New Life - Depeche Mode

Coleman Life Laundry: Decluttering for a Better Life 

In our ever-busy world’s, it’s easy to accumulate physical and mental clutter. This build-up can lead to stress, confusion, and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. To combat this problem, I have the ‘Coleman Life Laundry’ - a process of decluttering and reorganising to achieve a simpler, more fulfilling life. The practice, popularised by various lifestyle gurus and organisational experts, is about more than just cleaning up your space; it’s about creating an environment that supports mental clarity and emotional well-being with an added twist of Coleman knowledge and experience thrown in.

 

The Concept of a ‘Life Laundry’

A ‘Life Laundry’ involves systematically evaluating and removing unnecessary items from your life, both physical and mental. The term itself combines the routine nature of laundry with the transformative effect of decluttering. Just as doing laundry cleans and refreshes your clothes, life laundry cleanses and revitalises your emotions.

 

The Benefits of Decluttering

 

Physical Space

One of the most immediate benefits of a ‘Life Laundry’ is the transformation of physical spaces. Cluttered environments can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. According to research, unorganised spaces can negatively affect our ability to focus and process information. By decluttering, we create a more organised, efficient, and visually appealing living or working environment. I always ask people what the interior of their car looks like - if it’s a farmyard, it speaks volumes.

 

Mental Clarity

A ‘Life Laundry’ also extends to mental decluttering. Our minds can become cluttered with unnecessary thoughts, worries, and mental to-do lists. By organising our thoughts and prioritising tasks, we can achieve far more. Techniques such as mindfulness, walking and meditation are often incorporated into ‘Life Laundry’ practices to help clear the mind.

 

Emotional Well-being

Letting go of things that no longer serve us can have a profound emotional impact. Sentimental clutter, in particular, can weigh heavily on our emotions. By addressing and releasing these items, we can process and move on emotional baggage free.

 

Steps to Life Laundry

 

Step 1: Assess and Plan

The first step in life laundry is assessment. Take a thorough look at your possessions and identify areas of clutter. This includes physical spaces like your home and office, as well as digital spaces like your computer and smartphone. Planning is crucial; set realistic goals and create a schedule to tackle different areas one-by-one.

 

Step 2: Sort and Categorise

Once you’ve assessed your spaces, begin sorting items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, and discard. This step can be challenging, especially when dealing with sentimental items. A helpful strategy is to ask whether an item is useful or brings joy. If it doesn’t, discard - simple.

 

Step 3: Organise and Store

After sorting, organise the items you’ve decided to keep. Invest in storage solutions that work for your space and lifestyle. Clear containers, labels, and shelving can help maintain order. The goal is to create a system where everything has a designated place, making it easier to find and return items when they’ve been used.

 

Step 4: Digital Declutter

Digital spaces are often overlooked in the decluttering process. Start by organising your computer files, emails, and smartphone apps. Unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists, delete unused apps, and back up important files. A streamlined digital space can significantly reduce stress and increase productivity.

 

Step 5: Maintain

The final step in life laundry is maintenance. Regularly review and declutter your spaces to prevent the accumulation of new clutter. Establish routines that incorporate tidying and organising into your daily or weekly schedule. This ongoing process ensures that your environment remains supportive and conducive your new positive lifestyle.

 

‘Life Laundry’ Beyond Physical Spaces

 

Time Management

A ‘Life Laundry’ also involves decluttering how we manage time. Evaluate your commitments and activities to identify what’s truly important. Learn to say no to obligations that don’t align with your goals and values. Prioritise tasks that contribute to your well-being and personal growth.

 

Relationships

Our relationships can benefit from a ‘Life Laundry’ approach. Reflect on the people in your life. Do you really love/like them? Do they love/like you? Or is your relationship and love-life boring or even worse non-existent? Do you wish you were with someone else?

 

Hold on to relationships that are supportive and fulfilling and distance yourself from ‘Energy Vampires’ and ‘Mood Hoovers’.

