AlexShalman.comPractical Personal Development

This article is part of the How To Become An Outstanding Person In Twelve Weeks series. I strongly urge that you read the first article in order to get a sense of what is going on here.

Cleanliness (Week 10 of 12)

Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation. For most people, this virtue is kind of a no-brainer. In today’s society, it’s pretty much mandated that people be clean, well-groomed and have a good odor. However, there are a few other things that occur when a person practices good hygiene.

Clarity. When my home is clean I feel a reduction in mental load. When there are clothes and other items scattered about, I have to keep track of their new positions. I’ll know exactly where each piece of clothes is laying in which corner. This is good because I can find it quickly, but it’s bad because it’s taking up room in my brain. Not only am I remembering where it should be, but where it is as well. When I combine, where it should be with where it is, in one spot, I feel freed up.

Confidence. When I’m clean and well groomed, I feel a sense of confidence that I’m sure people around me can feel. I have a tendency to be more social, because I feel good about myself. This leads to me talking to more people, and being friendlier. I wouldn’t be so vein as to say I have an aura, but I can say that I FEEL like I have an aura. The aura says, I am fun and friendly, come meet me!

On guard. You never know when someone can drop by your house, or if you’ll have to give someone a ride somewhere. You can avoid embarrassment of an untidy atmosphere by keeping it constantly clean. I’m not saying to have an obsessive compulsive disorder about it, but generally put things back after you use them.

Becoming Outstanding Series

• How To Become An Outstanding Person In Twelve Weeks

• Week 01 – Temperance

• Week 02 – Silence

• Week 03 – Order

• Week 04 – Resolution

• Week 05 – Frugality

• Week 06 – Industry

• Week 07 – Sincerity

• Week 08 – Justice

• Week 09 – Moderation

• Week 10 – Cleanliness

• Week 11 – Tranquility

• Week 12 – Chastity