Are we all on the perfectionism scale? Perhaps, even if it is in one very small area- one small thing. For some people, however, perfectionism impacts decision-making across many areas of life.
For people with strong perfectionist tendencies, this can manifest quite diversely when it comes to decluttering and organising the physical environment.
You may think that people with perfectionist tendencies are extremely organised and like their belongings 'just so'. You may be led to believe they have systems and organisational strategies down pat and are disciplined in maintaining an organised environment.
For sure, for some, this is absolutely the case.
However, This is NOT so for all people with strong perfectionism. It is FAR from the truth for many who have strong perfectionistic tendencies. AND the truth is, some people with strong perfectionism, you would never, ever guess, if you viewed their physical spaces that are strewn with clutter and disorganisation, with perhaps, sprinklings of extreme organisation.
Awareness is Key
Time
Decluttering as a perfectionist takes longer- that's logical. To put items away takes longer than chucking something on the floor. Step that up with perfectionism and you have the item put away after it has been polished, cleaned, cut, and a perfect fit for purpose storage solution purchased...etc- you now have a process that has taken a considerable amount more time.
A methodical approach that is on steroids takes a lot longer! The problem with taking so long to declutter is that it breaks momentum. The overwhelm of the clutter is still there and spending so much time to organise is emotionally exhausting. When momentum is broken, demotivation can set in. Momentum is critical in the decluttering process.
Exhaustion
The longer the time it takes to declutter, the more exhausting you feel. The more exhausted you feel the less likely you are to feel motivated to declutter. Momentum is broken. Alarm bells again.
Side Tracked
Decluttering and stopping every 2 minutes to reminisce or retell the story of the object in your head or research its 'now' worth gets people off track from their core business of decluttering and organising. Yes, some items need 'reminiscing time' but if loads of your items are causing sidetrack, there's an issue. Again, the constant stopping will result in broken momentum which leads to a halt in your decluttering. The bells are ringing louder.
Cleaned spaces not maintained
I have seen this over and over like a mouse on a treadmill. It is frustrating for people who have spent the time to declutter only to have the feeling of accomplishment turn to dread as they step into the once organised room, now disorganised again. Sometimes people give up at this point or start on another space only to find the same cycle taking place.
Too much stuff
Excess is not ideal for anyone (for
most of the time) but particularly for a perfectionist excess is a never-ending decluttering battle. And the more that is owned, the more that needs to be managed.
Give up too early
Because decluttering takes time, you have to stick at it to see results. People with perfectionist traits can become overwhelmed when things are not done well and in the time frame, they think it should be done. 'If it can't be done well and how I want it, I'm just gonna give up' is the unsaid mantra of some perfectionists.
WAIT!
Check out my blog and podcast Breaking Perfectionist Paralysis on how to mitigate the potential results of perfectionism in decluttering. Power yourself up to make lasting changes and capitalise on your perfectionist traits. Be the master of perfectionism, not the slave.
Also, check out my podcast Live Organised where I discuss all things home organisation.
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