 

Financial Decluttering

Financial ‘Life Laundry’ involves organising and simplifying your finances. Review your expenses, create a budget, and eliminate unnecessary spending. Simplify your financial accounts and cash up daily knowing exactly what you are worth to the penny. I have done so for years now, and it’s amazing how year-on-year you can see growth and financial stability. A clear picture of what you have in the bank and invested can reduce stress and help you feel more positive about the future. Debt isn’t a bad thing if it’s reducing you’ll find. Cash up daily and it will disappear far quicker.

 

The Psychological Impact

The psychological impact of a ‘Life Laundry’ can be profound. By creating order in our physical and mental spaces, we can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. The process of letting go can also be empowering, helping us to build resilience and adaptability.

 

Stress Reduction

Clutter is often associated with increased stress levels. A study by the University of California found that women with cluttered homes had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Decluttering can create a sense of control and calm, leading to reduced stress.

 

Improved Focus and Productivity

An organised environment can enhance focus and productivity. When our spaces are clutter-free, we can concentrate better on tasks and projects. This can lead to improved performance and a greater sense of accomplishment.

 

Enhanced Creativity

A clean, organised space can also boost creativity. Without the distraction of clutter, our minds are free to explore new ideas and solutions. Many artists and writers advocate for a tidier workspace to assist with creative thinking.

 

A Cleaner Future

‘Life Laundry’ is more than just a trend; it’s a holistic approach to living a simpler, more intentional life. By decluttering our physical, digital, and emotional spaces, we can create an environment that supports our well-being and personal growth. The process of a ‘Life Laundry’ encourages us to evaluate what’s truly important, let go of what no longer serves us, and make room for the things that bring us joy and fulfilment.

 

Incorporating a ‘Life Laundry’ into our routine can lead to significant improvements in our quality of life. Whether it’s reducing stress, increasing productivity, or enhancing our emotional well-being, the benefits are plain to see. Try embracing the principles of a ‘Coleman Life Laundry’, and together we can cultivate a lifestyle that is not only organised and efficient but also rich and meaningful. Just send me an email rory@colemancoaching.co.uk and we can wash away your past together and make the rest of your life DAZzle.

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Echoes - The Pink Floyd

Music that defined the 70's

There are certain bands, albums and tracks that have accompanied my life’s ups and downs. No doubt you have your own back catalogue but here I’m going to tell you mine. And if you are a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that the music of messers Gilmour, Mason, Waters & Wright aka ‘The Pink Floyd’, has topped my charts more times than any other band and I featured the tracks ‘Time’ or ‘Sheep’ on many occasions.

However, trying to pick one’s ‘Desert Island Discs’ from the bands peak period - that’s Meddle ’71, Dark Side of the Moon ’73, Wish you were here ’75, Animals ’77 and The Wall ’79 is a challenge too far I’m afraid and if you are a Pink Floyd fan of a similar age to me you’ll understand the impossible equation. You see, their music has played a huge role in developing my ‘Coleman-world’ and it’s the simple complexity of the music combined with acidic lyrics that I’ve always loved. Yes, the Gilmour Waters duo and their love hate relationship that’s given their music the edge. 

 

I first heard Dark Side at my friend’s house in 1973 (he had an older sister with a record deck) and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bought ‘Wish you were here’ on tape, CD, Album, MP3, Apple & Spotify formats. Sadly, I missed the Animals tour in 1977, but I did buy The Wall on its release in November 1979 and saw their much-acclaimed world tour at Earls Court in August 1980 - where they only played thirty nights worldwide.

 

No wonder the band’s music is embedded in my DNA.

 

It’s permeated its way into my life in countless ways. It’s served as a backdrop to fifty years of life experiences. It’s shaped my moods, enhance my memories, and provided comfort during difficult times – (and boy I’ve had my fair share of those).

