Last week, we looked at the rationale behind cleaning and clearing our minds, as well as our desks. We also looked at four of the “how”s to do that. If you didn’t get a chance to read that yet, here’s the link to Part 1:
Here, in Part 2, we’re looking at six more ways to clean and clear our minds so we can replace any “trash” or unnecessary junk with good and productive thoughts:
1. We have to start. This seems obvious at first glance, doesn’t it? Yet how many of us mistake thinking about something for actually doing it? To avoid that pitfall, start doing whatever we’ve purposed to do.
Don’t procrastinate. We’ll always have excuses to put off starting—“There’s too much to do!” “It will take too long!” “I can’t complete this all at once. Better to wait until I can.” “What if I fail? Why waste any time on something that’s no use?!” A combination of these kept me from diving into my desk-decluttering, even though I didn’t like having a messy desk.
But starting has great power. Once we start something, we’ll have more drive to keep going so we can finish. We all love the “finished product”, especially those of us who are more goal and outcome-oriented. The “finish line” and satisfaction of accomplishing something are its own reward.
2. It takes perseverance. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”—and for most of us, who aren’t tough, we just get going—as in leave! “This is too hard. Guess I don’t have what it takes to do this, so I’ll just get out and cut my losses!” “This is exhausting. I don’t have the stamina or energy to continue now! Think I’ll just wait until…” “This is too frustrating— I don’t have the patience I need to stay in it– it’s just not worth it, the way it’s messing with my mind!”
But when will we have the skill, energy, or patience it takes to see the job through? Perhaps never. But that doesn’t mean stop. It means we need to keep our eyes on the goal, the prize, the reason we started in the first place! That will help us keep going, stay motivated, and find a way to get it done. Don’t settle for less.
Jesus set a great example for us: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:3)
3. We have to complete what we started. That’s what perseverance is for. Why keep running if we don’t cross the finish line?!
Sometimes our minds will trick us into thinking we’re really done when we’re not, because of how much we desire that good feeling of accomplishment. But we need to appraise it honestly and objectively—did we do a thorough job?
Looking good on the surface isn’t enough. Whether it’s our desks or thought-life, they’re not totally clean until the dust and bacteria have been wiped away. For our thought-life, this means toxic thinking. For any project, the completion has to be, not just appear totally real.
4. It often takes courage—we have to face difficulties, obstacles, and sometimes nasty stuff to clear and clean our desks and minds. Who knows what may be lurking in those piles? Especially when it comes to “looking in the mirror” and facing what’s really going on in our thoughts!
5. It takes sacrifice— As mentioned above, clearing and cleaning is hard work. To do it, we have to give up time, energy, comfort, complacency, and whatever we’re not doing because we’re cleaning instead. For example, I had to wait an extra hour to eat lunch while I was clearing and cleaning my desk, and then eat less to make it to an appointment on time. Anyone who knows me, knows this isn’t easy! How about you? What are you willing to give up for the sake of the greater good?
6. Maintenance beats formidable build-up—After all the time and effort it took to clear and clean off my desk, I’m not going to let it go undone so long in the future! It will be a lot less daunting, easier to start and complete, if I maintain its neatness and cleanness.
So it is with our minds—mine and yours—if we periodically examine our hearts and thoughts and deal with them accordingly—sort, toss out the “trash”, and keep and protect the good stuff.
Then, be careful what you replace the old stuff with—make sure it’s not clutter or toxic! 😊
The results—Peace, better concentration, and a healthier environment. Who could pass up rewards like those?
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