Declutter Now! 30 Day DevotionalSample

The Category Method

Yesterday we spoke about removing negative people from our lives and drawing closer to healthy relationships. In addition to asking God for discernment, what can you do on a practical level to participate in the process?

Use The Category Method. In our book, Declutter Now!, we discuss it in detail, but for now we’ll just give you a brief overview.

Rate the people in your life from 1 to 8, ‘1’ being just an acquaintance you wave hello to in passing and ‘8’ for your closest friend in the world. Yes, as strange as this may sound, make a list. Then pray over changes your heart is calling you to make.

For instance, maybe a ‘6’ should really be a ‘3’, and this shift would involve reducing the amount of time spent together and being more guarded with the information you share. Perhaps there is a ‘2’ you would love to get to know better. By freeing up more time and energy, you have the ability to shift the ‘2’ to a ‘4’ and see how it goes.

We are not insinuating that people are numbers, but we do believe it’s helpful to create a tangible method for managing abstract and emotional issues. It provides a conduit for what you are thinking and feeling to become intentional and thoughtful choices.

God calls us to speak truth in love, protect ourselves, and use our resources wisely. Give yourself permission to make beneficial, albeit sometimes difficult, decisions.

What will you declutter? Aggravation, regret, guilt, wasted time, and energy.