Business Book Review: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo
They say your home is a reflection of you. Kondo shows you how to create an environment that sets you up for inspired success.
My Rating: ★★★★★
Length: 256 pages
Publisher: VERMILION - MASS MARKET
Released: 2014
Key Takeaways for Personal Branding
It’s the book that had people worldwide making tidying an event. Japanese cleaning sensation Marie Kondo shares the art of tidying up in her iconic book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying.
The globally renowned professional tidier shares her KonMari Method. An exceptionally thoughtful, sequential approach to tidying. To create a space that inspires confidence, energy and success. A space that respectfully leaves behind negative experiences and retains only what is useful or sparks joy.
I’ve read this book several times, mostly because it’s a delightful read. But, as is Kondo’s intention, you’ll only have to read it once. Her clients have a zero rebound rate. Having executed the method myself, I can attest to having never returned to any of my pre-reading clutter again. I’ve since maintained a laser focus on utility and meaningfulness that has bled into all aspects of my work and life.
Before You Start, Visualise the Destination
Before you start your tidying campaign, Kondo suggests identifying your goal. More specifically, visualising the ideal lifestyle you dream of. Instead of something broad and nondescript, make this a vivid vision of your aspirational lifestyle. Once you have it, identify why you want it.
Kondo’s strategic approach to tidying demonstrates why she’s paid for her tidying expertise. Her method is both inspired and highly pragmatic. Thinking in ways no would-be counterpart has even come close to.
Dress for Respect
If you’ve watched Kondo’s hit Netflix show, Tidying Up, you’ll know she usually tidies in a dress and blazer, even during mammoth missions. The book helps explain why. Kondo says she doesn’t tidy in sweat clothes. She dresses well for tidying as a sign of respect:
“This is my way of showing respect to the house and its contents. I believe that tidying is a celebration, a special send-off for those things that will be departing from the house, and therefore I dress accordingly.”
Clues from Kondo’s Childhood
Kondo has mastered the balance between practical thought leadership and sharing her personal story. Her book is sprinkled with beautiful memories of childhood experiences of cleaning and building her personal brand story.
Despite now being so clear on her purpose, Kondo shares that this wasn’t always the case. From the stories she shares, she says many have told her how lucky she is to know what she wanted to do at such a young age. A sentiment Kondo refreshingly corrects.
Kondo recalls the first official role she was given in primary school was tidying. But it wasn’t until about 15 years later that the experience came to her in a sudden flashback. She could visualise her name being written on the board and realised she had been interested in the field from a very young age.
In personal branding, you’re so often told to follow your passion. A paralysing thought for many who feel they don’t have one. But, often, the answer to your passions (or at least your interests) lies in the clues of your childhood. The things you most enjoyed doing before the world told you what you should be doing.
Favourite Quote
If sweatpants are your everyday attire, you’ll end up looking like you belong in them, which is not very attractive. What you wear in your house does impact your self-image.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo: Available on Amazon.
