We recently connected with Ritsuko Nakajima and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ritsuko, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
Effective communication is all about shortening the distance between people and closing the gap in understanding. I was born and raised in Japan and then moved to the US as a student. Learning English made me more aware of different ways to communicate across different cultures. In Japanese culture, communication is more indirect. It’s important to be a good listener, and to “read the air” to understand what people are really thinking and may not be saying out loud. When I moved to NY, I learned to be more firm and direct in some cases, and also to ask for help when I needed it. I think this experience helped me to be more sensitive and flexible in the way I communicate, which is really important for working with my clients. I need to listen, be sensitive and patient, help them feel comfortable, and really understand their needs.
I think my family life as a child also influenced me a lot. My parents were always very supportive, which helped me to open up. I’ve always been interested in details and use of space. My father was an architect and my mother was very creative, innovative, and open-minded. Our house was very unique in our neighborhood, designed by my father, and using ideas for the layout from my mother. I can see parts of both of them showing up in the way I live and work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I work as a Declutter Coach, and my business helps people to clean out and reorganize their space. Decluttering means less stress, and less stress brings peace of mind and comfort. I truly believe that when people have peace of mind and feel comfortable in their daily lives, this can make a more peaceful and happy society overall.
Each one of my clients is unique. I love getting to know them and understanding who they are as individuals, what they need, and what will be the best way to help them meet their goals. We sort things out and minimize unnecessary items, organize, and leave the space tidy and clean so their everyday activity will be more comfortable. I provide a tailored approach with guidance and action plans for new habits so that my clients can keep smooth and clutter-free days ahead for themselves. The final results will reduce stress, and save them time and headspace so that they can focus on the more important things in life. The most rewarding thing for me is seeing the emotional reaction of my clients and how this really can transform and improve people’s lives.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Communication and people skills have been really crucial in my journey and in my current work. I really love what I do and care about my clients, and I think my clients can feel my positive energy. I want them to feel at ease, trust where I am leading them, and have fun and enjoy the process. My clients are being brave and vulnerable by asking for help and bringing me in, and strong communication lets me meet them where they are. I listen, learn, and am sensitive to their situation as we work to find solutions.
I am naturally kind of a perfectionist, and this attention to detail and problem solving is also very important in my work. My clients will have specific requests that I need to address. When I tackle a project I need to think about all of the different needs and consider many options to find the best outcome. I am always thinking of measurements, optimal use of space, and these smaller details which are so important to the bigger picture. My vision for the final result will be both functional and beautiful, which is so exciting.
When I decided to go into a new industry, I felt it was important to think about my current level skills and understanding and what I could do to take myself to the next level. I searched for opportunities to learn, advance my knowledge, and really go above and beyond to improve myself as a professional in my new field. I completed the Parsons Interior Design Certificate Program, which was really inspiring and satisfying. This opened up new ways for me to approach my work, helped me to think more creatively, and gave more confidence in my professional expertise.
When I think about my journey, and what advice I would give to new entrepreneurs, I think it’s most important to be patient, stay focused and committed, and also be kind to yourself throughout the process. It takes time to learn and to build something, and it won’t be easy, but can feel so rewarding. Take the time to study and read all that you can, and learn how to do things yourself first before giving responsibility to others. Even on something specific like tax filing, you’ll want to be sure to thoroughly understand the ins and outs of this. It’s a lot to take in and be responsible for, but be confident and follow your passion.
I’m still moving along through my own journey with a lot to learn and I’m excited to take on new challenges. It’s also important to dream big. One day I would love to take on decluttering something massive, like a castle!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in both life and in work and this happens to all of us sometimes. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I make a list and write down the specific things that I’m struggling with, and then I’ll pick something on the list that feels easier to start with and solve. If a problem is bigger and more complicated, I’ll try to break it down into more manageable pieces that I can tackle. That way I can start by doing some research and thinking through solutions to a smaller piece of the challenge and start from there. This same thinking and approach plays out in the work that I do with my clients. For example, when we pull everything out of a closet, just looking at the pile of items is overwhelming for us. It’s natural to have moments of feeling anxious during the process, and important to recognize your feelings. Especially when you’re looking at the bigger challenge overall, sometimes you don’t even know where to start. But the key is to reframe the problem in a way that feels manageable, by looking at its smaller parts, and then just jumping in. Most challenges are not as big as they appear, and finding your way in to get started can take away the sense of overwhelm.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.afterdeclutter.com
- Email: ritsuko@afterdeclutter.com
