MAP Any Space and Keep It That Way - Using the M.I.N.D.S.E.T. Approach©
Have you ever operated an appliance without a manual?
Have you ever built a flatpack without an instruction guide?
Have you ever traveled a place without a map?
Does it all sound too familiar?
How does it feel like?
Exhausted?...wasted more time than expected?
Stressed?...pumped up more cortisol levels than normal?
Messed up?...felt lost in the moment?
Though one can argue that there is such a "high" feeling of accomplishment when you figured things out without anyone's or anything's help.
But, the truth of the matter is, had you prepared or planned things prior it would have been more efficient and you would have been more productive.
Hi, my name is Mary Ann Paras.
I am the voice and founder of Map Your Space.
Thank you for sharing your valuable time with me today.
I really do appreciate it.
I am so excited to share with you the ultimate MAP that I created as a guide which I used over the years and directed me to sustained productivity and mindful organising.
In my earlier years, I found the use of acronyms very handy, in fact, whilst studying, "mnemonics" are my best friends in keeping things in my brain intact. They helped me and still help me up to this day in remembering things a lot quicker and easier especially now when memorising is a little bit more challenging.
My dear friends, I am introducing to you my own MAP.
This code is quite a hand and I am happy to finally share this with you.
If you are already ahead of me, you would have noticed that this MAP conveniently stands for my own signature, Mary Ann Paras, but this MAP ultimately stands for...
M.I.N.D.S.E.T. Approach©
The cornerstone of my budding life's work as I grow my experience in the areas of organising and productivity.
With all honesty, this has evolved throughout the years as I find my ground in this newfound calling.
I always believe it starts with a person's MINDSET to achieve a long-lasting and solid foundation in appreciating the value of organising any space or life in general.
According to Oxford Reference:
Mindset is a set of attitudes or fixed ideas that somebody has and that is often difficult to change.
But, let me share with you the Mindset Approach definition in mapping a space (be it physical or non-physical) towards a mindful sanctuary or state which we all envisioned to have.
This is my MAP!
The M.I.N.D.S.E.T. Approach© of decluttering and organising (also known as declorganising© in this cyber home).
At Map Your Space, we follow this 2-stage workflow with 7 actionable steps for organising any space customised to our client’s requirements.
The 2 stages are MIND and SET with each having a defined step. It's a step-by-step approach to a long-lasting and sustainable mindset of organising.
M - Mind-shift
It starts with the mind.
They say what consumes your mind, controls your life.
If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.
Before anything, make that mindset shift and be laser-focused on what you want to achieve.
I - Imagine
Next, picture the space you want to have and what you want to achieve in that space.
Manifest accomplishing your ultimate goal or dream space. Use your creative imagination to get there and think that you are already standing proud at the top of that mountain.
N - Neutralise (or Neaten up)
Take out all your belongings by neutralising the space. Clear out and set aside your stuff in categories that make sense to you for ease of organising.
Trust me, as a previous designer (engineering field), it is a lot easier to work on a clean slate than editing or revising parts or minimal areas of space.
D - Declutter
Organise the stuff that matters most to you by decluttering the stuff that is consuming your energy and space with no purpose.
As the essence of any organising, declutter first before you organise.
This is the crucial step in preparing a space for a sustainable system that you can keep.
S - Systematise
Create a system that will enable you to maintain an organised space. Systems will define the habit you will have in that space so it should be clear and easy for everyone to repeat every single day.
E - Enhance
Level it up with some finishing touches. Enhance the space by personalising it to your style that suits your creativity and budget.
T - Take control
Organising doesn't stop at just organising a space that may be both pleasing to the eyes and suited to your routine. You need to take control of your space and not the space or stuff controlling you.
As taught by many professional organising experts...
Organising is not a project.
It's a journey, it's a practice, it's a continuous effort.
So, please make sure to appreciate and take pleasure in the ride.
Be grateful and be pleased with how and what you have achieved.
Remember to give grace to yourself.
If you ever get lost, feel free to use this roadmap and start the journey to take control of the physical or non-physical spaces of your life.
Start mapping your space with this MAP - MINDSET Approach©.
M-indshift I-magine N-eutralise D-eclutter S-ystematise E-nhance T-ake control
Mindset approach to organising any space and keeping it that way.
Happy MAP-ping my friends!
Much love and thanks,
