Five Things You Don't Need

It's a pretty common experience to hold onto things in life long past the time they serve us - not just the physical stuff but also the emotional or intellectual junk that we let clutter up our space. We create all kinds of stories about why we need to keep these things - everything from we might need them some day or they're comfortable or we just don't know how to get rid of them.

Here's the problem with hanging onto things that have outlived their usefulness:

It's hard to make room for new things when you are jammed up with old or outdated stuff.

Taking the time and energy to clear out the things that you no longer need actually creates more time and space in your life.

Consider eliminating these five things in your life:

1. Old ideas, perspectives & attitudes.
Albert Einstein was one smart guy. He said that you can't solve a problem with the same mindset that created it. Yet sometimes we are like a dog with a bone when it comes to letting go of outdated ideas or attitudes. Shifting your perspective or taking on a fresh attitude is often the key to new opportunities. You are the creator of your own reality. It's not your current circumstances that are holding you back, it's the way you are thinking about them.
Ask yourself:
Do I sometimes say, "That's just the way it is" or "That can't happen"? If you answered yes, then consider these questions instead: How could I think about this differently? or How could I make this happen? This shift just might open possibilities you hadn't imagined.

2. Piles of stuff.
Look around your home. Take inventory of the things that simply take up space or collect dust: clothes you don't wear, knickknacks, old magazines, stacks of Tupperware, unfiled papers and so on.
Ask yourself:
Is this thing something I truly love? Is it a thing of beauty that enriches my space? Is it something that is currently functional in my life? If you can't answer yes to one of these questions, consider tossing it, donating it, or recycling it.

3. Stale relationships.
Some relationships are meant to last a lifetime and they take commitment and creativity to keep them fresh. But there are lots of other relationships that we outgrow yet we continue to put our time and energy into them.
Ask yourself:
Is this relationship mutually enriching? Do we support, motivate and encourage each other to be the best that we can be? If the answer is no, consider how much time and energy you are willing to commit to develop or restore this relationship. It may be that it is time to move on respectfully and gracefully.

4. Unproductive habits.
Most people complain that they don't have enough time yet they engage in unproductive habits that keep them stuck exactly where they are. Einstein said it best: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
Ask yourself:
Does this habit move me closer to my ideal life? If the answer is no, then consider what change in behaviour would bring you closer to your goals. Begin by replacing one unproductive habit with a new one to create some momentum. Then choose the next habit to focus on.

5. "Someday" thinking.
One of the biggest stumbling blocks to having the life you want is being stuck in "someday" thinking. Some day is not a day on the calendar and without some planning it never arrives.
Ask yourself:
Where am I putting my life on hold? Make a list of all of the things you have been waiting for. Which is the one that you will most regret not having accomplished or experienced in your life? Take that one and begin actively planning to make it happen. If you start to feel stuck, go back and read the first four points. One of those might be the key to your success.

Laurel Vespi, certified life coach, award winning author and chief executive guru of stone circle coaching, ignites businesses & individuals to new levels of CHANGE. Laurel works with clients internationally, providing unconventional yet practical tips that make the seemingly impossible... possible! Sign up for Laurel's free ezine and get a free guidebook to blissful living at www.stonecirclecoaching.com