“Why am I so SLOW at decluttering and organising?!
Does decluttering and organising take you FOREVER?!
Do you ever wonder why it takes you so much longer than (some!) other people?
Over the last couple of weeks…
…as I’ve worked full steam ahead, to launch my Digital Declutter video course by the end of March…
And as I enter the final straight (23 lectures uploaded, five to go!!)…
…I’ve noticed something else.
Because Top Dog (aka my inner critic) has got a LOT to say about how long it’s taken me to get this course up and running.
But, here’s the thing…
…making videos isn’t as easy as it looks.
Behind my YouTube channel, my three previous video courses (Declutter Paper and Paperwork, Declutter Your Bedroom and Get Organised: Sentimental Stuff) and this upcoming one, are hours (sometimes DAYS) spent…
…working out how to use new technology (this time including computer screen capture software, phone screen capture apps, and using a lavalier mic and mp3 recorder to record sound separately and synch it to the video, to improve sound quality)
…learning what works on video and what doesn’t…
…honing my video editing skills and finding my way around video editing software…
…experimenting with different “studio” (aka my spare bedroom) set-ups (leading to investments in lighting, a new camera, a new tripod – and working out how best to use them).
Plus hours (wasted) due to tiny things like omitting to…
…put my phone on flight mode before hitting record (it took me ages to work out that the weird buzzing noise that randomly occurred on my recordings was caused by texts arriving on my phone!)…
…and check my teeth for poppy seeds!
As I’ve been making this course…
…(as well as feeling frustrated when things don’t go according to plan)…
..I’ve noticed how much I’ve learned from my first three courses…
…and how much of what I’m doing is quicker and easier as a result.
When Top Dog starts barking about how long making this course has taken…
…I throw him a chew-toy in the form of a reminder about how much I’ve learned…
…and am still learning.
Do the same with your decluttering and organising.
When you take on something unfamiliar…
…a set of skills you weren’t born with, or trained in as a child…
…it’s understandable that it’s challenging at first…
…and it takes you longer than someone who’s had more practice.
So don’t beat yourself up for taking a long time…
…or for what you DON’T manage to do.
Celebrate your successes.
Notice yourself getting more skilled.
And keep up the good work!
So pleased I am not the only one to find decluttering a challenge. Thank you for your honest feedback.
Oh goodness, you’re FAR from alone! Thank you for commenting.
Great pep talk! And Thankyou for just putting it down in print because I do actually struggle with videos. Which you’re now doing more of.
So, please, keep up with the plain advice in words written down on the page, where I can print them off and read them again anytime, without having to use my phone. Because actually it’s not healthy to have one’s phone on too much.
Seriously. It’s not healthy.
Thanks for commenting, and your positive feedback, Sarah. You’re right about phone overuse being bad for us. I’ll be using a mixture of video and text to get my messages out so there’ll be plenty that’s accessible for you.
Thank you, Rachel, for being SO KIND!!! I really appreciate you, your articles, and of course your videros & courses!!
Love, Jennie
Thank YOU for commenting and your positive feedback. It means a lot.
You are such an inspiration to me Rachel, I love your honesty and non judgemental attitude to clutter clearing. And wow – awesome to know that even with your excellent and professional skills you still struggle yourself to get things done sometimes too. This gives me real hope on my clutter clearing mountain to climb, knowing it’s ok to be overwhelmed sometimes but that I don’t ever have to give up.
You’ve helped me so much with your knowledge, kindness and skills. Keep up the wonderful work lovely lady, you are much needed and appreciated. Blessings to you, Love Jewels (I already subscribe to your fab newsletter) xX ☆ ♥ 🙂
Thanks for that lovely feedback, Julie. Goodness, you can’t imagine how fast my feet are paddling underwater sometimes! 😀 Good to hear you’re feeling positive. I know you can conquer that mountain.
Wow, that was a quick reply. Happy that you saw & replied to my comment so quickly Rachel, thank you 🙂 And the image of you gliding like a swan yet paddling like mad underneath gave me a laugh too :-D. Hope you get some quality down time with the lovely sunshine we’re having so far this summer. Take care of yourself hon 🙂 xX
😀 Tons to do at the moment. Using all my time management skills to give myself an hour off a day (on the beach – yay!) Look after yourself too and thank again for your positivity. X