How to Use the Marie Kondo Method to Reclaim Your Free Time

TL/DR:

• Apply the “spark joy” principle to how you spend your time, not just your stuff

• Your free time deserves intention, not overcommitment

• Try “one in, one out” with your calendar to avoid burnout

• You don’t need to do more; you can start making small swaps for more joy

The Whole Shebang:

I love a good analogy, and I’m also partial to Marie Kondo.  

Not that my house is anywhere close to a minimalist beauty, but her concept of only having things around that “spark joy” really resonates. 

(And her clothes folding style is way more efficient than anything I did before.  Just sayin’.)

If you're not familiar, you can think of Marie Kondo as the decluttering queen of Japan (and now the world), who wrote “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”.

Fun fact: did you know that one of my clients once compared ME to Marie Kondo?? And I took it as the ultimate compliment. 

In any case, what if you took the Marie Kondo approach to stuff, and applied it to time?  

Or at least your time outside of work.  

I’m not gonna lie to you and tell you that it’s possible to “KonMari” your workday.  

Some of my work sparks joy, yes, but there are still parts that will never spark joy, like email, and invoicing. 

I’m betting the same may be true for you.

What if in your leisure time, you threw out the things that don’t spark joy (doomscrolling for hours?) and replaced it with stuff that does (for me, pottery!  For you?  You tell me!)?

And, taking this analogy a step further, what if you took the “one in, one out”, closet approach that those of us who’ve lived in small houses, old houses, or NYC apartments know all too well, and applied that to your time? 

Instead of committing to more, when you don’t have time for more, what if you applied the “one in, one out” approach? 

Don’t add anything unless you remove something that sparks less joy.

I know, I know you want to do it all.  (Me too!  I’m not immune!)

But that’s impossible, and a recipe for burnout.

So, what do you think?  

Are you willing to try treating your time like you treat your closet?

When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you get there:

1. Enroll in the Time Well Spent course

   Bite-sized, shame-free steps to take control of your time, and your life. Built for real people with big lives, big jobs, or both. Learn more, or enroll here.

2. Get 1:1 Coaching

   High-touch coaching for people managers, leaders, executives and founders who need a trusted partner to streamline priorities, manage the overwhelm, and focus on what moves the needle most. Schedule a call to explore if this is the right fit for you.

3. Explore Team Workshops/Training

   Customized workshops and trainings to help your team improve productivity without burnout and create a culture where people (actually) thrive. Schedule a call to explore if this is the right fit for you.