 

Jen calls it ‘depressing’ and says it’s ‘wrist slashing music’ but I think that’s what I like about it. I love the darkness, the anger, the pure vitriol but I also admire the unbelievable musicianship that shines out from every song. The two, yes two, guitar solos in Comfortably Numb will never be surpassed.

 

During the Marathon des Sables, I have a ‘Pink Floyd Day’ where I play the above albums in order in their entirety and listen deeply to the music as I wonder at the scenery around me in a complete-surround-sound-world. I’ve shed many tears in this heightened-state and I’d recommend this to anyone that wants to experience a special out-of-body audio-experience.

 

Could you get this listening to Genesis or Coldplay? - perhaps. There’s certainly not enough depth of field with these or other bands as it’s the whole Pink Floyd  emotional atmosphere that provides the ‘Ingredient X’, the catalyst to a higher state that makes the ordinary, feel extraordinary.

I recommend a good pair of headphones and listening in ‘Lossless’ studio sound quality for the full effect. 

 

Try, ‘Welcome to the Machine’ for an amazing sonic experience where you’ll be able to hear the full range of sound effects that a Pioneer CTF4040 Cassette Deck couldn’t deliver back in 1980. It still feels strange to hear this minus the added tornado of hiss that Dolby couldn’t suppress.

 

And for the record (no pun intended), I’ll be listening to Echoes when I’m at the gym - where twenty-two minutes of their amazing music, might just redefine my future once again. 

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR & Comfortably Numb

Red Shoes - Kate Bush

Saucony Grid Courageous

I’m always being asked the question, ‘what’s the running shoe’ and until recent years’ this has always been a relatively simple choice. However, running shoes are changing.

Companies that have previously made bombproof high-mileage shoes, are now following the trend of now making high-stacking unstable shoes with low heel drops. Painful knees, strained Achilles, aching IT Bands and even stress-fractures abound.

 

And with thirty years of trouble-free running with over half of that being a running coach; I believe these problems have become more prevalent over the last ten years or so, possibly since having lightweight training shoes became the fashionable option.

 

My own running shoe history…

 Thirty years’ ago, I was advised to buy the rather underwhelming Saucony Grid Courageous III at a running store by a well-seasoned runner. It was possibly the ‘uncoolest’ running shoe ever produced but I was advised it was the right one for me. And it did ‘what it said on the box’ and proved to be a great running shoe that could cope with my 100 miles of weekly running, and it was indestructible - they literally didn’t wear out. And neither did I, as they were so stable none of the above injury problems occurred.

 

Asics DS Trainer

Then in the late 90’s ASICS produced the DS Trainer and DS Racer. Both lightweight trainers, that I used during my marathon PB and the 55-mile London to Brighton Road Race. I loved them but the soles didn’t last, and they were soon super-ceded by their Gel Kayano shoe, which has never been very good imho.

 

So, I moved back to Saucony using the Grid Stabil. I brilliant stability trainer I used to run 2004km from London to Lisbon quite comfortably until the materials in the shoes were changed and a less supportive model was introduced. Bah…

 

Brooks Adrenalin GTS6

By 2006 I’d looked around and found the Brooks Adrenalin GTS 6 that fitted the bill. I used them in their various upgrades until recently. Some years, the Adrenalin GTS 13 and the GTS 20 being excellent versions, others such as the Adrenalin GTS 16 and GTS 22 less so. I’ve recommended them to 000s of people for training and used them for the Marathon des Sables in their 4E width form for years.

 

Until 2024.

 

The problem is, they’ve gone and changed the design and made them far less stable. They just feel really clunky and a common trend in the people I coach, (me included) are Plantar Fasciitis issues, when using them for high-mileage training or in Ultra-distance races. There are just too many occurrences now for it not to be an issue and I’ve stopped using them as my go to running shoe.

 

So where now?

