It’s about choosing joy
KonMari Methd TM – Background
The KonMari MethodTM was developed by the Japanese tidying guru, Marie Kondo (also known in Japan by her nickname, KonMari), after several years of personal research and practice in organizing. This life-changing and long-lasting tidying method is presented in her first book “The life-changing magic of tidying up”, launched in the US in 2014 and that quickly became a best-seller, having sold so far more than 10 million copies worldwide.
This huge success led to the recognition in 2015 by the TIME magazine, who considered Marie Kondo as one of “The 100 most influential people”.
Mission
Marie Kondo’s mission is to “organize your home, transform your life”, so that people can live more serene and happy lives.
More than tidying, the method truly and deeply changes the way we look at our possessions, at ourselves, and at our lives. It has the ability to profoundly change our habits and helps us understand who we are and how we want to live our lives.
More than a method, it is a lifestyle.
Concept
The concept of the KonMari MethodTM is easy.
It consists of keeping only objects that spark joy to us. (“Does it spark joy?”)
The task is both easy and difficult at the same time. It is easy as there are specific steps to follow. It is difficult because it is a true inner journey. Doing this organizing marathon with the KonMari MethodTM is like having a conversation with one’s own self through our possessions.
It consists of doing an inventory of what we own and asking ourselves if their purpose has been served or if their role has yet to be fulfilled.
Once done, so many changes occur in our lives. Mostly because life is easier and we can focus on what truly matters to us.
KonMari MethodTM Principles and Steps:
- Visualize your ideal lifestyle and how your home will support it
- Tidy in one “tidying marathon” (versus little by little) this way you can dramatically change your mindset.
- Decide what to keep, not what to get rid of. It is all about the mindset.
- Keep only what sparks joy.
- Tidy by category, not by location (room)
- Tidy in this specific order: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous) and sentimental items.