As another major snowstorm, “a historic blizzard,” arrives today in the Northeast, thoughts of change fill my mind. As I write, only a light, gentle snow is falling. It’s barely sticking. Yet news reports warn that heavy snow (16” to 20”) is on the way. Talk about change! Right now, all is calm, but things can shift quickly.

The idea of progressing quickly is what I want to highlight. Although now, I’m not referring to the landscape or weather. Instead, I’m thinking about the change you want to make in your life. What shifts do you want, need, or hope for?

It’s all well and good to desire change, yet as you might have experienced, change can be difficult. Often, the challenge is with identifying which direction you want to take. When that happens, it’s easy to get stuck before you even begin.

Recently, I came across a quote from James Clear’s 3-2-1 newsletter. While he wrote specifically about growth, I interpreted his idea through the lens of change. His concept is so direct, and it could work beautifully, especially if you are struggling to make a change.

Two Ways to Choose Your Best Option for Change

When planning for the New Year, I use various templates and questions to design my year. Many I’ve shared with you, including these:

• 5 Guaranteed Ways That Will Make You Get a Hopeful Fresh Start

• 6 Ways to Shift Your Balance

• How to Immediately Find Your Best Balance Between Work and Play

James Clear’s concept is another way to cut through the noise and make a direct choice. He said,

“There are two ways to grow: by adding or by shedding. Do you need to add something or do you need to shed something?”

How powerful is that? As you think about Clear’s framing, what arises?

How to Use This Change Process

I can envision taking a piece of paper, drawing a vertical line down the middle, and labeling the two columns: “Add Something” and “Shed Something.” From there, capture your thoughts on the page.

Your “Add” column might include:

• Get more sleep

• Learn something new

• Drink more water

• Invite people over

• Meditate

• Exercise

• Do something creative

Your “Shed” column might include:

• Piles of magazines

• Books I’ll never read again

• Clothing that no longer fits

• Dishware I never use

• Thoughts that don’t serve me

• Relationships that are draining

Next, select one item from each column that you’re most interested in changing. Circle it. You’ve taken many ideas and narrowed them down to two. It’s much easier to make a choice when there are fewer options.

Which one is calling your name? Is it something from the Add or Shed column? Begin with the change that feels most enticing. This is your starting point. Your choice is made. Now you can work on making that change.

After completing the change, return to your list. This is a working, flexible document. Add, remove, and choose the next change you want to make.

“Do you need to add something or do you need to shed something?”

— James Clear

Focusing on Change

There are many ways to approach the changes you desire. What are your thoughts on this method inspired by James Clear? In what ways could it work for you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed or disorganized? Do you want to make a change, but feel stuck? I’m here to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s connect! I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Fill out the Contact form

• Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Embracing change and getting organized are possible, especially with support.

This time of year in the northeast, the daily changes outside are visible. Aside from the temperatures dropping, which means it’s now scarf and glove weather, the landscape transforms too. Each day I notice more leaves turning yellow, orange, red, or brown. Some have already dropped to the ground. In another few months, a starker landscape will be here. But for now, color dots my view and nudges me to embrace change and lean towards what’s possible.

What makes you take action? There is a pattern I’ll call Thought-Motivation-Action Cycle (TMA), which I’ve observed and experienced. Thought, followed by motivation, turns into action. The undercurrent for this change cycle is a belief that what you want to accomplish is possible.

Thought

The thought is an idea, rumination, or possibility. This can percolate in your mind for a long time without gaining traction. It’s a place many of us get stuck. Then, something will happen, providing motivation to turn that thought into action.

Motivation

Motivation can be internally driven by your response to a significant life event, having enough information, or having the time and focus for activation.  External motivation can happen through accountability to someone, partnering, or having a deadline. Think of motivation like a match pressing the striker and igniting. That tiny spark changes everything.

Action

The flame encourages a small action step, then another, and another. It feels tremendous to be doing and not just thinking about doing. Each action encourages more progress and forward movement.

“The undercurrent for this change cycle is a belief that what you want to accomplish is possible.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

When clients initially contact me, they often mention they’ve been thinking about getting organized or asking for help for ages. I ask what prompted their call, which helps me gain insight into their motivation. With those two parts of the TMA cycle clarified, we focus on specific actions and make progress towards their goals.

Have you experienced the TMA cycle? What have you observed? As the season cues you for change, what feels possible? I’d love to hear your thoughts and invite you to join the conversation.