Clutter is More Than Just a Pile of Stuff

Clutter is More Than Just a Pile of Stuff

Clutter is more than a pile of stuff

In fact, clutter is one of the biggest detriments to the use of good judgment.  It often leads to distractions, which can lead to poor decisions and choices.

Clutter can be mental and/or physical, too much in your mind and too much stuff in the garage.  This is one reason that it can feel so good to clean out the workspace or even clean out the refrigerator, to bring a higher level of order to your life.

Do not gauge the amount of clutter in your life by the amount in someone else’s life.  Different people can handle different amounts.  No matter how much clutter you can handle, when you cross over your clutter threshold, you are much more likely to become susceptible to distractions.

So, never underestimate the damage that can be done by too much clutter.  It can be much worse than simply wondering where you left your wallet; it can lead you to poor choices and decisions.

When you engage in an activity that requires your best judgment, compartmentalize any distractions. Place them in a corner of your mind until your activity is complete. Don’t consider this to be procrastination. You can deal with the distractions when your activity is complete, but distractions can be disastrous depending on the activity.

One of the great benefits of joining Pilot Judgment^® is that we accurately measure your susceptibility to distractions and breaks in concentration.

CDR Barry W. Hull, USNR, (Retired)