Marie Kondo-ing your mind: Decluttering thoughts the intentional way

Let’s face it, our brains can sometimes resemble a teenager's bedroom: cluttered, chaotic, and with the occasional moldy Cheez-it under the bed. In an era where our attention is the currency, our mental real estate is prime property that's too often squatted on by thoughts that don’t exactly spark joy. It’s high time we took a leaf out of Marie Kondo’s book and started decluttering our minds the intentional way.

The Messy Closet of the Mind

To begin, picture your mind like a closet. Now, imagine cramming in every piece of information, every to-do list, every random jingle from a 90s commercial, without ever stopping to organize it. It’s a bit too much, right? That’s our brains on a daily diet of digital information, social media scrolls, and the relentless pace of modern life. It’s cluttered, it's messy, and somewhere in there is a thought that’s been missing for weeks.

The KonMari Method for the Mind

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Thoughts

First off, let’s pull everything out of the closet. Sit down and write out what’s on your mind. The good, the bad, the ugly; get it all down on paper. You’re the archeologist, and your thoughts are the artifacts. Some are precious; others are just petrified chewing gum. Externalizing what is going on in your mind is extremely powerful.

Step 2: Does This Thought Spark Joy?

Here’s where Marie Kondo shines. Hold each thought in your hands (metaphorically, of course, unless you’re into origami with your idea notes). Does thinking about this make you feel good? Is it useful? Does it serve a purpose? Or does it make you feel like you’re carrying a backpack full of bricks? If it’s the latter, it might be time to say thank you and goodbye. Give yourself permission to let those thoughts go. Sure, it isn’t easy and it will take a lot of practice. But anyone can master this.

Step 3: Organize and Cherish What Matters

The thoughts that spark joy? Those are your keepers. These are the ideas, plans, memories, and dreams that enrich your life. Find a way to keep them organized. Maybe it’s a journal, a vision board, or a digital app that keeps you focused. The key is to make sure these thoughts are accessible and not drowned out by the noise. Here’s one of my favorite books that covers how to essentially build a second brain, and the methods in this book will make your important thoughts and ideas infinitely more employable.

The Sparkling Outcome

So, what happens when you Marie Kondo your mind? Clarity, my friends. Sweet, sweet clarity. You’ll find that decision-making becomes easier because your choices are now based on what truly matters to you. Your creativity gets a boost because it’s no longer stifled by mental clutter. Stress levels? Down. Productivity? Up. And that moldy Cheez-it thought? Discarded, leaving room for fresh, nourishing ideas to grow.