It's Time for a Spring Cleaning of Your Mind

Here in the Northeastern U.S., spring has finally sprung. It’s sunny, breezy, delightful … and time for a spring cleaning.

I used to dread the spring cleaning—the switching out of seasonal clothes, the wiping down of fans, the whole drill. It was a chore, a drain of my time and energy. 

But one day a few years ago, I realized how much lighter I felt post-cleaning. That annual process I dreaded? It actually left me feeling refueled and ready to tackle the next big thing. I wondered if I could get that same sense of energy and renewal for my work life (not to mention life in general) with a little spring cleaning of the mind.

Why clean out your mental closet?

Our closets can get overwhelmed by an accumulation of things. So too can our minds. Unfortunately—unlike with excess shoes, clothes, and accessories—there's no charity organization or resale shop waiting to take in your mental clutter.

When I realized that my brain was suffering from an accumulation of unused junk, I roughed out a process and took myself through a professional spring cleaning. And it was a clear win!

Not only have I done a mental spring cleaning every year since, but I’ve also developed a version that leaders can use with their teams.

If you’re a leader (or an aspiring one) feel free to grab your guide to running a Team Renewal session here.

Ready to spring clean your mind? Awesome. Let's do this!

Set yourself up for success

This exercise can deliver a little value or a ton. If you’re here for a ton, then let’s start by setting you up for maximum success.

A great setup means focusing on three key factors: 

1. Mindset. Look at this as that opportunity for renewal. Not only is it a chance to let go of anything that isn't functioning anymore, it's also an opportunity to dial up the things that are working. The process should feel like a gift, not a chore. Tell yourself this until you believe it.
    
2. Time. Give yourself time to be reflective. You don’t want to race though this exercise. It should feel thoughtful and intentional. I typically set aside two to three hours, sometimes in a single block, or sometimes in smaller chunks. Whatever works for you is great.
    
3. Space. Try to clear a space in which you’re unlikely to be distracted. Move physical clutter and ask anyone (big or little) who shares your space to steer clear of you. This isn’t a meditation retreat. Nothing has to be perfect. But try to separate yourself from “real life” as much as you can. 

Now you’re ready. So let’s get you...

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