Why Inspiration Isn't Enough

Inspiration isn’t enough to get things done. There, I said it. Inspiration is the research phase, and it will last for as long as you allow yourself to indulge it. I invite you to consider how many hours you’ve spent on social media (Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) searching for “ideas” of how you’d like you space to look. Perhaps you’ve been watching organizing television shows, flipping through interior design magazines, or reading organizing books in search of the right feeling for your space. 

I get it. Clear, clutter-free spaces are visually appealing. They’re calming. When you experience a clutter-free space your nervous system relaxes, and it feels amazing. Yet, consuming inspiration takes time. It’s not an action that moves you forward. Searching for inspiration is passive. It takes time away from you getting started. 

(For example, I’ve had this post floating around in my mind for the last little while. I procrastinated by finding inspiration elsewhere. I moved my writing slot around on my calendar. I had 100% confidence in what I wanted to share, however, I indulged in the desire not to write.) 

Many of you are also waiting for inspiration to strike before getting started on your personal goals. Let’s break down what comes after the inspiration phase.

Step 1: Commitment 

You must consciously choose to get started on your decluttering + organizing project. 

If you’re waiting for the “right” time, waiting for a dedicated time slot to open on your calendar, waiting for the weather to be right, waiting for the kids to be occupied, waiting to be in the right mood… you’re waiting for inspiration. Waiting for inspiration won’t get your expired foods / meds / household hazardous waste / clutter out of the door. 

Commitment is actively choosing to set aside time to work on a project. It’s knowing beforehand that when the time comes to start, you’ll try to talk yourself out of doing the work. 

Commitment is knowing that procrastination may show up at any point. You’ll distract yourself, move it on the calendar, lie to yourself about the importance of the task, you’ll find yourself doing “just one more thing” before getting started.

Commitment is recognizing that the hardest part is getting started. It’s not the actual work. It’s identifying your why behind the task and making that reason why more important than any excuse that your brain throws at you in the moment.

Step 2: Discipline 

You must consciously continue to show up for yourself, even when you don’t want to.

We love to underestimate the value of self-discipline. Our brains are excellent at lying to us in order to avoid work. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a project or task to be easy and fun. Life shouldn’t be dull and difficult all the time. However, you’ll find more success by choosing your reward in advance and thinking of ways to make the activity more engaging. (For example, I’m listening to music while I write.)

Discipline is setting a time to start working and a time to stop working. One reason many of us float untethered in the inspiration phase is that we tell ourselves that the task will take an unknown, unlimited amount of time. We know that’s not true, but it feels true. Set limits in advance of how much time you’ll dedicate to the task at hand. Break it into manageable sections.

Discipline is honoring what you truly want. Nothing happens without time, money, and/or effort. If you want the task to get done quickly, put structures in place to ensure your goal is reached efficiently. If you want help, ask for and hire help. If you want it to be easy, delegate it to someone else.

Discipline is spending time in the future when the task is complete. If inspiration takes you to that future vision of a clutter-free space, bring it along when you get to work. Regularly envision that moment where the project has been checked off your list (or the blog written). Utilize inspiration while taking action. There are no rules. Dream while you put in the work.

Step 3: Accountability

You must consciously believe that you’re responsible for the results in your life.

Accountability is taking ownership over the result. If you start but don’t finish, take ownership. If you complete 50% of the task, take ownership. If you get close to the end and don’t close out the project, take ownership. If you go above and beyond your goal, take ownership.

Accountability is loving yourself along the way, no matter what. You’re only ever truly accountable to yourself. No matter how much or how little progress you make, how you treat yourself along the way is at the core. The result is separate from who you are, your inherent worthiness, or your lovability. Hold yourself accountable with compassion and kindness.

Inspiration is a valuable part of the recipe, however it’s not enough to create what you want in your life start to finish. It’s the spark that gets your mind and soul fired up. Next, you’re responsible for activating the decision-making process. When you mix inspiration with commitment, discipline, and accountability, you’ll have the exact ingredients necessary to bring your ideal, restorative living environment to completion.

I’m more than happy to be your inspiration + accountability partner.
Book your consult today, and relax knowing your goals are as good as DONE.