That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

#198 Intentionality and hoarding: how to move from reactive to purposeful decision making and action

Listen Later
  • Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
  • Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
  • Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ 

    • Today I’m talking about how being intentional - basically doing things on purpose rather than on autopilot - can genuinely reshape how we deal with hoarding and our stuff.

    I’ll share how intentionality helps us pause, make better decisions, and treat ourselves with more compassion, rather than reacting on impulse or out of habit.

    Plus, I’ll look at how setting small boundaries and choosing to rest on purpose can all be important aspects of real, lasting change.

    • The transformative power of intentionality.
    • Setting the stage: How being intentional relates to what we keep, acquire, or discard.
    • What is Intentionality and Why Does it Matter?
    • Definition: Acting with purpose, consciousness, and awareness.
    • Impact on self-perception: How intentional actions can improve self-esteem and self-compassion.
    • Increasing the distance between stimulus and response.
    • Agency and empowerment: Transition from reactive to deliberate decision-making.
    • Examples (nature walks, acquiring possessions): Using intentionality to shape experiences and choices.
    • Intentionality vs. Reactivity in Hoarding-Related Decisions
    • Reactive behaviours: Impulse acquisitions and the resulting feelings of regret.
    • Intentional decision-making process: Steps and self-questioning (e.g., Do I need this? Does this fit my values?).
    • Intentionality in Dehoarding
    • Emotional barriers: Overwhelm, panic, and high-stakes feelings in hoarding/dehoarding.
    • The value of starting small: Engaging in micro-decisions with thoughtfulness.
    • Shifting mindset: Moving from resentment (“I have to") to choice ("I choose to”).
    • Language and self-talk: The impact of words on perception and action.
    • Boundaries: Establishing and maintaining intentional rules for oneself (e.g., only buying clothing in your current size).
    • Intentional Habits, Rituals, and Boundaries
    • Creating structure: Using rituals (tea, meditation, rewards) to make dehoarding sessions purposeful.
    • Habitual vs. intentional choices: Challenging default behaviors (e.g., always keeping old birthday cards).
    • Self-reflection: Using intentionality to question long-standing personal rules.
    • Intentional Inaction: Choosing Not to Act
    • Recognising when rest is necessary: The difference between intentional rest and giving up.
    • Personal example: Planning for difficult days by intentionally not scheduling activities.
    • Self-compassion: Allowing yourself to rest without self-judgment.
    • Rest, Self-Care, and Challenging Productivity Myths
    • Importance of rest in the decluttering process.
    • Distinguishing between caring rest and avoidance.
    • Encouraging self-compassion and recognising limits.
    • Navigating Grey Areas in Intentionality
    • The challenge of self-deception: When “intentionality” masks hoarding justifications.
    • Tools for discernment: Grounded vs. anxiety-driven decisions.
    • Value alignment: Considering whether choices support personal values and goals.
    • Managing Setbacks and Self-Compassion
    • Responding to slip-ups: Viewing mistakes as data, not failure.
    • Problem-solving: Analysing triggers and adjusting future behaviour.
    • Avoiding all-or-nothing thinking: Reframing setbacks and maintaining momentum.
    • Building an Intentionality Practice
    • The ongoing nature of intentionality: It’s a skill developed over time.
    • Practical applications: Small daily decisions (e.g., washing dishes immediately).
    • Mindfulness: Checking in with thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
    • Encouragement: Be patient with yourself - progress, not perfection.
    • The cumulative power of intentional decisions.

      • Links

      • Episode about letting yourself half-arse it (#192)
      • Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking Form
      • Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding
      • Become a Dehoarding Darling
      • Submit a topic for the podcast to cover
      • Questions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestions
      • Instagram: @thathoarderpodcast
      • Twitter: @ThatHoarder
      • Mastodon: @[email protected]
      • TikTok: @thathoarderpodcast
      • Facebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder
      • Pinterest: That Hoarder
      • YouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder
      • Reddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subreddit
      • Help out: Support this project
      • Sponsor the podcast

        • Subscribe to the podcast

        • Subscribe to the podcast here
          • ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store
          That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive HoardingBy That Hoarder
          • 4.8
          • 4.8
          • 4.8
          • 4.8
          • 4.8

          4.8

          106 ratings

          More shows like That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

          View all
          Clutter Free Academy by Kathi Lipp

          Clutter Free Academy

          407 Listeners

          Organize 365 Podcast by Lisa Woodruff

          Organize 365 Podcast

          1,305 Listeners

          A Slob Comes Clean by Dana K. White: A Slob Comes Clean

          A Slob Comes Clean

          2,481 Listeners

          Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast by Clutterbug

          Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast

          2,072 Listeners

          This Organized Life: Decluttering Tips for Moms, Entrepreneurs and Professional Organizers by Laurie Palau

          This Organized Life: Decluttering Tips for Moms, Entrepreneurs and Professional Organizers

          279 Listeners

          Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood by Cloud10

          Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood

          990 Listeners

          The Declutter Hub Podcast by The Declutter Hub

          The Declutter Hub Podcast

          207 Listeners

          Maximized Minimalist Podcast by Katy Wells

          Maximized Minimalist Podcast

          925 Listeners

          Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom by Deanna Yates | Professional Organizer, Decluttering Coach, Wannabe Minimalist

          Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom

          389 Listeners

          The Minimal Mom by Dawn Madsen

          The Minimal Mom

          746 Listeners

          Declutter Your Chaos - Mindful Minimalism by Amber Cammidge, Decluttering Coach

          Declutter Your Chaos - Mindful Minimalism

          344 Listeners

          Struggle Care by KC Davis

          Struggle Care

          740 Listeners

          The Art of Decluttering by Amy Revell

          The Art of Decluttering

          128 Listeners

          THE HABITS & HOME SHOW | Decluttering & Systems for Christian ADHD Moms by Lisa Lizotte | Home Organizer and Habits Coach

          THE HABITS & HOME SHOW | Decluttering & Systems for Christian ADHD Moms

          165 Listeners

          Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living by Cloud10

          Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living

          285 Listeners