Preference, Passion and Priority
‘You should get rid of that.’ It is a phrase often heard during an ongoing downsizing or decluttering project. Sometimes friends or family members chime in on the decision-making duties that are inherent in the process. Well-meaning as it may appear, there is often no shortage of opinions tagged with that phrase. Sometimes we utter the phrase as well, half talking to ourselves. Maybe saying it out loud helps point us towards a decision.
The word should packs a punch. When we apply it to ourselves, we think of it as a course correction or a recommendation. We may believe that something, whatever it is, ought to be done. It’s the right thing to do and it’s reasonable. When should is used as a directive towards us as in ‘you should get rid of that’, it can easily carry the weight of criticism.
In the case of downsizing and decluttering, how do we get out of the way of what we should keep or get rid of? Applying the principles of preference, passion, and priority can help. It’s another tool in the decluttering and downsizing toolbox that helps steer our decision-making toward solutions that are meaningful and intentional. Let’s look at each term.
One definition for the term preference is a greater liking of something over another thing. We have preferences for things and situations that offer us an advantage. It is a simple concept, and we apply it to things countless times every day. We prefer one color over another, a style of clothing, music, or ice cream. Our preferences are innate; they evoke in us a positive emotional response. Most of the time, we make choices easily about what we prefer without giving it much thought. When you know, you know.
Finding or knowing what you are passionate about can be a bit more involved. Having a passion for something brings the highest level of joy and happiness to our lives. It’s almost like having an uncontrollable emotion (in the best possible way). Being passionate about something is inspiring, energizing and motivating. It is often used as a descriptive for the people in our lives or causes that are imbedded in our hearts. It is a desire that compels us to make a difference in our lives.
When we place a priority on something, we are elevating that something to be treated more importantly than anything else. It takes precedence and requires attention above all other things. It is often associated with tasks or obligations in our lives that can’t be ignored no matter what else may be happening at the same time.
Decluttering with the 3 Ps
So, how do preference, passion and priority play a role in decluttering? It simply means plugging these ideas into each object that we own and seeing if it fits. It offers a view to the larger picture of what we envision for ourselves and surroundings. It’s not so much a new concept, but perhaps a new way of looking at our stuff. Each item can organically and deliberately respond and keep us aligned with our vision. Using the three Ps, preference, passion, and priority, acts as a playbook that helps us make thoughtful and supportive decisions.
Our preferences easily point us toward what naturally makes us happy. Focusing on what brings us happiness can automatically eliminate what does not and removes the need to keep something out of a sense of obligation or merely habit. Some items will align us with our passions, those things that hold meaning and value in our lives. Keep in mind that value in this case does not refer to financial worth. These are the items that help us focus on what we deem is most important to us, our interests, causes and lifestyle. And finally, priority helps us put things in their proper order according to our needs. These are the items that are essential to our daily living and wellbeing.
Applying preference, passion and priority to our decluttering and downsizing projects gives us a wonderful opportunity to be the curator and set the stage of our own lives. We can create a meaningful and thoughtful environment that reflects who we are on the inside and out.
You should try it.