Well, I’ve been using the New Balance 880 v13 in it’s 4E width form which fits the bill quite nicely BUT is a ‘Fresh Foam’ shoe which with continual use will only lead to knee issues I believe. But what better high-mileage option is out there? I’m very unsure. And right now, I’m juggling hurty knees and plantar issues until something better comes along, OR one of the above brands go ‘old-school’ and make a what I call, decent running once shoe again.

 

Anyone feel the same? And no HOKA and Altra, aren’t better options.

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 9 GWR - 17 MDS - 1 Life

So you win again - Hot Chocolate

‘It’s not the taking part, it’s the winning that counts’ – Jen Coleman 

It’s a great quote and one of my wife’s best imho. And if you were watching the Euros last week, I’m sure Mr Southgate and all the England fans (who are still waiting to win a trophy for the first time since 1966), would agree.

 

To see where the saying might have originated, I checked my good friend, Google but couldn’t find any reference to the statement in the ‘Jen’ form at all, only the usual ‘wokey’ ‘it’s the taking part that counts’ version. 

 

I say ‘wokey’ as I think Jen’s right – it’s all about the winning. Maybe not at any cost, but who sets out to come second, third or even last? Who sets out wanting to lose?

 

You see, winning matters for a multitude of reasons. The drive to win is embedded into our human nature and culture. It influences our actions, relationships, and institutions. Understanding why winning matters provides an insight into human motivation and behaviour. What makes us want to win?

 

Personal Fulfilment and Achievement?

On a personal level, winning is often associated with a sense of achievement and fulfilment. When folk set goals and strive to attain them, winning validates their efforts, skills, and perseverance. The sense of accomplishment can enhance self-esteem and confidence and foster a positive self-image.

 

Motivation and Goal Setting?

Winning’s a powerful motivator. It drives folk on to push past their limits and set higher standards and goals. The prospect of winning encourages people to invest time and effort into their pursuits, whether in sports, academia, careers, or personal projects. Winning is crucial for personal growth and development and let’s face it, if you want to win, you are bound to try harder.

 

Social Recognition and Status?

Winning brings social recognition and status. Being recognised as a winner leads to admiration, respect, and increased social standing. Recognition opens doors to new opportunities, including career advancements, partnerships, and social connections. Being seen as a winner looks good on your LinkedIn.

 

Economic Benefits?

In many cases, winning also brings tangible economic benefits. This is particularly evident in competitive fields such sport, entertainment, and in business. Winning a major tournament, award, or contract can result in significant financial rewards, sponsorships, and lucrative deals. These economic incentives provide additional motivation for folk and teams to strive for victory.

 

Psychological Well-being?

The psychological impact of winning is profound. Success can enhance mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The positive emotions associated with winning, such as joy, pride, and satisfaction, contribute to overall well-being. Additionally, the resilience built through overcoming challenges and achieving success strengthens mental fortitude. 

 

Learning and Growth?

Winning also plays a crucial role in the learning process. The journey to victory involves setting goals, devising strategies, and overcoming obstacles. Even the experience of losing on the path to winning is valuable, as it provides lessons that can lead to future success. The process of striving, failing, learning, and eventually winning is a fundamental aspect of growth and development.

 

Teamwork and Collaboration?

In many contexts, winning is a collective effort that requires teamwork and collaboration. Working towards a common goal fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie amongst team members. It teaches the importance of co-operation, communication, and mutual support. Winning as a team can strengthen bonds and create lasting relationships.

 

Societal and Cultural Impact?

On a broader scale, winning has significant societal and cultural implications. Victories in international sports, for instance, can instil national pride and unity. Cultural icons and role models who achieve great success can inspire and motivate entire generations, shaping cultural norms and aspirations. 

 

Competitive Advantage and Innovation?

In the business world, winning often translates to gaining a competitive edge. Companies that succeed in their markets can set industry standards, drive innovation, and influence market trends. The pursuit of victory in the marketplace fosters innovation, as businesses continually strive to improve their products, services, and processes. 

 

Ethical Considerations and Balance?

