Enjoy the latest edition (v56) of the “What’s Interesting?” series, featuring my most recent finds that inspire, spark curiosity, and relate to organizing and life balance. These unique motivation discoveries reflect this month’s blog theme.
You are an engaged, vibrant, and generous group. I am deeply grateful for your ongoing presence, positive energy, and contributions to this community. I look forward to your participation and further contributions to this curated collection.
What do you find interesting?
What’s Interesting? – 5 Best Motivation Discoveries
1. Interesting Read – Motivation Truth
Are you curious how motivation works? If so, you’ll love Drive – The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by bestselling author Daniel Pink.
Drawing on 50 years of behavioral science research, Pink argues for rethinking conventional wisdom about motivation. He explains that the outdated “carrot and stick” approach rarely works.
The most effective motivation stems from three elements: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He says, “Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.”
Drive covers topics, including:
Differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
How extrinsic rewards can demotivate and lead to worse performance
Strategies to awaken motivation, including creating a “To Don’t List”
Contrasts between Type I (internal satisfaction) and Type X (external rewards) behavior
To learn more about your motivational behavior, take Pink’s short and enlightening survey.
2. Interesting Research – Motivation Incentive
A recent @goodneuroscience Instagram post caught my attention. It asked, “What happens to your brain when you spend most of your time in a cluttered space, according to neuroscience?”
The post cited three studies, including:
Home clutter and mental well-being - ScienceDirect
Some of the research conclusions indicate:
Clutter keeps the visual cortex in a state of low-level processing.
Constant low-level processing of the visual cortex (due to clutter) raises cortisol levels over time and makes it harder to rest, even when you’re sitting still.
Greater home clutter was associated with lower mental well-being.
People with more clutter experienced more negative emotions and lower life satisfaction.
Clutter reduced people’s perception of their home’s beauty, which was linked to poorer well-being.
Defining why you want to declutter can boost motivation. Consider these ideas:
Decluttering isn’t just about getting organized. It’s not only about having fewer things. It’s about improving how you feel at home.
Removing items from your home to experience more peace and beauty is more motivating than “I should clean.”
Focusing on enhancing the beauty of your home is a more positive goal than simply saying, “I should get rid of stuff.”
Finding simple ways to transform your home into a source of restoration instead of a place of constant visual stress.
These studies offer compelling motivation, especially if you are affected by chronic disorganization or feel overwhelmed by clutter. Shift your focus from letting go of things or from “I should get organized” to creating a home that feels calmer, more peaceful, and enjoyable.
“Defining why you want to declutter can boost motivation.”
3. Interesting Resource – Motivation Recycling
Recycling has become part of our everyday experience. There are many differences among towns and cities in what can be recycled curbside and how to do so. This often leaves households with many categories their municipalities don’t pick up. Then what happens?
The plastic bags, wrappers, unwearable textiles, bottle caps and lids, bread tags, pill bottles, electronics, batteries, light bulbs, styrofoam, and more either get thrown out with a side order of guilt or are saved, taking up precious space, until you find a viable recycling source.
Stress no more. Ridwell has you covered. They partner with innovators who help reuse or recycle trickier items.
Ridwell Stats:
97% of what they collect is reused or recycled
35 million pounds have been kept out of landfills so far
Ridwell Services:
Bi-weekly pickups starting at $20/month (available in select US cities)
Mail-in nationwide service starting at $9/bag
Learn more about the options here: ridwell.com
If your recycling woes are demotivating your efforts, yet you want to become more eco-friendly, consider using Ridwell to bridge that gap. Your motivation will increase as you simplify your recycling plan.
4. Interesting Product – Motivation Tracker
Do you find it hard to build new habits? If so, you’ll love K’arst’s sleek Habit Tracker Pro. The pad helps you:
Track up to 8 habits per week
Build momentum
Reflect on your progress
Notice patterns
Keep yourself accountable
The Habit Tracker Pro is compact and portable, and its paper is made from recycled stone, which is especially smooth. While many digital trackers are available, if you prefer analog or just want a break from your devices, K’arst’s tracker is an excellent option.
One reviewer said, “This is so easy and so motivating.” And who doesn’t like something that’s easy and motivating?
5. Interesting Thought – Motivation Capable
“Never forget how wildly capable you are.” You already have everything you need to make progress. Embodying that idea will help you take action. Action cultivates motivation, which keeps you moving forward.
Being “wildly capable” means you already have the tools to accomplish what you want. These include hard and soft skills, resources, and the ability to find additional support when needed.
Don’t hesitate. Take that first step. The next steps will become clear as you go.
Which Motivation Ideas Work Best?
When clutter feels overwhelming and paralyzing, what will help? As I shared, there are many types of clutter and strategies to help you move forward.
Which of these discoveries resonates most with you? Do you have any decluttering resources or ideas to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts and invite you to join the conversation.
How Can I Help?
Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disorganized? Is clutter preventing you from living the life you want? I’m here to help. Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.
Let’s talk. I’m easy to reach.
Schedule a Discovery Call
Fill out the Contact form
Email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com or
Call 914-271-5673
Decluttering, getting organized, and nurturing motivation are possible, especially with support.
