Week 4 marks a third of the way through our Fall Back to School Series! How you doing? What routines are you keeping going? Where do you need a little tweak or support?
For me, adding those simple tasks last week has made such.a.difference in my bathroom. Sometimes I just need a little kick to stop overthinking and do something instead of spinning in the “perfect plan.”
But like most things in life, there’s only so many things you can add, sometimes you need to make room by subtracting.
As we go through these 12 weeks together, we will often add steps to our routines, which can seem a little overwhelming. But when you look at the bigger picture, it’s more like a riddle:
When is adding actually subtracting?
Adding a daily routine of wiping down the counter subtracts time scrubbing my bathroom this weekend.
Adding a week of daily decluttering in my bedroom subtracts time wasted digging for the socks I actually like.
Last week, we practiced “subtracting through adding” with our quick bathroom wipe.
This week, we flip it around: adding through subtraction.
The Challenge
Each day, subtract one thing from your bathroom. No big drawer-dumps or cabinet-emptying projects. Just notice as you go about your routine:
Nearly empty shampoo/soap bottles
Lipstick that’s just not the right shade
Maybe there’s one decorative item you keep moving out of the way every time you wipe the counter. Maybe there’s a shampoo you didn’t love but feel guilty tossing because it was pricey. (If you can’t bring yourself to just toss it, can you use the last bits to clean your toilet, then let the bottle go?!)
We’re adding (space and time) through subtraction (decluttering) this week! Let’s go!
Assignments:
101: One a Day. Without dumping out any drawers or cabinets, as you do your routines, choose one thing every day you can let go of.
201: Timer Challenge. Pick your time limit: 2 minutes? 5? maybe even 10?? Hit start, grab a bag, and see how much clutter you can toss before the buzzer.
Extra Credit: Subtract to Add. Where can letting something go create more room for what you really want? Subtracting one commitment might add a free evening. Subtracting a paper pile might add to your sense of calm when you walk into the room. Could the answer to some of your stress be less instead of more?
Notice during the week where these principles pop up in your everyday life. Sometimes the smallest add or subtract unlocks the biggest ripple effect.
Uncovering Real 