Whilst winning is important, it is equally crucial to consider the ethical implications and maintain a balance. The pursuit of victory should not come at the expense of integrity, fairness, and respect for others. Ethical behaviour and sportsmanship are essential to ensuring that the quest for success remains positive and constructive. The upcoming Olympic games will be peppered with the highs 

 

Conclusion

Winning matters for a myriad of reasons that span personal fulfilment, motivation, social recognition, economic benefits, psychological well-being, learning, teamwork, societal impact, and competitive advantage. However, it is important to balance the pursuit of victory with ethical considerations, ensuring that success is achieved with integrity and respect for others. Understanding why winning matters provides valuable insights into human nature and the dynamics of competition, highlighting its profound impact on individual lives and societal progress.

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 9 GWR - 17 MDS - Still Winning

Lose yourself - Eminem

If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you’ve ever wanted in a moment would you capture it or just let it slip?

 

If you are risk adverse, don’t like taking chances and would never gamble – you probably would let it slip. Living without ever leaping through sliding doors, following one’s instinct or plainly grabbing the moment can lead to a very ordinary existence imho. But, if ordinary suits you, then that’s great…

 

However, for some folk, every day is a gamble. A permanent game of chance where living life on the edge is normality and where adrenalin is the driver in the need to succeed.

 

It goes without saying that it’s always best to have a balanced approach to living but what happens if you are someone that knowingly needs to change but finds change impossible. I’m often asked, ‘how do you it?’ or rather ‘how did you do it?’ as it was such a long time ago when I ‘changed’. Now if I’m being honest, there was no magic trick – I just knew things had to be different and that there was a better life out there for me.

 

The concept took time to build and about eighteen months to come to the moment when I simply flicked a switch in my brain and said to myself that I’d throw away some of my behavioural processes. Sounds easy, eh? I can tell you it’s not. With a mere 5% success rate, going ‘Cold Turkey’ is a gamble that even the biggest sucker wouldn’t take. It’s a good job I didn’t know at the time as it’s an easy out when things get tough, but it’s one where the folk I work with gamble and win time and time again.

 

You see, there’s definitely something about ‘projected success’ if there is such a thing and being accountable to someone else that’s been there, got the T-shirt and has succeeded.

 

 Okay it’s hard excluding something that, we love, desire or depend on in some cases and it takes time to escape our demons. A time where we can feel loss, loneliness and a lack of direction. I found replacing addiction with a low level of daily exercise (when I started) really helped and as I reduced my element of daily risk of relapse, I felt calmer and in a far more stable state of control.

 

Thirty years on and I’m still living life this way, using my own philosophy to get through the ups and downs of daily life. When I started out on this journey, folk thought I’d lost my marbles – but in reality, I made a life-changing decision that would become life-changing for many other people too.

 

Coming out of lockdown, it’s worth taking a few moments to consider and recalibrate your thoughts and actions as we head towards 2025 and think about the future. I’m someone with first-hand knowledge of ‘Your Health is your Wealth’ both in a self-inflicted way and by cruel chance. My advice it to lower the odds of losing out on the greatest gift you’ll ever have and look after yourself. 

 

It’ll give you the brightest future you could ever imagine.

 

And as Marshall Bruce Mathers III put so well - ‘This opportunity comes once in a lifetime’ to which I must add, ‘so don’t f@ck it up’…

 

Amen

1,190 Marathons - 277 Ultras – 9 GWR – 17 Marathon des Sables – 1 Life 

Holiday - The Scorpions

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the concept of taking a ‘time out’ has gained significant importance. It involves stepping away from the routine of daily tasks, responsibilities, and the constant connectivity of the digital world to focus on rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. This practice can take many forms, from short breaks during the workday to extended holidays. It’s well known to benefit mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

The relentless pace of contemporary life often leaves folk feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Continuous exposure to work pressures, family obligations, and social commitments can lead to an emotional and physical burn out - we’ve all been there.

