List Your Priorities: Deciding Where to Start for Maximum Impact

Now that you've created your foundation, it's time to list your priorities and focus your energy where it matters most. When everything feels important, it's hard to know where to begin. This post walks you through a simple, supportive method to identify high-impact areas, break them down into manageable steps, and clear the mental and physical clutter that's weighing you down.

You'll learn how to identify high-impact areas in your home and mind, how to break big tasks into doable steps, how to connect emotionally with your "why," and discover a mindset shift to help you feel lighter, calmer, and more in control.


 Step 1: List Your High-Impact Priorities

Choosing where to begin starts with identifying areas that impact your daily life most. Choose spaces that affect your daily routine most—a cluttered kitchen might stress you every morning, while a messy guest room you rarely use can wait. Ask yourself:

  • Where do I spend the most time? (Ex: kitchen, home office, living room)

  • Which area causes me the most stress? (Ex: cluttered entryway, messy bedroom)

  • What space holds the most value to me? (Ex: a peaceful reading nook or calming bedroom)

Action Step: Walk through your home and reflect on each question. Then, list 1–3 high-priority areas you want to focus on first.

Step 2: Break Down Your Priorities

Once you've identified your high-impact areas, it's time to make them feel manageable.

  • Divide the space into smaller tasks (Ex: For the kitchen, break it into pantry, drawers, or counters)

  • Set a daily time goal (Just 10–15 minutes a day keeps progress sustainable!)

  • Make quick decisions using the "one-touch rule" and ask:

    • Do I use this regularly?

    • Would I buy this again?

    • Does it bring me joy?

    • If you hesitate for more than 5 seconds, it's probably a "no"

Action Step: Create a short task list under each priority. Aim to work on just one per day.

Step 3: Identify the Emotions Connected to Your Spaces

Sometimes, cluttered spaces hold more than just stuff—they hold memories, tension, or emotional weight.

  • Notice emotional ties. How do you feel in each area? Peaceful? Drained? Tense?

  • Clarify your "why." Ask: Why does this space matter to me?

  • Reframe the challenge. Instead of viewing it as a mess, think of it as a chance to create something better.

Action Step: Take a few minutes before you begin to journal or mentally reflect on what this space means to you.

Step 4: Reflect on Your Progress

Tracking small wins helps you stay encouraged and connected to your goals.

  • Take a quick photo before you start—you'll be amazed at the difference even 15 minutes makes

  • Note how you feel after finishing each task

  • Celebrate progress, even if it's one drawer!

Action Step: Keep a simple journal or checklist. Reflect weekly on what shifted—not just in your space, but in your energy and mindset.

Next Week: We'll dive into Assessing and Letting Go—the "A" in our CLARITY process—to help you clear out items that don't support your foundation.

Ready to Clear the Clutter and Reclaim Your Life?

Feeling overwhelmed by physical, mental, or emotional clutter? Discover a simple, step-by-step framework to create lasting clarity, peace, and focus.

Download the CLARITY Process Guide here:

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Assess and Let Go: Releasing What No Longer Serves You

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Create Your Foundation: Envisioning Your Ideal Space and Mindset