Declutter Your Mind: Step One to Working Your Plan
Why Plan?
Planning is powerful. It brings peace, clarity, and a sense of control over your life. When you take the time to plan, you’re not just organizing your schedule—you’re setting yourself up for success.
But here’s the truth: a plan only works if you work it. You can have the most brilliant plan in the world, but if you don’t stay focused and follow through, it won’t move you forward.
I get it—life gets messy. The older I get, the easier it is to get distracted. I start one task, then another, misplace something important, and suddenly my to-do list is longer than when I started. Sound familiar? Mental and physical clutter can sabotage even the best plans. They cause forgetfulness, disorganization, and a lot of wasted time just trying to find lost things or remember what you were doing.
Then there’s the time trap—endless scrolling on social media, binge-watching TV, overcommitting, or simply drifting through the day without direction. It all adds up. Not because we’re lazy, but because we’re not being intentional.
Indecision is the silent productivity killer. When we don’t clearly know what matters most, we end up chasing everything—and finishing nothing. We flit from task to task like butterflies, multitasking ourselves into exhaustion with very little to show for it.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way.
With the right plan—and the right mindset—you can take back your time, clear the chaos, and move forward with purpose. This blog is here to help you do exactly that. Let’s stop just planning and start living those plans. One intentional step at a time.
Ready to take that first step?
Let’s Talk about “Decluttering Your Mind: Step One to Working Your Plan”
Let’s get REAL together! Share your thoughts, wins, or challenges in the comments—and don’t forget to join the conversation on Facebook. Your story could be the motivation someone else needs today.
A REAL Way to Plan
We’re constantly told to plan. The world tells us. Schools demand it. Even God declares it:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11
So why do we get so uptight about the future? Why does planning sometimes feel like pressure?
As a teacher for over 40 years, lesson planning was second nature. I followed the curriculum, set goals, and designed activities that promoted learning. That part was easy. The challenge came when interruptions, unexpected student struggles, holidays, and life itself disrupted my perfect plans. That’s when the stress crept in, and I realized: planning isn’t about control—it’s about preparation and surrender.
So what’s a better way to approach life planning?
R.E.A.L. — A Four-Step Faith Framework
R – Release
Let go of anxious thoughts through prayer and journaling.
“Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.” – Proverbs 4:23
Take time each day to release the burdens that cloud your mind. Write them down. Pray over them. Let God take what you were never meant to carry.
E – Exchange
Replace wayward, unproductive thoughts with intentional focus.
Set daily intentions grounded in truth and grace. When life gets heavy, rest in God’s promises.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul…” – Psalm 23:2-3
Feed your mind and soul with God’s Word. If you can’t change a situation, change how you see it:
“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble… think about such things… and the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:8-9
A – Ask & Act
Ask for discernment and take God-led action.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is…” – Romans 12:2
Let God guide your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual actions. Be proactive—but also prayerful. And when you act, do it with a servant’s heart:
“Give, and you will receive… The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” – Luke 6:38
“Lazy hands bring poverty, but hard-working hands lead to wealth.” – Proverbs 10:4
L – Live in the Moment
Be present. Not stuck in the past. Not rushing ahead to the future. But awake and aware today.
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Whether you’re with your family, friends, students, or strangers, know that everyone you encounter has a purpose in your life. Be fully there.
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…” – Colossians 3:12-13
As Maya Angelou reminded us, “Many are fighting battles you know nothing about.” Show up with love.
Final Thoughts: Plan, but Trust
Planning is wise. Necessary, even. But control is an illusion. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s faithful living.
Release what you can’t control. Exchange lies for truth. Ask for wisdom. Act in love. Live fully—today.
You don’t have to know all the steps. Just follow the One who does.
