Cleaning the house is not my favorite thing to do so I hire someone to take care of it. But my office, however, is another matter. My 500 sq. ft. oasis, several yards from my home, is not under contract. Why? Because I am frugal and can save money by cleaning it myself. The space is small, one bathroom only.

But lately, the discipline required to tidy up seems to be lacking. Reference books stacked on the coffee table need to be re-shelved, and the keyboard I replaced last month is still sitting on the floor along with the box of the new one. Then…OK. I am stopping because my face is turning red from embarrassment.

TRICKS TO MOTIVATE CLEANING

Looking at the mess is not moving me to do the deed; neither is Nike’s “Just do it!” I turned to the internet for some motivation techniques. Many of them are drawn from business and productivity principles:

• Break it down into smaller tasks.
• Knock down the barriers to staying clean by having cleaning implements where you can see and access them.
• Set a 10-minute alarm. Work for that period and see how much gets done.
• You don’t have to feel like doing it. Just do it!
• Do not feel guilty outsourcing chores.
• Use if-then. If it’s Saturday morning, then I will mop the floor.

 Another source recommends rewarding yourself. “I cleaned; therefore, I’m entitled to a reward.”  This one might work.

One of the more fascinating ones is inspired by Tony Robbins. Clutterbug on youtube.com has passed along this technique to over 403,000 viewers. At least I am not alone in my aversion to this chore.

• State: Changing your mindset is crucial. To psych yourself up, get physical, jump around, do a happy dance, and act excited even if you are not. I.e.: Fake it until you make it.
• Story: Put a new message in your head. Instead of saying “I have to clean the bathroom,” repeat “I deserve a clean bathroom.” Ouch! I’m not sure about this one. I do believe I deserve a clean bathroom, but….
• Strategy: Make a plan of attack. Perhaps a checklist of cleaning chores. No will do. I have been cleaning this space for years and know the ropes. The list is branded in my brain.

If you’re still a slacker, you can clean along with Clutterbug!

 MY PREFERRED CLEANING QUESTION

Paul Dolan, a behavioral scientist and author, explained that the brain needs environmental cues to assist in decision-making. Leaving the cleaning products out so you remember to use them? (I don’t think so). He suggests a variety of other tactics:

• Default to being tidier by using products such as an automatic vacuum cleaner or arrangements such as removing knick-knacks that collect dust.
• Make public commitments, then make a plan and place it on the schedule.
• Use social norms as a cleaning trigger. Invite someone over who would be horrified at your mess, forcing you to clean. (This one will most likely work for me…. When will you be here?)

But what caught my attention is that Dolan said you should ask yourself: “Do you really care about keeping your place clean? Would a tidy apartment really boost your happiness all that much?”

Yes! At last, someone understands me.

LAST THOUGHTS ABOUT CLEANING

A girlfriend and I were discussing this issue. She and I have determined we would adopt the mantra of one of her friends who declared she only cleaned when it made a difference. Otherwise, nobody knows you have cleaned.

Right now, I am feeling socially pressured. I will take out the recycling and trash ASAP.

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