How to Spring Clean Your Mind and Be More Productive
You may have started spring cleaning your home this month, but that doesn’t mean the “Mommy Fog” has left your brain along with the dust. Taking time for yourself with a little mental organization can help you feel refreshed in every aspect of your life, whether that’s mom, spouse, co-worker or business owner (or all of the above!).
We asked Steve Siebold, psychological performance and mental toughness coach and author of 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of The World Class, for his tips on getting mentally organized this spring in an effort to be more productive. Here’s what he had to say:
Seek Solitude. We need recovery strategies if we are going to be at our best, day in and day out. One of the best spring cleaning strategies for the mind is the act of solitude- or simply getting away and getting quiet as it creates more space between your thoughts and helps you escape excessive cognition.
Master Time Management. With the busy lives we lead, one of the best things anyone can do is take control of their time. The key is to use time, rather than allowing time to use you. No one can truly manage time, yet everyone can better manage activities.
Be More Decisive: The problem with indecisiveness is it clogs the mind and reduces self- confidence. Stop being timid and lacking confidence in your own abilities. Instead, become courageous and confident. Learn to make a decision and be fully responsible for the outcome. Decision-making skills are like muscles- they can only be built through use.
Learn to Forgive. If you really want to free your mind, learn to forgive. While most people plot revenge, champions learn to release their enemies and move on. Make a list of all the people you feel have slighted you to some degree and give yourself the gift of a lifetime by forgiving them. You don’t have to tell them; simply forgive them in your heart by coming to terms that we are all fallible human beings.
Have More Fun. Do things that encompass your natural talents, abilities, and, most of all, your passions. It might even be a good idea to turn to your hobbies to make a difference in your life. Maybe you can volunteer at an animal shelter, take dance lessons, or indulge in adult coloring books to keep your mind clear. No matter how busy you are, set time for fun each day, and better yet, find a job that you find entertaining.
Think Bigger. Most people think about how to survive with the least amount of pain and struggle. Ask most people around you what they think about at any given time, and you might be surprised to learn how many people think about just getting by. Stop selling yourself short! If you’re going to be thinking, you may as well think big! Don’t see the world as a scary place, see it as an exciting adventure.
“The benefits of spring cleaning the mind and mental organization will reduce procrastination, improve concentration, improve your ability to prioritize, and improve overall efficiency,” Siebold says. “In addition, you’ll see a better work/life balance, less stress, and increased peace of mind.”
Now who can’t get on board with that? You can find out more from Siebold here or stick around and read how Mini cover mom Tamera Mowry-Housley deals with Mommy Brain here.
What helps you to stay mentally organized? Share with us below!
Opening Image: Amanda Julca for Mini Magazine