In Essentialism, author and business strategist Greg McKeown says, “Research has shown that of all forms of human motivation the most effective one is progress.” How powerful is that? McKeown continues with, “Why? Because a small, concrete win creates momentum and affirms our faith in our future success.”

Have you experienced overwhelm or lack of clarity about a project or next step? Instead of being motivated, overwhelm creates inaction and paralysis. While keeping the big picture in mind can be helpful, it can also feel impossible to achieve. Think about the house you want to clear out to downsize and sell or the boxes of mementos and photos you have accumulated over decades that you need to edit and organize. You feel stuck and de-motivated because of the sheer volume of tasks and perceived time required to reach your goal.

Let’s return to the idea that progress is one of the most effective motivators. Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer developed the Progress Principle, resulting from a year-long study with hundreds of employees and over 12,000 analyzed diary entries. It highlights the essential role of progress in motivating people and improving their inner work lives. Here are some significant discoveries from the Progress Principle and its positive effect on motivation:

• Progress contributes to a positive inner work life (psychological state), which leads to more progress and increases creativity, engagement, productivity, and performance.
  
  

• Progress is the most significant indicator of employee happiness and performance, regardless of size. Even incremental progress has a positive effect on motivation.
  
  

• The Progress Principle draws on our innate human need for achievement and growth. When people feel they are making progress, they experience fulfillment and satisfaction, which motivates them to continue striving.
  
  

• The Progress Principle isn’t limited to the workplace. It can also be used for personal development and self-improvement. You can stay motivated and continue progressing toward your goals by recognizing and celebrating small wins.

“... of all forms of human motivation the most effective one is progress.”

— Greg McKeown

Are you struggling with motivation and activation? Are you stuck and finding it difficult to move forward? Advance one tiny action at a time. Notice how that boosts your motivation, builds confidence, and encourages a cycle of more movement. Trust the process. The act of doing creates momentum, motivation, and progress.

If you want help to figure out and take your next steps, contact me, Linda. Call at 914-271-5673, email linda@ohsoorganized.com, or click here. I’m here for you.

Do you find it challenging to let go of things? If so, you’re not alone. One of the phrases I frequently hear from my clients during the decision-making process is, “I might need it someday.”  Have you heard or said that?

Recently, one of my clients shared a passage from the CliftonStrengths assessment she took, which described her top strength, Input. She said the narrative deeply resonated with her. Since I thought this would interest you, I asked her permission to share it.

Input – CliftonStrengths 34

“You are inquisitive. You collect things. You might collect information-words, facts, books, and quotations- or tangible objects such as butterflies, baseball cards, porcelain dolls, or sepia photographs. Whatever you collect, you collect it because it interests you. And yours is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. If you read a great deal, it is not necessarily to refine your theories but, rather, to add more information to your archives. If you like to travel, it is because each new location offers novel artifacts and facts. These can be acquired and then stored away. Why are they worth storing? At the time of storing it is often hard to say exactly when or why you might need them, but who knows when they might become useful? With all those possible uses in mind, you really don’t feel comfortable throwing anything away. So you keep acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. It’s interesting. It keeps your mind fresh. And perhaps one day some of it will prove valuable.”

The idea, “I might need it someday,” can be answered with more questions. Tease out the value of that “thing” you are holding onto. I don’t advocate letting go for the sake of that alone. Releasing comes from a place of readiness and purpose. What might have been of value to you in the past may no longer feel as useful or essential.

“Releasing comes from a place of readiness and purpose.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

What is your goal? Is it to live with less, reduce clutter, or downsize a lifetime of belongings? Is it to release the weight of the past to make space for how you want your life to be now? Holding onto things for “someday” may feel less relevant for certain things. There are no hard and fast rules here. It’s more of an opportunity to examine and use your curiosity to ask great questions. Your decision will become clear.

Click here for 21 letting go questions. Which one speaks to you? What helps you let go? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

Clutter can be a non-issue. However, for many of my clients, clutter that has established residency in their homes is a big challenge. Here is the thing. With some exceptions, the clutter didn’t appear overnight. It may not have felt problematic until the day you or a family member noticed it. Clutter is tricky in how it collects slowly, one postponed decision or action at a time. Have you noticed how clutter attracts more clutter? When surfaces and spaces are clear of excess, it’s easier to see when papers pile up or clothing draped on chairs are out of place. When there is too much stuff, it can become overwhelming and difficult to find a way forward. So what can you do?

Decluttering is a verb, which involves action. Taking action requires motivation. Identifying your why is essential to motivation, especially when you feel stuck. If your reasons aren’t compelling, then any significant movement will be less likely. The more clarity you have about why you want to change, the greater your chance for success.

When I work with my virtual organizing clients, having them articulate their why is a critical part of the work. Even before we begin working together during our initial contact, I listen carefully for their ‘why.’ I ask questions including:

What is driving your desire for change?

What prompted your call?

Why now?

The ‘why’ becomes a critical ingredient in my clients’ progress. If their reason is non-existent or weak, it could indicate they aren’t ready to move forward. It might also mean they need a different type of help, like a therapist. Or perhaps they don’t have the time and energy right now to devote to making a change.

“Decluttering is a verb, which involves action.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVPO™

The ‘why’ is different from a strategy. For example, many of my clients find that scheduling regular virtual organizing sessions provides accountability, which helps them accomplish more in between sessions. Using an accountability partner is a strategy. And sure, they experience a motivation boost knowing that we’re going to meet. However, our scheduled sessions aren’t the why behind the work. The ‘why’ is more personal, impactful, and comes from deep within. Do any of these resonate with you?

‘Whys’ That Motivate My Clients to Let Go of Clutter

• I don’t want to feel overwhelmed by my stuff.

• I don’t want to feel clutter-related stress and anxiety.

• I don’t want my things to be a burden for my loved ones to handle after I’m gone.

• I want to feel more in control of my life.

• I want to have company over without feeling embarrassed by the clutter.

• I want to feel safe at home so that I don’t trip or fall.

• I want my priorities to be in alignment with my physical environment.

• I want to stop wasting time and be able to easily find what I’m looking for.

• I want to stop overbuying because I have so much clutter I don’t know what I already own.

• I want to downsize, prepare our house for sale, and then move.

• I want to make our home ready for the birth of our baby.

• I want to create calm, uncluttered office space so I can work remotely without distractions.

• I want my relationship with my spouse to improve. My clutter is a cause of contention.

• I want to stop paying for storage.

• I want my home to feel peaceful and calm. The clutter is distracting, and I can’t focus.

• I want to let go of things taking up space, mental energy and serving no purpose.

• I want less stuff. It’s too hard for me to maintain and manage.

• I want to simplify and declutter so I can enjoy the next season of my life.

This is a small sampling of motivating reasons my clients let go of clutter and embrace change. What motivates you, your clients, family, or friends to declutter? What influence does the ‘why’ have? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.