Rich Perry

STRENGTH & FOCUS: Spring cleaning for your mind

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As the weather gets warmer, we’ll all take part in that time-honored tradition of spring cleaning! Many of us will pick a weekend to reorganize storage space, throw away the crap that clutters our closets, and eliminate the junk that we no longer have any use for.

Now, as we begin to deposit these material things into our favorite circular filing cabinet to bring order into our space, is it also possible to do a little mental cleaning? What if we could get rid of old thoughts, behaviors, and choices that no longer serve us so that we can become better and more productive versions of ourselves? Is that possible? And if it is possible, is this something you’d gladly welcome into your life?

How many times have you found yourself thinking those thoughts that are unnecessary and unhealthy, displaying those behaviors that don’t bring results, or repeatedly making those choices that don’t benefit you? You know which ones I’m talking about; I’m talking about those thoughts/behaviors/choices that you don’t like to admit or recognize but keep bringing around. You know they aren’t good and often bring negative consequences, yet you keep them nearby just like the junk in your closet and storage space.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” –Albert Einstein

And if you have an opportunity to throw away these old thoughts, behaviors, and choices that no longer serve you and your higher purpose, then why don’t you? Is it as simple and easy as it sounds? It could be, if you seriously want to get rid of them. How simple is it to throw away the junk in your closet? It could be just as easy!

Like throwing away garbage that you no longer want, the action is preceded by two important qualifiers.

First, you must recognize the rubbish.

Why do you have to recognize it? Because junk is junk, right? Well, have you ever watched an episode of “Hoarders?” Now this may be an extreme comparison, but let’s be honest – if you wanted to get rid of those things, then you would have done so a long time ago. So, again, you must recognize the rubbish.

Second, you must give yourself permission to get rid of it.

It’s no one else’s decision or responsibility but your own. Just as “Hoarders” features professionals and family members to assist with the process, you too may choose to enlist professional and/or caring support, but unlike the TV program, your garbage is internal; therefore, the majority of the work must be done by you. It’s your choice, so give yourself permission to start fresh. You deserve it.

Now, follow through and throw it away.

Do we need to go into detail here? Throw it away!

As an empowerment coach, this is my line of work, so if you’re still having difficultly in this particular area, then contact me directly at rich@thepathofme.com and let’s do some spring cleaning. I have complete respect for everyone I work with and absolutely no respect for your problems, and nothing would please me more than to help you make the life changes you want and deserve.

Until next time, thanks and be excellent!

Create the future you want with the choice to change now! This column offers Strength & Focus for the moments you need to overcome the distractions of the week, each and every day. Look for it every Monday on NEPA Scene.