Motivation Mission: Cleaning · Society of Ordinary Gentlemen

Motivation Mission: Cleaning

One of the basic lessons taught by any content advice on being "one's own man", a "gentleman", or a generally fully functional independent human, is the practice of maintaining one's living (and transportation) space(s).

Sure, no one actually "enjoys" cleaning. It's maintenance, a necessity, a base-level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

It's often preached that "a clean living space means a clean mental, physical, and emotional life style".

WHEN YOU'RE DOWN

On the flip-side, I acknowledge when someone lacks the motivation or even physical ability to do so.

For those unaware, last year I was constantly sick. Combination of pneumonia/bronchitis until doctors discovered a lung tumor. I was coughing so much it caused micro-fractures in my ribs (I knew they hurt, but wasn't until CT scans and X-Rays confirmed it). The chronic coughing often caused conscious black-outs, among other very disturbing symptoms, and a general lack of energy.

Thankfully, I've recovered post-surgery, and getting back to, and even beyond, my former healthier state. I did at the time have some help from my ex-wife. Then again, those were during friendlier terms.

MOTIVATION SOURCE

That last point brings me to "motivational sources".

Now, often when we're not yet adults, we have to be scolded by family to do our chores, instilling in us the hard lesson that we must care for one's space. Especially when we share a living space.

As adults, we're usually nagged by our partners, or we already put cleaning into practice and take initiative.

As for me, it was multiple sources. Both my own desire to improve my life, but also in the form of nasty character assaults from the ex (not that she has much room to talk, but still, it was the "final kick" I needed).

ACTION

So, for 4 hours yesterday between my haircut and saxophone practice, I put on some upbeat Jazz (video below), and got to work.

My kitchen really needed some love.

Walls
Appliances
Countertops
Sink
Cooking range/oven
Floating pantry/coffee table/rack
Pantry rack
Refrigerator
Floors
Cat litter boxes

Sure, no one likes getting dirty and sweaty, but damn does it feel good when you see the final results.

After an unexpectantly pleasant and rewarding shower, I couldn't help but stand there several moments, smiling at the work I had done, and appreciating how much better it "felt" in a cleaner environment.

RESULTS & CONSISTENCY

If it's one recurring theme I've noticed mentioned here in S/OG lately, it's "consistency"; often in conjunction with "results".

My most recent realization of this is after having a solid exercise routine for the last 1-2 months and seeing the results.

The kitchen is also the most recent "focus area". Prior to that was my bathroom. The bathroom I did when I first started feeling better. And since then, I've stayed on top of it.

That's another lesson in consistency - when you stay on top of things like cleaning a space, it's easier. You feel more ownership, and you feel better in general existing in such a maintained space. You notice it getting dirty before it builds up (same mentality when gaining weight).

I carried that mindset with me when making dinner. Did my usual pizza recipe, but this time, since my daughter's preschool had a lot of extra produce from a local farmer who comes to teach the children about gardening, I had fresh jalapenos, beefsteak tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes.

Though I enjoyed the new treat of roasting the chopped jalapenos and adding tomato to my pizza (as a topping and not just in sauce form), I was more conscious of not only cleaning as I went like usual with utensils and putting ingredients away, but wiping everything down on the counters.

Again, the consistency of follow-through feels more complete, and the meal felt even more rewarding.

CONCLUSION

All in all, it just feels good to get back into, and beyond, my previous routines.

When you own your space, much like your own body when exercising, you feel confident. It clarifies to you your sense of self-worth and what you're capable of.

And gents, I admit, it also helps shake off insults from a childish ex; recognizing the difference between a valid criticism, and an undermining manipulation.

May this shared experience of mine help as another motivational source to improve your own routines.

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