June was spectacular for achieving goals. I mainly focused on balancing minimalism with creativity. Those may seem contradictory, and I’ve explained my thoughts on these identities here. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned this month and what I’m excited to be working on in the weeks ahead.
Recognize the physical change matters second to the mental.
I donated 80% of my wardrobe and belongings. The aftermath is my home finally looks like an expression of myself, with collages next to acquired beer posters in a set apart space. I like the idea of physically compartmentalizing different areas of my home. There’s a section for elephants, books are slowly being categorized (and I might just learn the Dewey Decimal System), and my hand-crafted collages look fantastic.
As I declutterd and started working on my first creative projects for @inspiration_system, I realized what resources I have and what I can do without. If I want to be both minimalist and creative, it’s up to me what I’m okay with. And I was shocked to see I didn’t own any brushes. Maybe because I tried parting with stuff before. Maybe because my past decluttering wasn’t systemized like Marie Kondo.
Instead, all I have left is papers. As a writer, former camp counselor, editor, and marketer, I’ve accrued a lot of sentimental stuff like newspapers, scribbled notes, and tickets representing different times. It was easy to get rid of clothes because it’s not something I strongly value, compared to my presentation of self via word. So, by comparison, these papers are the last item of combining both of my lifestyle choices. In a sense, my collaged stool was symbolic. It’s where I create instead of consume.
Even books were easier to part with than I first thought. I realized trends and sorted them by affinity. Then, I touched each, realizing if there was still potential or if its purpose was complete. I still want to be engaged in film-making, so I kept my dear old Roger Ebert collection. I’m learning to cook, so I now can part with some as I take lessons from the pages. This isn’t what Kondo suggests. By comparison, she says we’ll never read everything. But I am determined to make a system for reading and storage for my beloved books, starting by a focused evening routine of exercising, reading, and planning the next day before bed.
I’m shocked how easy it was to part with books. I still value learning, I could never lose that life philosophy. Maybe because access to reading material has never been easier. Maybe because my other goals beyond reading mean I’m still learning and certainly doing other things beyond cracking open a book.
Changing habits can confirm or influence your identity.
June feels productive not only because I did these physical things of creating and decluttering, I started to set boundaries that weren’t quite clear before. I now recognize I am indeed a morning person and need to take advantage of early, quiet sunshine. I will likely fall asleep by midnight if I haven’t done an evening routine. I see the value of bedtime and creating a ritual to make that happen.
I’m also very introverted and have a habit of over-scheduling. My tight schedule can impact other people. I’m trying to give time to everyone, with regular check-ins and visits, but that also can feel like I’m not giving any time to myself. By being busier on personal and public projects, I have found “pockets of time” by always being early. It helps me set an agenda ahead of time while letting my brain get a second of introspection. In fact, this blog was mainly written before meeting my family for church!
The more you work on something, the easier it becomes. The practice becomes part of your identity. Decluttering led to a minimalist identity, but by disassociating with my stuff, I remove pieces of my old self. I think we tend to think of the aftermath more: that my closet is empty, therefore I must be minimalist. But the progress matters so much more. Only I determine when a project, like clutter or creativity, is done. Pride is personal.
Hitting “publish” on this blog is easier. Doesn’t the act of writing regularly matter more than the weekly posting? The posts are just a result of that labor. The act matters more than the product because the writing (hopefully) gets better for you and more fun for me. I’m realizing what I’m comfortable with. That “done” matters more than “perfect” because the latter actually doesn’t exist.
Sharing struggles and successes openly is valuable.
By promoting my 19 for 2019 goals so publicly, even my dad called me out on my plans. And hence I attended church (hello, Padre). I hope I’ve helped others see what’s possible for their days. Success is largely defined by the person, and I know I have a habit of hustling.
My goal is to continue being a resource to show what ONE productive life looks like, but that doesn’t mean my practices are right for you. I truly hope there are people in your life who give you constructive criticism and feedback that feels right. So you do what you need to do. And if you don’t, I can help, too. Add a comment or apply to work with me here! The year may be half over, but there’s never been a better time to start working on your goals.