Performers let’s talk about a silent energy thief: clutter. Not just the physical mess in your dressing room or flat, but the mental, financial, and emotional drainers that sap your focus, creativity, and drive. The more you carry, the harder it is to move freely—both onstage and in your career.
The Power of Personal Decluttering Simplicity isn’t just about minimalism. It’s about freeing up space—mentally, emotionally, and physically—so you can give your all to your craft. When you clear the clutter and eliminate the drainers in your life, you gain clarity, focus, and the energy to pursue what truly matters.
Many performers find themselves stuck in the Starving Artist phase, not because of a lack of talent, but because they’re weighed down by distractions, inefficiencies, and clutter—both physically and mentally. By clearing the drainers, you create room for strategic growth, allowing you to transition into the Surviving, Striving, and ultimately Thriving Artist stages.
Identifying Your Personal Drainers
Drainers are the things that weigh you down, even if they seem small or insignificant. Like tiny sandbags stacked on your shoulders, they accumulate until they make you feel sluggish, distracted, and overwhelmed. It’s time to take inventory and start clearing them out.
Personal Environment:
- Is your living space clean, organised, and inspiring?
- Is your wardrobe free from outdated, ill-fitting, or damaged clothing?
- Do you have a designated space for rehearsing, writing, or creative work?
- Are your belongings easy to find, or do you waste time searching for things?
Finances:
- Do you have a clear budget and track your income/expenses?
- Are your invoices, receipts, and tax documents organised?
- Have you set up an emergency fund or savings plan?
- Do you proactively manage your financial commitments rather than avoiding them?
Relationships:
- Do you surround yourself with supportive, uplifting people?
- Have you set boundaries with those who drain your energy?
- Do you prioritise open, honest communication in your relationships?
- Are you staying connected with those who inspire and motivate you?
Wellbeing:
- Are you getting enough rest and sleep to support your performance?
- Do you fuel your body with nutritious foods that sustain your energy?
- Are you prioritising regular exercise and movement?
- Have you scheduled time for recovery, reflection, and self-care?
Creativity & Career:
- Are you making time for personal creative projects that excite you?
- Do you consistently refine your craft and invest in professional development?
- Have you cleared distractions that prevent you from focusing on auditions, rehearsals, or networking?
- Are you actively working towards your goals, or are they sitting in the ‘one day’ pile?
Taking Action: Clear the Clutter, Create Space for Success
Identifying your drainers is only the first step. Now it’s time to take action! Here’s how you can start:
- Make a ‘Drainer Dump List’ – Write down everything weighing on your mind, from overdue tasks to unresolved conversations. This act alone can feel like lifting a weight off your shoulders.
- Take Small, Consistent Steps – Start with quick wins, like decluttering your emails or organising your rehearsal bag. Small actions build momentum.
- Automate and Delegate – Schedule recurring payments, use reminders for important tasks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help where needed.
- Set Boundaries – Say no to obligations that drain your energy and protect your time for what truly matters.
- Create a System for Maintenance – Regularly review and update your decluttering efforts. What worked this month? What still needs tweaking?
Your Challenge: Declutter for Performance
This week, take one area of your life and declutter it—whether it’s your inbox, your dressing room, your schedule, or even your mindset. Then, share your progress and celebrate the newfound clarity and energy it brings!
Success isn’t just about talent. It’s about creating an environment—internally and externally—that supports your growth. Free yourself from the unnecessary, and watch how much easier it becomes to step into your next big opportunity.
What’s the first thing you’ll declutter this week? Let us know!
