The Things We Put Off --And What They Cost
This week's Seasons & Moments shows how small annoyances quietly drain your peace and how to take it back, plus a proven way to clear mental clutter and restore energy. (6 minutes)
How small annoyances quietly drain your peace—and how to take it back
We waste time. We waste money. And we waste energy.
Woo hoo! I got a new microwave. Little did I realize how replacing my old microwave also restored some of my energy. For several weeks, I climbed up a step stool, opened a cabinet to access the microwave, unplugged the microwave, counted to 20, replugged it, and hoped I didn’t have to repeat the process.
I know, I know–you’re playing the world’s smallest violin for me. I recognize this was not a tragic situation. I don’t even rank my microwave saga as a problem. The process wasn’t physically draining, but it was annoying. But more significant was that it led to an ‘aha' moment.
I realized that ignoring needed repairs or small tasks is like a slow leak where energy seeps from our body and soul. We don’t recognize the negative effect until we remedy the issue. We think, “Why didn’t I do that sooner?”
Putting off annoying tasks and avoiding having repairs done is an energy drain. You walk by the light switch and notice the smudge, yet rather than taking 10 seconds to clean it, you let it go. You listen to the drip, drip, drip of the faucet and put off getting it repaired.
Why Small Stressors Add Up—Backed by Research
As we age, energy becomes more of a precious resource. So, I wondered if others would relate to my ‘aha’ epiphany and if it was backed by research. Guess what? It is! And I believe many will not only resonate with the concepts but also be recharged by them.
1. The Zeigarnik Effect
Named after a Russian psychologist, Bluma Zeigarnik, this psychological principle suggests that people remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. When we have unresolved issues (like a broken microwave or a dripping faucet), our brains continue to hold onto them, creating a low-level mental tension or cognitive load. That tension can subtly drain energy and attention, even if we aren’t consciously focused on the issue.
2. Clutter Psychology
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience (2011) showed that physical clutter in an environment competes for our attention in the same way that multitasking does—it reduces performance and increases stress. Ignoring minor maintenance issues is a form of mental clutter. They are persistent distractions that affect our energy.
When we delay action, our brains still spend effort suppressing or managing the avoidance, which takes a toll. Over time, avoidance contributes to low-grade stress, which we may not be able to identify until the clutter is dealt with.
3. Release Dopamine-the Happy Hormone
Completing tasks—especially small ones—releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward. That's why people often feel better after finally fixing something they've been tolerating for too long. There's also a sense of restored agency and control known as cognitive restoration.
4. The “Broken Windows” Theory
While originally related to crime and urban decay, this theory has been applied to home and personal environments, too: small signs of disorder (like a broken microwave or dirty switch plate) can lead to a general sense of disrepair and resignation. Fixing these "broken windows" can have a compounding positive effect on how we feel in our space.
Unlike time, energy is a renewable resource.
Time and Money Get All the Attention… But What About Energy?
Most of us recognize when we’re wasting time—scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV, or procrastinating on a task we know we should tackle. We also see when we waste money—impulse purchases, unused subscriptions, or eating out more than we should. But energy? That’s a resource we often overlook. We rarely stop to consider how we waste it, and even less how that waste impacts our sense of peace.
It isn’t just about physical stamina. It’s emotional, mental, and even spiritual. When we waste energy, we deplete our souls in ways that leave us feeling exhausted, scattered, and out of alignment with our priorities.
But when we plug the leak—whether it's a smudged light switch or a microwave that won’t cooperate—we do more than fix a small inconvenience. We reclaim energy. We make space for clarity, focus, and peace.
And woo hoo! Sometimes, that’s all it takes to feel a little more like ourselves again.
Writing for Renewal: How Your Story Can Restore Energy
Some thoughts linger long after they should—memories that pop up unexpectedly, unfinished reflections, or emotions we’ve never quite named. These quiet distractions pull at our energy in subtle ways.
Research by psychologist James Pennebaker shows that writing about personal experiences can ease stress, improve sleep, and even boost physical health. When we write our stories down, we lighten the mental and emotional load we've been carrying—sometimes for years.
How Writing Restores Energy:
Clears mental clutter – No more rehashing. Writing gives shape to thoughts.
Brings emotional closure – Helps us let go and move forward.
Reveals meaning – Patterns and purpose start to emerge.
Reduces stress – Knowing your story leads to clearer, calmer decisions.
That’s the heart behind my Seasons & Moments Life Story Courses—to help you write your life story in a way that’s energizing, not overwhelming. Through guided prompts and thoughtful conversation, you’ll reflect on what’s shaped you and preserve what matters most.
Writing isn’t just for future generations—it’s for your own peace today.
👉 Ready to write your story and feel the peace that comes with reflection?
Join me for the first Seasons & Moments Life Story Course: Storylines—an online 5-week guided experience that helps you explore the relationships, roles, and reflections that shaped your journey.
💻 Choose Your Session:
Tuesdays, May 6–June 3, 2025, | 1–3 PM ET
Wednesdays, May 7–June 4, 2025, | 7–9 PM ET
💬 What to Expect:
Small-group discussion
Guided writing time
Meaningful connection
Fresh insight into your own story
💵 Price: $149 $129 - $20 discount for being a subscriber, my way of saying thank you!
📍 See the full course outline and FAQs at:
CrimminsCommunications.com
📧 Or email me at mary@crimminscommunications.com