Let Go of Trophies

This is part of Stewie's Guide to Ruthlessly Declutter Your Clothes Today.

You know what’s weird? I like to buy books after I read them.

I’ll check out a novel from the library, devour it, return it—and then suddenly, I feel this urge to buy my own copy, just to have it sitting on my shelf.

Finishing a book feels like an accomplishment, and owning a copy is my little trophy—a physical reminder that I conquered it.

But here’s where it gets even stranger.

Sometimes, I’ll finish a book that I didn’t even love—one that frustrated me, bored me, or made me question why I stuck with it to the end. And yet, my little brain still whispers, “You suffered through this. You should own a copy as a badge of honor.”

Which is ridiculous, I know. But that’s how my mind works.

And as I’ve worked through my own decluttering journey, I’ve had to confront this habit—this deep desire to collect and keep these tiny trophies.

The Harsh Truth About Trophies

Here’s the reality I had to accept: no one cares what books I’ve read.

No one will visit my house, step into my office, and admire my bookshelves, whispering, “Look at this collection! He’s such a smart boy!”

No one cares. And when I die? My books will either be donated or recycled—no matter how important they once felt to me.

So I tell myself: let go of trophies.

I don’t need them to be happy.

This Applies to Clothes, Too

It’s not just books. We do this with clothes, too.

For example, I have friends who are passionate runners. Running isn’t just a hobby for them—it’s practically a part-time job. They sign up for every race they can: 5Ks, half-marathons, and muddy-buddy obstacle courses.

And you know what comes with every race?

A T-shirt.

A free (and usually unflattering) silk-screened T-shirt.

Each shirt is a trophy—a little token of accomplishment, proof that they showed up, pushed through, and crossed the finish line.

Over the years, these shirts have started to pile up. Drawers overflow. Closets fill. Bins stack higher and higher.

All because they feel like these shirts are part of their story.

Letting Go Doesn’t Erase Your Achievements

If this is you—if you’re holding onto trophy T-shirts, old uniforms, or even clothes from a time in your life that felt significant—I have a challenge for you.

Let go of the trophies.

Maybe keep one or two of your absolute favorites—the ones that actually mean something. But the rest? You don’t need them to be happy.

Decluttering them doesn’t erase your accomplishments. It doesn’t undo the miles you ran, the challenges you overcame, or the moments you were proud of.

And it certainly doesn’t change the amazing things you will achieve in the future.

Your past is already written. You don’t need stacks of old shirts or shelves of untouched books to prove it happened.

So let go of the clutter. Let go of the past.

And make room for who you’re becoming next.

Next steps…