CLUTTER CHALLENGE for the week of Oct. 12th.
"TRADING OUT" STRESS

STRESS!!! The big lurking, clutter monster that clings to us like velcro.

http://www.lessons4living.com/stress_test.htm

Take the short stress test on the link to see your quick score.
If you have a high score, here is ONE TIP to keeping your stress under control. It's called "Trading Out."
I have done this and know it can be effective. Here is how it works.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Sit down and write five highly stressful items in your life.
2) Below these, write five semi-stressful items.
Keep in mind what is stressful for one person may not be stressful to another. That is why the score test is considered only a quick way of determining stress. But, because everyone is different, the "Trading Out" tool is much more effective in dealing with individual stress. However, the quick test does help identify the most common stress factors.
3) Look at your top five stresses. Address each one. Ask yourself if it can be illiminated or modified. Make a plan by writing it down. Asking for help is one way to modify stress.
4) If you have an item that cannot be removed or modified from your top five, then go to your list of five lesser stresses. Find one or two you can "trade" by removing or modifing to make room for the one (ones) you can't remove. The idea is to trim down your list and keep it managable.
5) When a new stress presents itself you must take an exisiting stress away. This is where the trading comes in.
By doing this on a regular basis you will honestly be able to tell others who ask you to do things that you will have to get back to them. You can take the time to check your stress list to see if you can have something you can trade for it.
Congratulations...you have now learned the art to self mastery...at least when it comes to stress...
Happy trading.