052 - How to find the motivation to declutter

Decluttering Untangled with Heather Tingle : How to declutter when you're overwhelmed, ADHD or Autistic

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In this episode of Decluttering Untangled, Heather dives deep into the challenge of finding motivation to declutter, especially for those of us who struggle with staying focused or feeling overwhelmed by clutter. Whether you're neurodivergent or just facing a decluttering slump, Heather offers practical insights and mindset shifts to help you get started—no motivation required!

Key Discussion Points:

• Reframe How You Think About Motivation: We often wait for motivation to strike before we start a task, but Heather explains how this can actually work against us—especially if we’re neurodivergent. The traditional concept of motivation doesn’t always align with how we operate, and that’s okay!
• Side Quests: A Handy Hack: Heather introduces the idea of "side quests"—little tasks you've been avoiding—that can be tackled when you're procrastinating on the bigger jobs. This can help you feel accomplished and create momentum without the pressure of completing the main task.
• Rethinking Motivation for Neurodivergent People: If you struggle with executive functioning or feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Heather shares why some of us can’t just "get motivated" and how traditional advice like visualising the end result might not work for everyone.
• Eat the Cake, Not the Frog: Forget about "eating the frog" (doing the hardest task first). Heather suggests doing the easy, quick wins first to build momentum and dopamine—a key ingredient for actually getting things done!
• Practical Tips to Get Started: Heather offers micro steps to trick yourself into starting, like simply walking into the room you want to declutter or handling the easiest task you see first. By building in small wins, you create motivation as you go, rather than waiting for it to show up at the start.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• P of the PAVES System: Heather refers to her earlier episode about the PAVES system for effective planning and decluttering strategies. Be sure to check it out in episode 006 for more in-depth tips.

Connect with Heather:

• Have you tried any of the tips from this episode? Let Heather know how you got on! You can message her through the Untangled by Tingle Facebook Community group or drop her a review to help the podcast reach more listeners.

Closing Thought:
Remember, waiting for motivation is often the very thing that prevents you from making progress. Instead, break tasks down into easy steps and trick your brain into starting. You’re in control of how you approach the clutter, and small wins build big results over time.

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