Boost Confidence: Achieving a clutter-free environment can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence.
10. Support Sustainable Growth: Regularly decluttering allows you to focus on long-term goals and sustainable success.

Leadership is deeply rooted in the principles of nature.

Stay committed to the process and always strive for growth. With a bit of cleaning, you’ll find yourself thriving in no time. Remember Marie Kondo’s wise words, “Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.”

Give it a go and let me know how it works for you!

Until next time,

Helena