In his book Getting Things Done Dave Allen notes that we are exposed to more information in a 72 hour period than our parents were in a month.
That's a massive increase! No wonder the term ‘information overload' was created. Now we also have ‘possession overload'. Many factors of modern life contribute to this: high levels of material wealth, easy and cheap access to material possessions, increased consumer expectation, and arguably, advertising.

Just as we have to learn how to deal with ‘information overload' in our daily lives (that's a whole other article!), managing ‘possession overload' is also a leant skill. Start with these basics:

Be Honest, Be Clear
Ensure your actions match your intentions. For example, If you want a fabulous yard where your children can have friends over to play safely and happily, but at the moment its overgrown, full of broken toys and old tyres, what do you need to do to realize your intention? Don't worry about why you haven't done it so far. Forget the past. Focus on NOW. How can you move forward from here, to realize your intent? What do you need to do and when will you do it?

Regain Control
Be aware of what's coming into your home and life. Does it match the life you want?
This includes not only ‘stuff' but also appointments. Be realistic. Divide the week up into hours. How many for sleeping? Working? Necessarychores? What's left? How are you going to divide them up? Does that division reflect the life you want? Be honest and clear to regain control over your calendar.

Make decisions

Delayed decisions create clutter in your life. They clog up your mind and your creativity. Often it is fear which stops us from making a decision. Sometimes of course, delay is legitimate. You may need more information, or further discussion. Commit to a time to take that step in the process, and then commit to a time to make the decision. Don't let fear clutter your life.

Cut The Clutter
o Do not purchase for immediate gratification or retail therapy. (sorry!)
o Follow the ‘one in, one out rule'. Or even the ‘one in, two out rule' if necessary.
o Create alternative lists for presents: movie tickets, rollerblading/water skiing session, hampers, flowers, or flights. Remember the most precious gift an adult can give to a child is time and genuine attention.

Published in Cairns Post HOME Magazine, 11 April, 2009