After 6 years working closely with a wide variety of people looking to organize their homes, their offices, their files and paper, and their lives, I have come up with a term that describes a common experience that is a key factor leading many to the cluttered situations they exasperatingly find themselves in.
The term is S.T.A.R.S. "Shiny Things (© Annette Reyman) Syndrome".
Want to know if you're suffering from seeing STARS? Here are the symptoms -
Characterized by:
Distractibility
Impulse Purchases
Forgetfulness
Disorganization
Can sound like:
I love this, where can I use it?
It’s so much cheaper if we buy it in bulk.
This is a great price; I know I’ll find someone to give it to.
It’s so cute, I have to have it! (even though it doesn’t fit just right and I have nothing that matches it)
Do you know how much these used to cost? I can’t believe I found them at such a great price.
Can lead to:
An excessively cluttered environment
Feelings of overwhelm
Goal derailment
Anxiety & depression
Not to be confused with:
Healthy, natural curiosity
Imaginative minds
Frugality
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