You know what? There’s a whole lot of misinformation out there about keeping a clean and organized home, which is why it’s easy to feel defeated when you’re doing everything “right” and still not seeing results.
Before I learned how to create a home that felt calm and functional, I tried every guide and tip I could find. Expert #1 would say, “Stick to a rigid cleaning schedule.” Expert #2 would say, “Declutter everything in one weekend.” And yet, none of it worked.
Many people think that cleaning is just about hard work and discipline because “if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.” Others believe that they’re simply “not wired” to keep a clean home, making it harder to even try.
I learned that the truth is much simpler: ADHD brains need a different approach—one that works with your brain, not against it.
You absolutely should NOT follow one-size-fits-all cleaning advice! I know how it feels to struggle with the clutter, to lose hours to distractions, and to feel like you’re falling short.
But once I started embracing strategies designed for my ADHD brain, everything changed. I began to take small, manageable steps and created systems that actually worked for me.
You can do it, too! Read on to uncover four sneaky limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from a cleaner home—and how to turn them into your superpowers.
Limiting Belief #1: “I Have to Do It All Myself”
If you’re used to being self-sufficient, you can probably relate to this. You think, “No one else will do it right,” or, “It’s easier to just do it myself.” But the truth is, trying to handle everything alone often leads to burnout and frustration.
How to Turn It Into Your Superpower:
First, challenge this belief. Why do you feel like you need to do it all yourself? Is it because you’ve been let down before, or because asking for help feels like admitting defeat?
Now, imagine the opposite. What would it be like to have help? Would it make cleaning easier and faster? Spoiler: Yes, it absolutely would.
When you’re ready, try reaching out for help. Here are a few ideas:
- Delegate simple chores to your kids, like sorting toys or wiping surfaces.
- Ask your partner to tackle one specific task, like taking out the trash or loading the dishwasher.
- Use tools like robot vacuums or labeled storage bins to take some of the load off.
Limiting Belief #2: “I Have to Get Organized Before I Start Cleaning”
“I’ll start cleaning as soon as I declutter all the closets.” Sound familiar?
It’s common to put off cleaning because you think you need to organize everything first. But here’s the truth: Waiting for the “perfect” time or conditions often leads to more procrastination.
How to Turn It Into Your Superpower:
Flip the script. Instead of waiting to get organized, clean as you go. You don’t need a spotless closet to start wiping down the counters or sweeping the floors.
Start with high-impact areas that make your home feel instantly cleaner, like clearing the kitchen counter or tidying the living room floor. Small wins build momentum, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to tackle those closets, too.
Limiting Belief #3: “I’m Just Not Good at Cleaning”
How many times have you thought, “I’m just not wired to keep a clean home”? It’s easy to believe this when traditional cleaning methods don’t work for you.
How to Turn It Into Your Superpower:
The truth is, ADHD brains thrive on systems and strategies that cater to their unique strengths. You’re not bad at cleaning; you just need a different approach.
Try these baby steps:
- Use timers to limit how long you spend on a task. A 10-minute cleaning session feels less overwhelming than an open-ended one.
- Focus on “focused corners”—tackle one small area at a time instead of trying to clean an entire room.
- Pair cleaning with something you enjoy, like listening to music or a podcast, to make it feel less like a chore.
Limiting Belief #4: “I Don’t Have Time”
If you believe you’re too busy to clean, you’ll always find ways to fill your time with other activities. Saying you don’t have time is really saying it’s not a priority.
How to Turn It Into Your Superpower:
You don’t need hours of free time to clean—you just need consistency. Even 5-10 minutes a day can make a big difference when you focus on high-impact areas.
Here’s how to get started:
- Set a Timer: Spend just 5 minutes tidying one area. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish.
- Create a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day to cleaning, like right after breakfast or before bed.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Finished the dishes? Wiped the counters? Celebrate these victories—they add up over time.
Wrapping It Up
You’re making great progress! It’s time to turn your limiting beliefs into empowering beliefs. If you find yourself procrastinating on cleaning, think about what may be holding you back. Write down your limiting beliefs, challenge them, and flip them into strengths.
Remember, we all have limiting beliefs. It’s what you do with them that counts. Will you push through and keep going? You bet you will!