 

Taking a ‘time out’ acts as a preventative measure against this burnout. It allows the mind and body to recuperate, reducing stress levels and promoting overall health. Even short breaks of just a few minutes of deep breathing or a walk outside, can refresh the mind, enhance concentration, and improve productivity.

 

Extended periods of rest, such as holidays, offer even more profound benefits. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation - such as spending time with loved ones, exploring new places, or simply indulging in a favourite hobby, can significantly boost mood and increase life satisfaction. Holidays also promote creativity and problem-solving skills. When the mind is free from routine concerns, it often finds innovative solutions to problems that seemed insurmountable before. Some of my best thoughts and ideas have been borne on a family holiday.

 

Moreover, taking a ‘time out’ encourages self-reflection and personal growth. In the midst of daily responsibilities, folk often lack the time to evaluate their lives. Time away from routine provides the space to think deeply about personal goals, values, and aspirations. It enables folk to reconnect with themselves, understand their desires, and make informed decisions about their future. 

 

The physical benefits of taking a ‘time out’ are equally significant. Chronic stress has been linked to a myriad of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, weakened immune function, and digestive problems. Regular breaks and holidays help mitigate these risks by lowering stress hormones such as cortisol. Physical relaxation, whether through sleep, leisurely activities, or mindful practices such as yoga or meditation, rejuvenates the body. It improves immune function, lowers blood pressure, and enhances overall vitality. Additionally, engaging in physical activities during a ‘time out’, such as running, swimming, or playing sports, promotes fitness and contributes to a healthier lifestyle.

 

Taking a ‘time out’ also strengthens relationships. In the busy grind of everyday life, quality time with family and friends often takes a backseat. Dedicating time to nurturing these relationships is essential for emotional well-being. Shared experiences during holidays or even during short breaks at home foster deeper connections and create lasting memories. Strong social bonds provide a support system that is crucial for coping with life's challenges and enhancing emotional resilience.

 

The practice of taking a ‘time out’ has gained increasing recognition in the workplace as well. Forward-thinking organisations understand that employee well-being is directly linked to productivity and job satisfaction. Encouraging employees to take regular breaks, offering flexible working hours, and promoting a healthy work-life balance are strategies that enhance overall organisational performance. When employees feel valued and have the opportunity to recharge, they are more motivated, creative, and committed to their work.

 

Despite the clear benefits, many individuals find it challenging to take a ‘time out’. This reluctance often stems from a cultural emphasis on constant productivity and the fear of being perceived as lazy or uncommitted. In some professions, there is a stigma attached to taking breaks, with an unspoken expectation of always being available.

 

Overcoming these barriers requires a shift in mindset. Recognising that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for optimal functioning is the first step. It is essential to prioritise self-care and understand that taking a ‘time out’ is a proactive measure to maintain long-term productivity and well-being.

 

Incorporating regular ‘time outs’ into daily life can be achieved through small, manageable changes. Setting boundaries around work hours, taking regular short breaks during the day, and scheduling time for hobbies and leisure activities are practical steps. Digital detoxes, where folk consciously disconnect from electronic devices, can also be immensely beneficial. 

 

Extended ‘time outs’, require careful planning but are equally essential. Choosing destinations and activities that align with personal interests and provide a true sense of escapism are important. Whether it's a serene beach holiday, an adventurous trek, or a cultural exploration, the key is to fully immerse oneself in the experience and leave behind the stresses of daily life. Allowing oneself to be fully present in the moment enhances the restorative benefits of the holiday.

 

So, taking a ‘time out’ is a vital practice in today's fast-paced world. It promotes mental, physical, and emotional well-being, fosters personal growth, and strengthens relationships. Both short breaks and extended holidays are essential for preventing burnout and enhancing overall quality of life. 

 

Ultimately, embracing the importance of taking a well-earned ‘time out’ can lead to a more resilient, creative, and productive society - and a much happier life.

1,190 Marathons - 277 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - One Life