Welcome to Day 11 of the Stacking Balance Challenge! Today’s micro-shift is all about creating a clear, clutter-free surface—because physical clutter creates mental clutter.

Why This Matters

Think about how it feels to walk into your kitchen when the counters are spotless. It’s a breath of fresh air, right? But then there’s that spot—the kitchen island, the dining room table, your desk—that always seems to collect stuff. Mail, receipts, school papers, random odds and ends—it all piles up.

Studies show that cluttered spaces increase stress and overwhelm, making it harder to feel calm and focused. When your brain is constantly processing visual clutter, it has less energy for everything else.

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Your Challenge: Clear One Flat Surface

Today, you’re tackling one surface that’s been bugging you. Maybe it’s your nightstand, kitchen counter, coffee table, or work desk. Pick your spot and clear it completely in just 15 minutes. Here’s how:

✔ Set a timer for 15 minutes—no distractions!
✔ Remove everything from the surface.
✔ Sort items: Toss or file loose papers, put things back where they belong.
✔ Wipe it down: Dust, polish, and actually clean it.
✔ Step back & enjoy! Take a deep breath and soak in the visual reset.

Why This Works

Clearing even one small area creates a ripple effect—order in one space leads to clarity in others. Research from Princeton University found that visual clutter competes for your brain’s attention, making it harder to focus and process information. By simplifying your environment, you give your mind a break and create space for calm.

Make It Stick

📱 Text your accountability pod with a before & after photo!
📩 Send me a pic! I’d love to see your fresh, clutter-free space—just hit reply to an email from me.
🎯 Keep it going! Once you see how good this feels, you’ll be more motivated to maintain it.

This isn’t about decluttering your whole house—just one space, one micro-shift at a time. Stacking these 1% improvements compounds into massive change.

Now go tackle that surface and enjoy the clarity it brings! 🚀

See you tomorrow for Day 12!