421: How to Get Motivated
Digest
This episode of Slob Combs Clean the Podcast, hosted by Danny K. White, focuses on how to get motivated to declutter, especially during the summer months. White emphasizes that motivation isn't about pushing harder but about making decluttering achievable and rewarding. He suggests changing your goals to focus on making things 'better' or 'less,' prioritizing visible progress by decluttering in highly visible areas, and identifying the least overwhelming tasks that can be completed fully, even if they seem small. White also highlights the importance of taking before photos to track progress and the power of movement, even if it's just putting away a bottle of vitamins. He encourages listeners to use the 'no-mess decluttering process' to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to focus on decluttering with the goal of never having to deal with an item again. White also emphasizes the importance of doing tasks that have the biggest impact on your home, like doing the dishes or laundry, as these tasks, while seemingly mundane, are essential for maintaining a clean and organized space. He encourages listeners to experiment with these strategies and experience the positive impact they can have on their motivation and decluttering journey.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Introduction and Motivation for Decluttering
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its host, Danny K. White, who shares his personal journey of decluttering and organizing. He acknowledges the challenges of staying motivated, especially during the summer months, and sets the stage for discussing strategies to overcome these challenges.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Strategies for Getting Motivated
This Chapter delves into practical strategies for getting motivated to declutter. White emphasizes that motivation isn't about pushing harder but about making decluttering achievable and rewarding. He suggests changing your goals to focus on making things 'better' or 'less,' prioritizing visible progress by decluttering in highly visible areas, and identifying the least overwhelming tasks that can be completed fully, even if they seem small.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Power of Before Photos
This Chapter highlights the importance of taking before photos to track progress and visualize the impact of decluttering efforts. White emphasizes that seeing the difference, even after a short period of time, can be incredibly motivating and help overcome feelings of overwhelm.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Identifying Small but Complete Tasks
This Chapter focuses on identifying small but complete tasks that can be done to achieve visible progress. White encourages listeners to focus on tasks that can be completed fully, even if they seem insignificant, as these small wins can build momentum and motivation.
Keywords
Decluttering
The process of removing unnecessary or unwanted items from a space to create a more organized and functional environment. It involves making decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
Motivation
The force that propels an individual to act or behave in a particular way. It can be influenced by internal factors like personal goals and values, or external factors like rewards and incentives.
Visible Progress
The ability to see and appreciate the positive changes that result from decluttering efforts. This can be achieved by focusing on visible areas, taking before and after photos, and completing tasks that have a clear impact on the space.
No-Mess Decluttering Process
A decluttering method that emphasizes working in small, manageable chunks and avoiding creating a messy environment. It involves decluttering one item at a time and making decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
Danny K. White
The host of the Slob Combs Clean the Podcast. He is a decluttering and organizing expert who shares his personal experiences and strategies to help listeners create a more organized and functional home.
Slob Combs Clean the Podcast
A podcast hosted by Danny K. White that focuses on decluttering and organizing strategies for people who don't love cleaning and organizing. The podcast provides practical tips, advice, and encouragement to help listeners create a more organized and functional home.
Summer
The warmest season of the year, typically associated with vacations, outdoor activities, and a more relaxed lifestyle. It can also be a time when people feel motivated to declutter and organize their homes.
Patreon
A membership platform that allows creators to offer exclusive content and benefits to their supporters. Danny K. White uses Patreon to connect with his audience and offer additional support and resources.
Kindred Spirits
The name of Danny K. White's Patreon group, which provides a supportive community for people who are interested in decluttering and organizing.
Q&A
What are some strategies for getting motivated to declutter?
Danny K. White suggests changing your goals to focus on making things 'better' or 'less,' prioritizing visible progress by decluttering in highly visible areas, and identifying the least overwhelming tasks that can be completed fully, even if they seem small.
Why are before photos so helpful for decluttering?
Before photos allow you to track your progress and visualize the impact of your decluttering efforts. Seeing the difference, even after a short period of time, can be incredibly motivating and help overcome feelings of overwhelm.
What is the 'no-mess decluttering process' and how does it help with motivation?
The 'no-mess decluttering process' emphasizes working in small, manageable chunks and avoiding creating a messy environment. It involves decluttering one item at a time and making decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This process helps avoid feeling overwhelmed and allows you to stop at any time without feeling guilty or pressured.
Why are tasks like doing the dishes or laundry important for decluttering motivation?
These tasks, while seemingly mundane, are essential for maintaining a clean and organized space. By focusing on these tasks, you can see the immediate impact of your efforts and build momentum for larger decluttering projects.
What is the 'Kindred Spirits' group and how can I join?
The 'Kindred Spirits' is Danny K. White's Patreon group, which provides a supportive community for people who are interested in decluttering and organizing. You can join by visiting patreon.com/aslabcomsclean.
Show Notes
Getting motivated to declutter (or just to get started on your house at all) can be really difficult! In today's episode, I'm sharing my best tips for getting motivated to start making real progress in your home.
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