Improve your mindset and made better decisions that ultimately lead to a more fulfilling career and happier life.
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it's the perfect time to start fresh and spring clean any bad habits you accumulated from winter. Just like our physical space, our minds can become cluttered over time with negative thoughts, worries, and doubts. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, and ultimately hold us back from achieving our goals. So, if you're constantly feeling overwhelmed and struggling to focus, it might be time to declutter your mind.
But releasing negative thoughts and behaviors that are weighing you down can be easier said than done. The good news is that there are plenty of simple strategies you can use.
Be aware of your thought patterns. Pay attention to the kinds of things you're thinking about and how they make you feel. If you notice that your thoughts are negative or stressful, try to let them go. You don't have to hold onto every thought that comes into your head. Instead, focus on the present moment and on what you're doing.
Try setting aside time each day for "brain dump." Write down everything that's on your mind, no matter how big or small. Odds are, once it's all out of your head and onto paper, you'll feel much less overwhelmed. Then, take this a step further and write down everything you need to do for the day. I’ve found just getting everything out and onto paper helps me stay focused on what's important and prevents minor tasks from taking up too much space in my mind.
Set some goals. What do you want to achieve this spring? Whether it's updating your resume, networking more, or learning a new skill—setting some goals will give you something to focus on and work towards. Once you have your goals in mind, make a plan that includes the steps will you need to take to reach your goals? Breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable steps will make them seem more achievable and less daunting.
Schedule time to do nothing. This is a big one for me. In today's always-on world, it's easy to feel like you need to be in constant mental motion. But the truth is that your mind needs a break just as much as your body does. Research shows that taking some time to daydream and just “be” can actually improve your focus and productivity, improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep. When your mind is "on" all the time, it can quickly become overloaded with information and take a toll on your mental health. If you find it difficult to quiet your mind, there are many relaxation techniques you can try, such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, or walking in nature. By taking some time each day to clear your mind, you can help improve your overall wellbeing.
By implementing one (or more!) of these simple decluttering techniques, you’re in a much better position to make positive, productive decisions that will lead to a more fulfilling career and happier life. Feel like you can’t add another thing to your schedule? Well…another way to declutter your mind is to simplify your life. If you're trying to juggle too many things at once, it may be time to take a hard look at your schedule and commitments and start simplifying.
