The Logjam

I was speaking with a client earlier today who related a story to me about a river in Louisiana that was jammed full of logs. Nothing was moving in or out. Many strategies were employed to loosen the jam but nobody was able to clear it. Everyone and everything was stuck. Finally someone came along who was able to clear it and everything started to flow. Business could once again move their goods and people were once again able to get what they needed.

She related this story to me because she felt that she was in the middle of her own logjam. She has so many ideas. She has so much she wants to share with her artist community and because of the things around her, nothing can move.

I shared five questions with her to use as she goes through her things to help her loosen the logjam. It's going to be a process. It won't all be done in a day. However, every day, as her environment becomes clearer, she will feel more and more relief and her efforts will yield a return. Her ideas will flow again, her relationships will improve, she'll be able to work comfortably and freely in her space and her business will boom.

One thing about messes is that it doesn't matter how big or small yours is, it's jamming you up. If you're feeling like you're stuck and can't get through your own mess I encourage you to give these questions a try and create an environment for yourself that supports you and your business so you can flow.

1. When going through mail, messages and emails, consider: Did you ask for this information, or is it something another person is pushing on you? In other words, whose priority is it? Yours, or theirs?

2. If you come across something you haven't seen in years, ask yourself if you've missed it or even thought of it during that time. Now be real with yourself and ask yourself if you would miss it if you never saw it again. Is it time to let it go for good?

3. Store things where you think they belong and where you will look for them. There's no right or wrong place as long as it works for you. Trust your instinct and know your habits.

4. Look at your pile of reading materials you keep meaning to get to. Ask yourself, "If I had three hours to read anything at all in this pile, what would I read?" Then, let go of the rest.

5. If holding onto something makes you feel bad, ugly stupid or guilty, toss it! This doesn't have to be a physical thing. There are plenty of projects, tasks or even appointments and people that can leave you feeling this way. You don't have to keep these things in your life.

Go ahead and clear your logjam. Not only will you feel great, your business and clients will thank you too!