Data that Sparks Joy: what Marie Kondo taught me about data

If you already know Marie Kondo, skip past the video.

If not, watch this trailer to catch her vibe, then continue reading below.

In my Defining Data Minimalism post, I related how Marie Kondo first introduced me to the concept of minimalism. Even though she contends, “KonMari is not minimalism.” I’m not the first or only person to draw parallels. I respect Marie’s effort to differentiatie her product however.

My wife and I watched her Netflix show Tidying Up. We then both read her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. I even checked out the manga version from the library: The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story.

Let’s just say I consumed a lot of Marie Kondo media in a short amount of time. Shortly after, we decluttered clothing, kitchen, books, and paperwork, continuously asking ourselves if each item we touched sparked joy.

During that time, I had a passing thought. Can data spark joy? I didn’t know it then, but that was my first step on the journey to Data Minimalism.

For context, here’s how Kondo describes why items should spark joy in The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up:

After all, what is the point in tidying? If it’s not so that our space and the things in it can bring us happiness, then I think there is no point at all. Therefore, the best criterion for choosing what to keep and what to discard is whether keeping it will make you happy, whether it will bring you joy.

Let’s play some mad libs. Think about your data and fill in the blanks as you read:

After all, what is the point in data? If it’s not so that our __________ and __________ can bring us __________, then I think there is no point at all. Therefore, the best criterion for choosing what to keep and what to discard is whether keeping it will __________, whether it will __________.

Here’s my version. You get 1 make-believe point for each answer that matches mine :)

After all, what is the point in data? If it’s not so that our insights and decisions can bring us value, then I think there is no point at all. Therefore, the best criterion for choosing what to keep and what to discard is whether keeping it will create value, whether it will __________.

I can’t fill in the last blank for you. At least, not without discussing your business model, strategy, and goals first. I propose creating value is the correct criteria for keeping or discarding data. Or collecting or not. Or processing or not. Or analyzing or not. Or reporting or not. Or any other verb + data or not.

What does value mean to you? What is your company or team’s ultimate goal? For many, value is simply making more money. Or more specifically: reduce operating costs, increase customer retention, deliver products on time, or generate higher quality leads. For some, value is serving others or making a positive difference. Whatever your objective, your data should help achieve it.

I also assert data is not inherently valuable. It has potential to create value, but just collecting and keeping it does not fill the final blank for you. Data creates zero value until it guides decisions and inspires actions that __________. 

In another post, I’ll explore how to declutter your data based on the KonMari Method, which includes:

1. Imagine your Ideal Lifestyle

2. Tidy by Category and Follow the Right Order

3. Focus on What to Keep

4. Discard With Gratitude

5. Give Everything a Home

My wheels are already turning, and I hope yours are too. I look forward to exploring this path with you soon!