Life can be full of many tasks and projects and despite our best intentions can pile up. It is understandable how little things can turn into big things. Things like unfinished tasks, disorganized spaces, and lingering obligations can turn into frustrations and annoyances that quietly drain your energy and attention. These are called tolerations, and while they might seem insignificant on their own, together they create mental clutter that can hold you back. In Step 1C of the Performance Planner, you have the opportunity to take inventory of your tolerations. See page 9 of the planner to create a list of your top 30 tolerations. Doing this will help create space for growth and progress in the year ahead.
Why a Tolerations Inventory Matters
Clearing tolerations is not just about fixing what is broken; it is about freeing up your mental and emotional energy to focus on what truly matters.
Here is why this step is impactful:
- Increase Focus: Eliminating small distractions helps you direct your energy toward your goals.
- Reduce Stress: Addressing tolerations creates a sense of relief and control over your environment.
- Build Momentum: Tackling small issues first provides quick wins that inspire you to handle larger challenges.
How to Create Your Tolerations Inventory (Page 9 of the Planner)
The Performance Planner guides you through making a list of at least 30 tolerations, both personal and professional. Here is how to get started:
- Start Simple: Begin with obvious tolerations, such as a cluttered workspace or overdue appointments. Write down the first 10 that come to mind.
- Dig Deeper: Think about subtler drains, like unresolved conflicts, outdated processes, or ignored health issues. Add another 10 to your list.
- Look Closely: For the final 10, reflect on areas you might normally overlook. These could include digital clutter, neglected hobbies, or missed opportunities for self-care.
Examples of Tolerations
- Personal: A messy garage, clothes waiting to be donated, or an appliance in need of repair.
- Professional: A disorganized email inbox, incomplete reports, or a cumbersome workflow.
- Classing yearly ones: go through and purge pictures from the past year, clean up your desk top, go through your documents, clean your desk drawer, update your passwords, etc.
Beyond the Planner – Taking Action on Your Tolerations
Once you have identified your tolerations, it is time to tackle them. Here are some tips:
- Prioritize Quick Wins: Start with tolerations that take 10 minutes or less to address. These provide immediate satisfaction and motivation.
Example: Organize a single desk drawer or make a avoided phone call.
- Break It Down: For larger tolerations, identify smaller, manageable steps to make progress.
Example: Instead of “Organize the garage,” begin with “Clean up the bird seed shelf.”
- Create a Plan: Set a goal to resolve one toleration per week. Over the course of the year, this adds up to significant change.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your achievements as you clear each toleration. This reinforces your momentum.
To deepen the impact of this exercise, consider:
- Tracking Your Progress: Keep your list visible and mark off items as you complete them.
- Enlisting Support: Share your list with a coach or accountability partner who can encourage you to stay on track.
- Setting Boundaries: Use your inventory as a guide to say “no” to new tolerations in the future.
Clearing tolerations is not about achieving perfection; it is about creating freedom and focus. As you address these small drains, you will find yourself feeling lighter, more energized, and ready to take on bigger goals. Remember, each step you take brings you closer to a more intentional and fulfilling life. Take 30-60 minutes to create your Toleration Inventory and commit to tackling one item at a time. The impact will be well worth the effort. Happy decluttering!
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Introducing the Performance Planner: Reflect, Focus, Achieve
