144 | Decluttering When Your Brain Says “No”: How Decision Fatigue, Novelty, and Micro-Wins Change Everything

This episode dives deep into why so many women feel overwhelmed at home — not because they’re unmotivated or “bad at organizing,” but because the brain responds to clutter, decisions, novelty, transitions, and loneliness in predictable ways. I am answering four listener questions, weaving in practical organizing strategies and specific scientific concepts discussed in the episode, including:

• Decision fatigue and temporary disorganization bias — why dumping grounds appear during remodels and life transitions

• The novelty effect, executive function fatigue, and habit friction — why systems stop working even when you set them up well

• The Zeigarnik effect and task-switching overload — how unfinished tasks drain mental energy and fuel the “I can’t follow through” spiral

• Micro-wins and dopamine — why breaking projects into 5-15 minute tasks changes everything

• Freeze responses, low internal reward cues, cognitive overload, and living alone — why some women feel powerless to begin

You’ll also hear faith-rooted encouragement on stewardship, caring for your home as part of wellbeing, and showing up for yourself the same way you show up for others. Whether your home is “not that bad” or completely overwhelming, this episode gives you the scientific understanding — and the small, doable steps — that help you finally move forward.

Have your question answered on the podcast: [e-mail] Stay in touch! • Join the Newsletter for your printable checklist: https://kristina-borseti-llc.kit.com/ac428baac7 • Pair the Podcast with the Community: www.facebook.com/groups/organizedonpurpose/ : Decluttering & Organizing for Christian Moms